Hypothyroidism

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including :

1. Autoimmune disease

   The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland.

2. Thyroid Surgery

   Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid gland can diminish or halt hormone production. In that case, you'll need to take thyroid hormone for life.

3. Radiation Therapy

   Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.

4. Medications

   A number of medications can contribute to hypothyroidism. One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. If you're taking medication, ask your doctor about its effect on your thyroid gland.

Less often, hypothyroidism may result from one of the following:

1. Congenital Disease

   Some babies are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland. In most cases, the thyroid gland didn't develop normally for unknown reasons, but some children have an inherited form of the disorder. Often, infants with congenital hypothyroidism appear normal at birth. That's one reason why most states now require newborn thyroid screening.

2. Pituitary Disorder

   A relatively rare cause of hypothyroidism is the failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) — usually because of a benign tumour of the pituitary gland.

3. Pregnancy

   Some women develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy (postpartum hypothyroidism), often because they produce antibodies to their own thyroid gland. Left untreated, hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and preeclampsia — a condition that causes a significant rise in a woman's blood pressure during the last three months of pregnancy. It can also seriously affect the developing foetus.

4. Iodine Deficiency

   The trace mineral iodine — found primarily in seafood, seaweed, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and iodized salt — is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, and too much iodine can worsen hypothyroidism in people who already have the condition. In some parts of the world, iodine deficiency is common, but the addition of iodine to table salt has virtually eliminated this problem in the United States.

Risk Factors

Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, they're at an increased risk if :

• Are a woman
• Are older than 60
• Have a family history of thyroid disease
• Have an autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease
• Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
• Received radiation to neck or upper chest
• Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
• Have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months

Complication

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems :

1. Goitre

   Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may cause the gland to become larger — a condition known as a goitre. Although generally not uncomfortable, a large goitre can affect your appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.

2. Heart Problems

   Hypothyroidism may also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure, primarily because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol — can occur in people with an underactive thyroid.

3. Mental Health Issues

   Depression may occur early in hypothyroidism and may become more severe over time. Hypothyroidism can also cause slowed mental functioning.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy

   Long-term uncontrolled hypothyroidism can cause damage to your peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that carry information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body — for example, your arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy may cause pain, numbness and tingling in affected areas.

5. Myxedema

   This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.

   A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. If you have signs or symptoms of myxedema, you need immediate emergency medical treatment.

6. Infertility

   Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. In addition, some of the causes of hypothyroidism — such as autoimmune disorder — can also impair fertility

7. Birth Defects

   Babies born to women with untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects compared to babies born to healthy mothers. These children are also more prone to serious intellectual and developmental problems.

8. Infants with untreated Hypothyroidism

   They present at birth are at risk of serious problems with both physical and mental development. But if this condition is diagnosed within the first few months of life, the chances of normal development are excellent.

Homeopathy and Hypothyroidism

Homoeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing hypothyroidism by addressing the underlying causes, stimulating the body's self-healing mechanisms, and promoting natural balance. Homoeopathic remedies are selected based on an individual's specific symptoms, overall health, and constitutional factors. The goal of homoeopathy is to restore optimal thyroid function, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall well-being.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Hypothyroidism

1. Sepia Officinalis
   • Weak, slightly yellow appearance
   • A tendency to faint, especially when in cold temperatures
   • Extreme intolerance to cold, even in warm surroundings
   • Increased irritability
   • Hair loss
   • Increased menstrual flow that occurs ahead of schedule
   • Constipation
   • Increased desire for pickles and acidic foodstuff
2. Calcarea Carbonica
   • Fat, flabby, fair person
   • Increased intolerance to cold
   • Excessive sweating, especially in the head
   • Aversion to fatty foods
   • Peculiar food habits including a craving for eggs, chalk, pencils, lime,
   • Increased menstruation that is also prolonged and is associated with feet turning cold
3. Lycopodium Clavatum
   • Physically weakened
   • Increased irritability
   • Excessive hair fall
   • The face is pale yellow with blue circles around the eyes
   • Craving for foods that are hot and sweet
   • Acidity that is worse in the evenings
   • Gastric issues including excessive flatulence
   • Constipation with painful, hard, incomplete stooling
4. Graphites
   • Obesity
   • Intolerance to cold
   • Depressed emotionally, timid, indecisive, weeping, listening to music
   • Bloated, gassy abdomen
   • Chronic constipation with hard, painful stooling process
5. Iodum
   • Good appetite but lose weight quickly
   • Tendency to eat at regular intervals
   • Excessive warmth and need to stay in a cool environment

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person's experience with hypothyroidism is unique. A homoeopath will assess the symptoms, medical history, and individual characteristics to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their safety and minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and restoring natural balance.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy considers not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Improved Thyroid Function: By addressing the underlying causes of hypothyroidism and promoting optimal thyroid function, homoeopathy strives to alleviate symptoms, enhance energy levels, regulate metabolism, and improve overall well-being.

Consulting a Homeopath

If you are seeking homoeopathic treatment for hypothyroidism, it is essential to consult with a qualified and experienced homoeopath. At Sanjivani Homeopathy Clinic, our team of skilled homoeopaths will conduct a thorough evaluation, considering your symptoms, medical history, and individual characteristics to develop a personalised treatment plan.