Graves' Disease

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have an overactive thyroid gland, he or she will take your medical history and perform a physical examination. Goiter and a fast pulse are signs of hyperthyroidism. If you have warm, velvety skin, bulging eyes, and trembling fingertips, this too will alert your doctor to the possibility of an overactive thyroid. He or she will ask you if anyone in your family has had a thyroid problem or another autoimmune disease such as diabetes to get a better idea if your hyperthyroidism is genetic.

Blood tests can reveal a thyroid gland that is working too quickly. A simple blood test can confirm hyperthyroidism. If your thyroid gland is overactive, your blood test will show high levels thyroid hormones and low levels of another hormone, called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In an attempt to determine the nature of your hyperthyroidism, your doctor may wish to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating antibodies in your blood. High levels reveal immune system involvement, which is indicative of Graves' disease.

A scan of your thyroid gland can show if your entire thyroid gland is involved, which is characteristic of Graves' disease.

Prevention and Screening

Because a thyroid problem is not always obvious, regular screening is advised. The American Thyroid Association recommends that all adults get their thyroids checked once every five years, starting at age 35. If you have a known thyroid problem, thyroid disease in your family, or other risk factors such as an autoimmune illness like diabetes, you should be screened more frequently. A simple blood test is all that is required.