Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Causes
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000358.htm#Definition
The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.
If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism.)
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormones. Graves disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
It seems new research conducted in New York State indicates Graves Disease, and autoimmune disease could be linked to AO exposure.
Ajay Varanasi , MD , an endocrinology fellow at the University of Buffalo has researched a link between AO exposure and high rates of upstate New York veterans born between 1925, and 1953, the time period most Vietnam Era Veterans were born. AO exposure seems to be a common thread in the number of cases diagnosed at the VA Hospital in Buffalo , NY .
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/uab-aoe062810.php
Graves diease normally effects many more women than men, so this is at the very least unusual. Gaves is treatable, but may not be cureable in all cases. If you think you may have symptoms of Graves, get checked. It is a blood test called TSH.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-graves-disease-basics
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyperthyroidism-symptoms
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyperthyroidism-treatment-overview
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628112117.htm
I am a 62 year old Viet Nam vet. I came down with hyyperthyroidism in 1996 but was not diagnosed until 1998. By that time I had lost thirty pounds and my heart rate was 140. There is no hyperthyroid history in my family. I began treatment at the VA this year for PTSD. They don't recognize the link between AO and hyperthyroidism, but I think it is fairly obvious. Thank you for your article.
ReplyDeleteI am a 60 year old Vietnam vet. I have been dealing with graves disease symptoms since 1974. Finally diagnosed with Graves disease in 1983. I have been trying to convince the VA of the connection between my Graves Disease and my exposure to Agent Orange for all these years. hopefully my voice will soon be heard and acknowledged.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad passed away July 2005 from a heart attack. He had diabetes and Graves Disease. He was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1978 or 1979. He was stationed in England at the time of the diagnosis. They sent him to Cambridge University to have it taken care of. They took care of it alright; they killed his thyroid completely. Because of it, he had heart issues, as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen he retired, a forced retirement because of these issues, they wouldn't give him compensation for all the trouble. They gave him very little disability. Months before he passed away, he went back to the VA to try to get 100% disability. They finally gave it to him after he passed away, but retro'd it to the beginning of the year.
I always said I bet he had the Graves Disease because of Agent Orange. Guess I was right. Now, the VA needs to acknowledge it and get help to those Vietnam Vets who are still being diagnosed and dealing with it.
God bless all y'all Vietnam Vets!
There is Radioactive iodine treatment used to threat thyroid disease. It is widely-recommended as a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism, but be careful it can damage your thyroid.
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