When thyroid glands release a low level of thyroid hormone called thyroxin, this condition is called hypothyroidism. It is one of the disorders which are affecting many people these days and women are at the greatest risk. Above all, it remains undiagnosed until symptoms get worse. It is also said that it is most under-diagnosed health problem because malfunction of thyroid sometimes does not show any symptoms until it progressed. In routine checkups, thyroid screening is frequently advised especially in women who are aged, pregnant or having difficulty in conceiving. Severe Iodine deficiency can also lead to this condition.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
The signs and symptoms may differ from person to person, depending upon the severances of the production of the hormone. When the level of thyroid hormones goes down in blood, many of the body’s function changes, which manifest in the following symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Inability to concentrate
- Decreased libido
- Sensitive to cold
- Swelling around the neck (Goiter)
- Tenderness
- Constipation
- Slower heart rate
- Dryness
- Heavy or Irregular menstruation cycle
- High Cholesterol level
- Obesity
- Hair fall
Causes of hypothyroidism
Due to not enough thyroxin production, all the reactions that are taking place within the body get disturbed. There are several reasons behind the underactive thyroid gland. Here some of them are briefly described;
Thyroid incision
Thyroid surgery could stop to produce hormones. It’s really dangerous and the patient ends up by taking hormone forever.
Repercussion of hyperthyroidism treatment
People who deal with hyperthyroidism i.e. over-production of thyroxin, usually face radioactive iodine or consume anti-thyroid medicines. The main purpose behind this to regulate the production of thyroxin but it generally ends up by invariable hypothyroidism.
Radiation therapy
Those who are under radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer may lose production of hormone.
Pregnancy
Sometimes, pregnant women may develop hypothyroidism because of the antibodies that already produce for their own glands. It may lead to the chances of miscarriage or premature birth.
Hyperthyroidism in babies
Hyperthyroidism is mostly associated with middle-aged women, but it could also affect infants. Hypothyroidism in babies is also known as Neonatal hypothyroidism or Congenital hypothyroidism. It’s a condition in which a newly born infant has not the ability to produce the required amount of thyroid hormones. This poor production of the hormone may persist and take lifelong treatment in most of the cases.
The production of thyroid hormone is essential for the development of a baby’s brain; even a little negligence may cause intellectual disability as well as could affect proper growth. However, with proper treatment, the baby can live a usual life and grow well.
Signs and symptoms of neonatal hypothyroidism
Although, there is no noticeable signs show but if signs do appear, they may comprise of the following signs:
- Hoarse cry
- Swollen tongue
- Jaundice
Sleepy all the time - Uneasiness in breathing
- Constipation
- Little to no growth
- Stomach bloating
- Hypo tonicity
- Puffy face
- Umbilical hernia
- Chilly hand and feet
Causes of neonatal hypothyroidism
Neonatal hypothyroidism occurs due to underdeveloped thyroid gland while the baby is in the womb. It could be either completely missing or tiny in size. In some cases, it develops in an incorrect position. At times, the gland is not capable of producing the right amount of hormone but has developed properly. In some cases, the thyroid gland is not responsive to the signal sending by the master gland present in the brain i.e. Pituitary gland. The master gland commands the thyroid gland to produce hormones. This condition may happen because of the medications taken by mother during her pregnancy period. The good thing is it’s not usually genetically transmitted.
Hypothyroidism in teenagers
In most cases, teenagers show identical symptoms as grownups do. But some of them may experience the following symptoms;
• Modest growth
• Late tooth emergence
• Indigent intellectual development
• Delayed adolescence
Frequently asked questions
Homeopathic Treatment for underactive thyroid gland Is Hypothyroidism is curable with homeopathy?
Homeopathic medicine corrects the organs or glandular function; it cannot increase or decrease the level of hormone unless the root cause is treated. There is no synthetic T4 supplement in homeopathy.
Homeopathic treatment improves thyroid glandular function, reduces the dependency on external supplementation of hormones. Once the gland works properly you no longer need to use any medication. However, for precaution it is necessary to get your thyroid hormone checked once or twice in six months.
In conventional treatment, thyroxin is prescribed to the patient which maintains the level of hormone in the blood. In many cases, patient needs it throughout life.
Can I take thyroxin and homeopathic medicine together? Or Can I take homeopathy and allopathy be taken together?
Yes, both medicines can be taken together. In homeopathic treatment, it may take some time to activate the thyroid gland to function properly. Hypothyroidism is a serious chronic illness. The level of hormones is monitored during treatment. During pregnancy, it is essential to maintain the normal thyroid hormone level in blood and closely monitored it. In this condition, it is better to take the right dose of thyroxin.
What level of TSH indicates hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the result of diminished levels of thyroid hormones—known as triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4, and increased value of TSH than normal level.
0.4 is the normal range of TSH, 4.0 is considered as mild hypothyroidism, while 10 is hypothyroidism.
What is Thyroidinum?
Thyroidinum is a homeopathic medicine used for the treatment of hypothyroidism. In homeopathy, there are many medicines for hypothyroidism. After complete case taking and considering all your symptoms right medicines are selected.
Who are most likely to develop hypothyroidism?
Even though anybody can develop hypothyroidism but you are at risk if you are woman with old age. It could be transmit genetically. Someone who has any autoimmune disease is at risk to have hypothyroidism. Although there are many of them but these are the commonest.
What if someone left hypothyroidism untreated?
The untreated hypothyroidism may cause several health issues like cardiovascular diseases, goiter, can damage nervous system and may lead to depression.
Can hypothyroidism also responsible for infertility?
Yes, low level of thyroxin may affect the ovulation process and impair fertility.
Why Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is named as Hashimoto?
A Japanese surgeon discovered this major cause of Hypothyroidism in 1912. So, It named after this surgeon.
My thyroxin level is very low. Can I lose weight in this condition?
Hypothyroidism affects the metabolism rate. It lowers metabolic rate, so it’s difficult to lose weight. But if you are consistent to work out and count your calories before eating, it will help a lot. But all this is possible under the supervision of health expert.
How do I know that either my thyroid produce enough hormone or not?
Its simple. Go to a doctor, he will suggest you a simple blood test that tell you your Thyroxin level.
What fruits are harmful for hypothyroidism?
A very few fruits like strawberries, peaches and pears are not good for hypothyroidism.
My thyroxin level is at borderline. Should I take medicine for the better result?
It’s a very crucial case. To prescribe medicine or not to prescribe medicine is based on the patient’s symptoms. The best advice can be given after taking complete history.
Is homeopathy good for the treatment of hypothyroidism?
Homeopathic remedies are the best for hypothyroidism because it makes the gland functioning properly and permanently. Once the problem is solved, there is no need to take medicines.
Top homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism
Sepia officinalis
This multi-functional homeo remedy plays a substantial role to treat hypothyroidism. It is recommended to those patients who are sensitive to cold. Even in warm surroundings, they get affected because of the weakness due to the low production of thyroxin. Abnormal production of hormones makes them irritable, anxious and depressed.
Sepia is very helpful for women who frequently face mood swings due to low hormone production. Patients complain about excessive hair fall which is due to hypothyroidism, this medicine is very effective to overcome this issue. The beauty of Sepia Officinalis is that it covers a wide range of health issues. In a nutshell, hypothyroidism is responsible for so many malfunctioning within the body and Sepia is a savior.
Iodine
It is mineral-based homeo remedy which is very effectual for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Deficiency of iodine may lead a person to hypothyroidism. As we know homeopathic medicines do not have mineral dose it is given in very small potencies. Patient with hypothyroidism is prone to gain weight because deficiency of iodine affects the metabolism rate by slowing it down, this may lead to obesity. The use of this medicine fulfills the iodine requirement and makes the body healthier.
