Muscle cramps in Graves disease

[anneseno]

Good day, Doctor!  I have been diagnosed with Graves disease since Oct. last year.  Been on Methimazole since then.  Lately my FT4 became a lot lower than the normal, so my endo put me on 10mg of methimazole for 6 weeks.  Since my FT4 became low, I've been experiencing intermittent muscle cramps, ranging from mild to extremely painful ones.  Normally, it would occur around my legs or extremities. It would normally go away after a few minutes of rest. Is this due to my low ft4? I've been really worried.  

I've also been a lot "breathless" lately. Been sweating a lot, too. Symptoms are really confusing. I'm not sure if it's because I gained weight or because of my low FT4.

Lastly, I know that cigarette smoke can make my illness worse.  Is mosquito coil smoke included?  Asians are really fond of using these.  Is it bad for me?

Thanks for your time and guidance.  Best of luck.

respectfully,
Anne

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The cramping is likely due to the thyroid imbalance.  Would also test potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Sometimes methimazole can cause sore joints and muscles as well.

If the T4 was low, then decreasing the methimazole dose should help; close followup is important in your case.

Any smoke may make graves treatment more difficult.....

[stella5349]

Thanks for the suggestion and welcome to Med Help. Our MedHelp endocrinologist is Dr. Lupo. I am hoping he also gives his opinion. I see he has been offline for a period. I will check into this with MedHelp and post on the community the information.