Graves newbie

[astaff]

My endocrinologist has me on 20mg methamizole/day.  I have no thyroid problems in my family and believe that severe stress caused the onset of graves.  I am also under the care of a chiropractor to help get my nervous system in check, but am concerned about the damage that this medicine may cause in the long term.  I would love to treat this disease without the help of drugs because I would like to start a family someday (I am 30).  1) Is this a large amt of drug for a 110 lb woman?  2) Is this a trait that is likely to be passed onto my children?  Even if it is in remission?  Thank you in advance.

[898]

Just to make sure you were diagnosed properly have your blood being tested for elevated TSI antibodies.
also Iodine excess should be avoided if you are treated with antithyroid drugs.

[GravesSince1990]

First, just because no one in your family was diagnosed with a thyroid condition doesn't mean someone didn't have one.  They may not have had severe conditions or been able to be diagnosed properly by the science available at the time.  Second, being under the care of a chiropractor to keep your "nervous system in check" is not your best decision.. Chiropractors are useful for some things (I have been to them before myself), but you need to trust other more recognized and proven medical advice for Endo disorders.  The medicine you are on now, as long as it is prescribed properly, will not stop you from having children but you need to continue to monitor your blood work with your Endo specialist.  Even though reducing stress will help, as it hurts us in so many ways, you may have to accept that you will need meds to help your system stay in balance.  Our bodies are machines and none were made the same so sometimes meds are the best and right thing to use to help us.  Good Luck!

[GravesLady]

Graves' Disease can be health threatening let alone life threatening, if not treated correctly.  

There are only three treatment options RAI, ATDs or surgery.  Graves' Disease can not be treated naturally or without drugs.  If you think this you are in denial.

RAI and surgery you can get PG 6 to 12 months after treatment, as long as levels are in Labs range and stable.
ATDs can take up to 24 months or longer and yes, prolonged ATDs can be health damaging .
All three will require taking thyroid hormones pills for life.  But the pills are identical to our own hormone that the thyroid produces naturally.

Once you get treated and levels stable, you can safely have children.  

Graves' is generically pre dispose. However and Yes, Graves' Disease in some cases can be passed on to the new born through the placenta.  So if you have Graves' it would be wise to have baby checked for Graves' as soon as birth.  They check hypothyroidism in new borns automatically. I do not know what the protocol is for Graves'.  But if all your doctors are aware of you being Graves' and you learn as much about it as possible so you can follow and/or guide your baby's progress.

Good luck - do right by yourself with correct treatment, you and your future
babies should be ok!