What is Grave's Disease (GD)? Who gets GD? GD in Chilhood/Pregnancy Symptoms Laboratory Tests Treatment Options Alternative Med Radioiodine Ablation Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Graves' Ophthalmopathy aka Thyroid Eye Disease Subclinical Hyperthyroidism Subclinical Hypothyroidism Hashitoxicosis Goiter Lymphoma Other Autoimmune Diseases Environmental Causes Nutrient Deficiencies Provocative Links Favorite Links My Graves Disease Book My Articles on Suite 101 Sign My Guest Book View My Guest Book Contact Me About Me

Treatment Options The primary or immediate goal in treating GD is to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone present in the blood. This can be accomplished by anti-thyroid drugs, surgery, radioiodine ablation or alternative medical options. Treatment may also address the underlying immune system defects that are responsible for the development of GD. Many symptoms in GD can be reduced by simple dietary changes, including avoiding iodine, dairy products, saturated fats, sugar, caffeine and wheat, adding dietary goitrogens and correcting nutrient deficiencies with supplemental vitamins and minerals. Conventional Treatment Options for GD Comparing Conventional and Holistic Healing Options in GD What are Anti-thyroid Drugs (ATDs)? GD patients usually have elevated levels of both thyroid hormones,T4 and T3. And the ratio of T3 to T4 is often higher than what is seen in normal individuals. When only T3 is elevated or T3 is disproportionately high when compared to T4, the patient is said to have T3 toxicosis. These patients usually show a favorable response to ATDs. Achieving Remission with Antithyroid Drugs Predicting Remission with ATDs Can GD be Treated Naturally? Finally Acknowldedging the Role of Stress Stress is known to trigger Graves' disease and exacerbate its symptoms. Stress depletes levels of natural killer cells, white blood cells that normally prevent autoimmune disease development, and it lowers our interferon levels, helping perpetuate the autoimmune process. Stress reduction techniques restore immune system balance, alleviating autoimmune disease symptoms and helping us achieve remission. NEJM on Graves' Disease Clinical Trials for GD Predicting outcome of GO with Antibody Testing Can Beta Blockers Help Your Symptoms? Thyroidectomy Surgery Don't be Rushed into Treatment: Take your time and study your options! Can Chinese Medicine Help You? The Value of Self Care in GD This site is for educational purposes only and is not intented as a substitute for medical treatment. This is a private site. Visitor information is not shared with any other groups or organizations. Copyright 2004, Elaine Moore.