Natural Treatment of Hypothyroidism - Symptoms and Causes

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough amount of hormones needed for the body. There are many glands in the body, the thyroid is one of gland located at the base of the neck. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland.

Functions of Hormones in Body

• Regulates metabolism to use energy by the body as it provides energy to the body.
• It has checked on how heartbeat works or digestive system works.
• It affects women more than men. It mostly affects women at the age of 60 or after menopause.

Hypothyroidism causes a number of health problems like obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease in women after menopause or after the age of 60.

Signs & Symptoms

Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include:-

• Fatigue- it is the first symptom of hypothyroidism along with weight gain.
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain- it is simply attributed to them on growing older
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness of voice
• Muscle weakness- muscle gets deviated
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
•  Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness of joints
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Heavy periods than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning of hair
• Slowed heartbeat
• Depression
• Short-term memory loss

If remains untreated, signs and symptoms can become more severe than previous. The constant stimulation of the thyroid gland, which leads to the accumulation of more hormones further leads to goiter.

Advanced hypothyroidism leads to myxedema, which is rare, but if occurs, it is life-threatening. Signs & symptoms include high blood pressure, cold body, unresponsiveness and even a comma.

Hypothyroidism in Infants

Hypothyroidism mostly affects middle-aged and older women, but anyone can develop this condition, including infants and men and children. Hypothyroidism in infant's leads to, the problems which include:-

• Jaundice, that is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In most cases,  when a baby's liver can’t metabolize bilirubin, a substance which forms when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells.
• Frequent choking in infants
• A large, protruding tongue.
• Puffiness of face
• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor muscle tone
• Constipation

Hypothyroidism in Children and Teens

In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults like:-

• Short stature due to poor growth
• Permanent teeth develop in later life
• Delayed puberty
• Poor mental growth & development

Causes

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) -T3 & T4 regulate healthy metabolism. They maintain the rate of fat and carbohydrates in the body, maintain body temperature, regulate heart rate, and protein regulation.

Factors Causing Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors

1. Autoimmune Disease

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an inflammatory disorder) has the most common cause of hypothyroid. Antibodies affect the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.

2. Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

People who produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Treatment of hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medicines which reduces and normalize their thyroid function. However, in some cases, treatment of hyperthyroidism results in permanent hypothyroidism. Removal of the thyroid gland in thyroid surgery diminishes or halts hormone production. Radiation therapy to treat cancer leads to hyperthyroidism.

Medications:- Most common is lithium used in the psychiatric problem.

 

3. Other Causes:-

• Pituitary disorder
• Congenital diseases
• Pregnancy
• Iodine deficiency

Risk Factors:-

• In woman older than age 60
• In autoimmune disease
• Having a family history of thyroid disease
• Having an autoimmune disease, like RA (rheumatoid arthritis) or lupus, or any chronic inflammatory condition.
• Use of radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications.
• Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
• Have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months

Complications:-

• Goiter - enlargement of the thyroid gland due to release of more thyroid hormones.
• Heart-related problems.
• Mental health issues
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Myxedema
• Infertility
• Birth defects

Treatment

The herbs used in hypothyroidism are guggul, haridra, mariachi, shilajeet, amalaki, danti, Kapoor vacha, pippali, mustakand many more.

1. Role of Guggul

Guggul is a pure herbal plant which is a yellowish resin produced from the stem of guggul, Commiphora mukul. It has been traditionally used in the treatment of a condition such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, inflammation and acne problem the chemical components of guggul such as guggulsterones, methanol A, and antagonist ligands are responsible for the biological activity of the herb. It is available in form of capsule tablets, powder, liquid extracts. The dose depends upon the patient's age and body.

Role of Guggul in Hypothyroidism:-

• It regulates the function of thyroid hormones and has the ability to improve hypothyroidism
• Guggulsterone has the ability to increase the output of the thyroid gland by stimulating t4 hormone to more active t3 hormone.

2. Shilajit

Role of shilajit the principal component in Shilajit is fulvic acid, which has anti-anxiety, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in several diseases of bladder, reproductive and endocrine system. Especially, Shilajit has an influence on the thyroid gland and improves its functions.

3. Haridra

It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It detoxifies the body and helps to reduce weight.

4. Danti

For various purposes leaves, dantimool or roots are used. Seeds and roots of this plant are purgative. The extract of the root is anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, immune stimulator in nature.

Hence the use of these herbs in hypothyroidism is very effective in nature. It maintains hormonal balance as well as regulate thyroid gland for its proper functioning. Along with herbs, one should balance their dietary as well as lifestyle. Reduce the amount of iodine intake and various unwanted medicine in routine life.