DEAR DR. GOTT: I am desperate! I have all the symptoms of Grave’s disease, including a medium-sized multi-nodular goiter (which has been biopsied and the results were benign); but in spite of seeing numerous doctors, including three endocrinologists, they say I do NOT have it because my blood tests fall “within normal” range!! I am having a difficult time functioning in my day-to-day activities and am praying you can help me.

DEAR READER: Graves’ disease is hyperthyroidism, a disorder of the immune system that causes the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Normal thyroid function is regulated by a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The antibody associated with Graves’ disease, thyrotropin receptor antibody (more simply known as TRAb), has the ability to mimic the action of the pituitary hormone and essentially overrides normal regulation of the thyroid gland, [Read more...]