[shakira7]

#1059384

Hi,

What is the average duration for graves disease treatment?

I am anxious about this, because I just got a new job offer with a much higher salary than my current job. I’ve already worked with them in the past, so I know, more or less, the working environment and the job itself.

While waiting for my thryoid scan result (with iodine pill) and for the follow-up with an endocrinologist, I purchased an organic hair shampoo. My hair loss has reduced tremendously since using this shampoo.
Also, since I started taking Evening PrimeRose oil, my palpitation has reduced a lot as well.
Other than that, I don’t feel anymore symptoms related to Graves disease.

However, my last blood test for TSH was 0.02 and my Free T4 was 36.5.
Does that confirm that I have a Graves disease?

Would the ATD cause side-effects that would keep me from continuing an office job?

From what I’ve been reading, this ATD sounds very scary.

[Kimberly]

#1174409

Hello – Every patient is different, so there really is no “average” treatment timing. I continued to work full-time after starting on anti-thyroid drugs. Personally, I felt run down for the first few weeks as my levels were falling — I was one of those who responded very quickly to the meds — but I made it through this period without missing work.

I’m still taking methimazole after almost 5 years. My doctor is comfortable with this, as I’m on a low dose and haven’t had any serious side effects. Other doctors will suggest withdrawing the ATDs after a period of 12-18 months and pursuing a “definitive” therapy (surgery or RAI) if hyperthyroidism recurs.

The TSH, T3, and T4 test will only tell you if you are hyperthyroid. Graves’ is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, but others include overactive thyroid nodules and thyroiditis.

Either antibody testing (TSI or TRAb) or the Radioactive Iodine Uptake & Scan are used to help determine whether the cause is due to Graves’ disease.

Take care!

[Author]

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