Graves' Disease: The Silent Epidemic

I never thought I'd be one of the unlucky ones.
But there I was, staring at my trembling hands. My heart raced like a runaway train, and my eyes felt like they were bulging out of their sockets. I was only 25, but I felt like I was 80.
I had always been a healthy person, but suddenly my body was betraying me. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Graves' disease is more common than you think. In fact, it affects about 1 in 200 people in the United States. But it's often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, because the symptoms can be so varied.
Some of the most common symptoms of Graves' disease include:

A rapid heartbeat
Sweating
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Bulging eyes
Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety

Graves' disease can be a serious condition, but it's treatable.
Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. I'm lucky that I was diagnosed early and I'm now on medication that's controlling my symptoms.
But I know that not everyone is as lucky as I was. Many people with Graves' disease suffer for years before they're finally diagnosed.
That's why I'm sharing my story.
I want people to know that Graves' disease is a real condition, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. If you think you or someone you know might have Graves' disease, please don't hesitate to seek medical help.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference.