[Tkiv]

#1060496

Hi everyone, I am new here, but so grateful to have found this site. I have been “roller coastering” on this Graves ride since 2010. I have been trying to digest all of the information here. Please forgive me if I bring up something already discussed and in the archives.

My mother was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after my younger sister was born. It was 1962. She was in her 20s. When she turned 50 she developed Graves’ disease as well. She has since passed away but never talked much about it. I always had normal thyroid function. Then when I turned 51, I was diagnosed with Graves. That was 4 years ago. I have been on methimazole and then RAI. I am currently on synthroid. I have been struggling emotionally and physically since my diagnosis. I never had anxiety issues until this happened. I like my doctor, we just adjusted my dosage and I am hopeful things will begin to improve. (Will save this topic for another post).

My question is I have two adult daughters. One was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in high school. The other has normal thyroid function. I worry about them developing Graves Disease. What are the chances. What should I tell them. I always thought after RAI I would be fine once I started synthroid.

Thanks for listening
Terry

[Kimberly]

#1182956

Hello and welcome! Graves’ disease is one of many autoimmune diseases; others include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, and MS. The current theory is that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to getting an autoimmune disease — and then some “trigger” actually activates the disease. Suspected triggers can include viral illness, stress, something in the environment, or physical trauma.

Although there *is* a genetic component, Graves’ isn’t genetic in the sense that if both parents have Graves’, their children will definitely get Graves’. In fact, you can have one identical twin with Graves’, but the other twin won’t necessarily get Graves’ – although they are at significantly higher risk. There is an environmental component that isn’t fully understood. Autoimmune issues as well as thyroid issues can cluster in families, but this does *not* mean that your daughters will get Graves’.

It’s a good idea, though, for them to be aware of the symptoms and also to tell their doctors about this family history. Particularly for your daughter who has no issues, this will hopefully ensure that she gets regular screenings. Screening guidelines for thyroid issues are all over the map from different medical associations. One (the American Academy of Family Physicians) says to start screening at 60+ years of age, which seems ridiculous to me! Your daughters should also be aware of symptoms, just in case. This is a nice link from the Mayo Clinic with info:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/symptoms/con-20020986

Also, should your daughters become pregnant, they will definitely want to make sure their OB/GYN stays on top of their thyroid levels, as this is important for both mom and baby.

Wishing you and your family all the best!

[Raspberry]

#1182957

It’s genetic as hell in my family. I’d write more but I might violate board guidelines. I also might begin cursing and ranting and raving….that probably would help no one.

Tkiv, the most important thing is make sure your daughter is aware of the risk and educates herself fully of what to watch for – hypo and hyper symptoms. It’s the delay in getting diagnosis and treatment that often does the most harm. I truly hope she doesn’t get it and that you feel better soon.

[barbra]

#1182958

Hi Tkiv,

I was diagnosed with Graves last year at the age of 70 and had RAI in July 2013.
I am taking Synthroid and since last December my levels have been in the normal range and, aside from occasional muscle aches, I feel OK.
It seems that I have been lucky, so far, to have found the right dose of Synthroid already, since so many of our friends here are still looking, adjusting and suffering.

I have a son who, at the age of 42, was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s seven months before we found my Graves. He’s on a very low dose of Levothyroxine and is doing fine.

I am now keeping an eye on my other two sons and the rest of my family, since I know the symptoms and the possibility of a genetic link.

I wish you well and hope that your daughters will be fine, both of them.

Hugs.
Barbra.

[wandaaaron1]

#1182959

My graves started years ago when I was just a girl at the age of 12 in the year 1970. They tried medication and radiation. but my hyper thyroid continued to get worse. This time they decided to do surgery which left a whole other list of complications, like hypothyroid and hypoparathyroidism.
In all the years that I have dealt with this I have never met anybody with my same conditions.

[Tkiv]

#1182960

Thank you all for the information and support. I am already amazed by how much information is available on this site that I have not found anywhere else. Especially regarding the emotional changes that can result from this disease.

[Kimberly]

#1182961

@tkiv – So glad that you found the info here helpful!

@wandaaaron1 – Welcome to the group!

[Aleta]

#1182962

I was diagnosed with Graves’ at age 19, I am now 39, and my mom was diagnosed as well when she was 19. My Endo says he definitely sees it in families. I have two teenage daughters who go in every 2-3 years for testing because I went years in agony not knowing what was join on, even though my mother suffered with it as well at a young age.

[Author]

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