Naturopathic Treatments For Graves’ Disease
Are you feeling more anxious and irritable than usual?
Has life been far more exhausting than it should be?
Are you having trouble falling asleep at night or waking up frequently?
If so, these are some of the symptoms of Graves’ disease.
Dr. Pat has a special interest in thyroid health. Since Graves’ disease affects the thyroid, he offers treatments for this health disorder.
Have you been diagnosed with Graves’ Disease? Or do you read the above statements and relate to them?
If so, there are naturopathic solutions which may help.
If you believe you may have Graves’ disease, or you’ve already been diagnosed with it, contact Dr. Pat to find out more.
What Is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is named after Robert J. Graves, the first doctor to describe the disorder in a patient back in 1835.
Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune condition that affects your thyroid gland.
With Graves’ disease, your immune system releases antibodies that stimulate your thyroid to over-produce thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism .
What Causes Graves’ Disease?
Like many autoimmune conditions, we don’t know exactly what causes Graves’ disease. However, we do know some of the risk factors. In particular, you’re more at risk of developing Graves’ disease if you:
- Are a woman
- Have a family history of the disorder
- Smoke
- Have another autoimmune disease
- Have recently given birth
- Are under extreme stress
What Are The Symptoms Of Graves’ Disease?
The symptoms of Graves’ disease are similar to that of hyperthyroidism. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact Dr. Pat to find out more.
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chronic fatigue
- Sexual health concerns
- Infertility
- Sensitivity to heat
- Unexpected weight loss
- Digestive issues
- Sweating, especially in the palms
Complications From Graves’ Disease
About half of all Graves’ disease cases will also experience a complication called Graves’ ophthalmopathy. This is a condition that affects the eyes. Symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include:
- Red eyes
- Mild to severe eye pain
- Dryness
- Swelling
- Bulging eyes
- Double vision
- Vision problems
A rarer complication is Graves’ dermopathy. This is a skin condition that affects your shins and the top of your feet. Its symptoms include:
- Red skin
- Swollen skin
- Pain
- Texture changes (like an orange peel)
Is Graves’ Disease Fatal?
If you receive treatment for your Graves’ disease, your prognosis will generally look good. Treatment can be quite effective in improving quality of life and reducing risk of fatality.
However, if left untreated, Graves’ disease may lead to a condition known as thyroid storm. During a thyroid storm event, your heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure often soar to dangerously high levels.
Symptoms of thyroid storm include:
- High fever
- Agitation, restlessness, and confusion
- Heart rate above 140 bpm
- Irregular heartbeat
- Persistent and extreme sweating
- Diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, take them to an emergency room immediately. Thyroid storm is often fatal.
However, thyroid storm can nearly always be avoided with proper treatment of your condition.
Get Naturopathic Solutions For Graves’ Disease
Have you been diagnosed with Graves’ disease?
Or, did you read the above list of symptoms and are now concerned you may have it?
If so, contact Dr. Pat today.
Dr. Pat has a special interest in treatments for Graves’ disease. So you’re in good hands.
If you’re not sure if naturopathic medicine is right for you, Dr. Pat offers you a FREE health clarity session. During that 15-minute consultation, you’ll get a chance to sit down with Dr. Pat at his comfortable and relaxed clinic in Toronto along the shore of Lake Ontario.
You’ll get a chance to ask all the questions you have about naturopathic medicine, which Dr. Pat will answer. He’ll address any concerns you may have, and in the end you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what naturopathic medicine can do for you.
If you’re suffering from Graves’ disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Dr. Pat today, and take your first step toward a healthier thyroid, and a healthier life.