HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which the  thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones.

Women, especially those older than age 60, are more likely to have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in the  body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

Causes---- When the  thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in the  body can be upset. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications.

 The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of the neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — have an enormous impact on the health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and help regulate the production of proteins.

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

Autoimmune disease. People who develop a particular inflammatory disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis have the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Scientists aren't sure why the body produces antibodies against itself. Some think a virus or bacterium might trigger the response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved. Most likely, autoimmune diseases result from more than one factor. But however it happens, these antibodies affect the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism. People who produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) are often treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications to reduce and normalize their thyroid function. However, in some cases, treatment of hyperthyroidism can result in permanent hypothyroidism.

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.

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

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:

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.

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 tumor of the pituitary gland.

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 fetus.

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. 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. Conversely, taking in too much iodine can cause hypothyroidism.

Symptoms--- The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.

At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more-obvious signs and symptoms. Hypothyroidism signs and symptom may include:

·         Fatigue

·         Increased sensitivity to cold

·         Constipation

·         Dry skin

·         Weight gain

·         Puffy face

·         Hoarseness

·         Muscle weakness

·         Elevated blood cholesterol level

·         Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

·         Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints

• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression
• Impaired memory

When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid gland to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.

Hypothyroidism in infants

Although hypothyroidism most often affects middle-aged and older women, anyone can develop the condition, including infants. Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms. When newborns do have problems with hypothyroidism, the problems may include:

·         Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). In most cases, this occurs when a baby's liver can't metabolize a substance called bilirubin, which normally forms when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells.

·         Frequent choking.

·         A large, protruding tongue.

·         A puffy appearance to the face.

·         As the disease progresses, infants are likely to have trouble feeding and may fail to gro Constipation

·         Poor muscle tone

·         Excessive sleepiness

When hypothyroidism in infants isn't treated, even mild cases can lead to severe physical and mental retardation.

Hypothyroidism in children and teens

In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:

·         Poor growth, resulting in short stature

·         Delayed development of permanent teeth

·         Delayed puberty

·         Poor mental development

 

Risk factors------Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, you're at an increased risk if you:

·         Are a woman older than age 60

·         Have an autoimmune disease

·         Have a family history of thyroid disease

·         Have other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a chronic inflammatory condition

·         Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications

·         Received radiation to your neck or upper chest

·         Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)

·         Have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months

Complications

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems:

Goiter. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may cause the gland to become larger — a condition known as a goiter. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of a goiter. Although generally not uncomfortable, a large goiter can affect your appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.

Heart problems. Hypothyroidism may also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, primarily because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol — can occur in people with an underactive thyroid. Even subclinical hypothyroidism, a mild or early form of hypothyroidism in which symptoms have not yet developed, can cause an increase in total cholesterol levels and impair the pumping ability of your heart. Hypothyroidism can also lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.

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

Peripheral neuropathy. Long-term uncontrolled hypothyroidism can cause damage to your peripheral nerves — the nerves that carry information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, for example, your arms and legs. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include pain, numbness and tingling in the area affected by the nerve damage. It may also cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle control.

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.

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.

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

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world.Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When hypothyroidism   is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

Anacardium 200---Anacardium is suited to persons having bad memory and absent minded due to hypothyroidism. Lack of confidence in himself or others . They are very easily offended. Profound depression with tendency to use foul, violent language. Weak digestion with fullness and distension. Eating relieves dyspepsia.

Baryta carbonica 200---Baryta carb is suit to shy persons , shy of strangers. Mental weakness and loss of memory. Idiocy. Childish and thoughtless behavior. Slow mental grasp and backward. Chilly patient.

Calcarea Carbonica 30----- Calcarea carb is suitable to fat, flabby , fair  persons,  who are always chilly and cannot tolerate cold air. Excessive sweating on head is a leading symptom for its use in hypothyroid patients.   Craving for boiled eggs, desire for indigestible things like chalk, pencils, lime, and aversion to  fats.  Over worked and exhausted.  Forgetful , confused, misplaces and expresses himself wrongly. Woman with hypothyroidism have too early, too profuse and too long menses  with vertigo, toothache and cold damp feet . Constipation. The first part of the stool is hard and is followed by soft stool.

Conium maculatum 200-----Conium maculatum is suited to old maids and bachelors. Weak memory. Slow grasp, difficult understanding. Constipation on alternate days. Menses too late , irregular and scanty.

Sepia Officinalis 200----Sepia is adapted to irritable, very weak persons , have yellow saddle across nose , faint very easily from least exertion and on exposure to excessive cold temperature. They are angry , sensitive very irritable , easily offended and miserable. They have an indifferent behavior towards family members who were earlier very much loved. Craving for acid things and pickles.  In women with hypothyroidism the menses appear too early and profuse with sharp clutching pain. Along with this a feeling of dragging or bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vagina , must cross limbs to prevent protrusion or press against vulva . Uterus weak. Loss of sex drive and sexual disorders due to hypothyroidism. Hair falls out , especially at menopause because of hypothyroidism. Constipation. Very hard and large stools, cannot strain with great tenesmus. Severe pain during the passing of stool that continues for long time after the stool.

Lycopodium Clavatum 200------Lycopodium is suited to persons having gastric disturbances with hypothyroidism. Digestion is weak. Excessive accumulation of gas and bloating  in abdomen, after taking food. Eating ever little creates fullness. The complaints are mainly worse from 4-8 p.m.  Craving for sweets. Lycopodium person  prefers hot drink and hot food. Lycopodium is adapted to irritable angry persons who cannot bear little contradiction. They have low sex drive due hypothyroidism. Hair falls,  becomes gray early.

Graphites 200--- Graphites is suited to obese persons who take on cold very easily. Mentally Graphites person is sad , weeps easily without any cause. Music makes her weep. Long standing constipation is a marked feature in hypothyroidism. Stool is large, knotty, united by mucus threads  and passes with great difficulty. Flatulence. Cannot bear tight cloths around the waist. Abdomen distended, as from incarcerated flatus. Menses late, scanty, pale, irregular and painful. Woman have great aversion to sex.

Nux vomica 200---Nux vomica is suited to very irritable persons, sensitive to all impressions. Cannot bear noises, odors and light. They are extremely temperamental in nature and get offended very easily. Nux vomica persons mainly suffer from gastric complaints due to hypothyroidism. Obstinate constipation. Constipation with frequent ineffectual desire or passing but small quantities at each attempt. Stool is incomplete and unsatisfactory. Desire for stimulants like alcoholic drinks and coffee, fatty food and spicy food. Menses too early, lasts too long, always irregular, black blood with fainting spells.

Tuberculinum 1000--- Start treatment with this remedy. No other medicine should be given for the next 24 hours.

Thyroidinum 3x---Arrested mental and physical development.  Concentration difficult on studying. Irritable before menses. Menses often too early. Inclined to excessive obesity and weight gain. Craving for sugar.