Question--this is new to me

[Guest guest]

Hi WW,

Re salt: the iodine added to salt is considered a possible trigger (and

certainly a problem) for Graves'. Some people have reacted to iodine contrast

(medical) dyes or iodine water treatment. In my own case, kelp and too much zinc

probably helped set the stage. Elaine's book mentions that people often report

that Graves' developed following the death of a loved one. So there seems to be

a combination of physical and emotional triggers.

Simon may be able to define " mild " Graves'. It probably has to do with the level

of thyroid hormones and thyroid antibody levels. There are also some factors

that seem to predict chance of remission, such as size of goiter.

Along with a beta blocker to control your heart symptoms until your thyroid

levels get under control, your DO should prescribe an ant-thyroid drug. This not

only suppresses the extra thyroid hormone but also prevents antibody production,

so it's a productive option. There are some serious but rare side effects of

these drugs so your DO should also run baseline CBC and liver function tests.

Muscle cramps are mentioned often, generally though when people become

hypothyroid. One suggestion is to get up and use the muscle. You could ask your

DO about your calcium and magnesium levels; supplements might help. Being

hyperthyroid causes your metabolism to rev up to the point that you can lose

nutrients and bone.

It sounds like your DO started out by running thyroid antibody tests. That's

pretty enlightened: many endos just go by the thyroid levels.

Best wishes,