HOMOEOPATHY FOR HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE OR HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS

Hashimoto’s disease that affects the thyroid gland. It is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis , chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis.

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a part of our endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of our body’s function.

 Hashimoto's disease typically progresses slowly over years and causes chronic thyroid damage, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in your blood. The signs and symptoms are mainly those of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Causes

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system creates antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. Doctors don't know what causes your immune system to attack your thyroid gland. Some scientists think a virus or bacterium might trigger the response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved.

A combination of factors — including heredity, sex and age — may determine your likelihood of developing the disorder.

Symptoms

·         Fatigue and sluggishness

·         Increased sensitivity to cold

·         Constipation

·         Pale, dry skin

·         A puffy face

·         Brittle nails

·         Hair loss

·         Enlargement of the tongue

·         Unexplained weight gain

·         Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

·         Joint pain and stiffness

·         Muscle weakness

·         Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)

·         Depression

·         Memory lapse

Risk factors

These factors may contribute to your risk of developing Hashimoto's disease:

·         Sex. Women are much more likely to get Hashimoto's disease.

·         Age. Hashimoto's disease can occur at any age but more commonly occurs during middle age.

·         Heredity. You're at higher risk for Hashimoto's disease if others in your family have thyroid or other autoimmune diseases.

·         Other autoimmune disease. Having another autoimmune disease — such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes or lupus — increases your risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.

·         Radiation exposure. People exposed to excessive levels of environmental radiation are more prone to Hashimoto's disease.

Complications

Left untreated, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) caused by Hashimoto's disease can lead to a number of health problems:

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

·         Heart problems. Hashimoto's disease also may 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 gland (hypothyroidism). If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged heart and, possibly, heart failure.

·         Mental health issues. Depression may occur early in Hashimoto's disease and may become more severe over time. Hashimoto's disease can also cause sexual desire (libido) to decrease in both men and women and can lead to slowed mental functioning.

·         Myxedema (miks-uh-DEE-muh). This rare, life-threatening condition can develop due to long-term hypothyroidism as a result of untreated Hashimoto's disease. Its signs and symptoms include drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.

A myxedema coma may be triggered by exposure to cold, sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. Myxedema requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

·         Birth defects. Babies born to women with untreated hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's disease may have a higher risk of birth defects than do babies born to healthy mothers. Doctors have long known that these children are more prone to intellectual and developmental problems. There may be a link between hypothyroid pregnancies and birth defects, such as a cleft palate.

A connection also exists between hypothyroid pregnancies and heart, brain and kidney problems in infants. If you're planning to get pregnant or if you're in early pregnancy, be sure to have your thyroid level checked.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It 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 Hashimoto’s disease  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

CALCAREA CARBONICA 200---Calcarea carb is suited to fatty persons, who  take cold easily with increased mucous secretions. They are susceptible to cold  cannot tolerate cold air. They are overworked and exhausted very easily. They are depressed, melancholic and hopeless. Calcarea carb persons have a special craving for boiled eggs, also for indigestible things like dirt, chalk, coal, pencils etc. They have an aversion to fats, smoked meat, milk etc. They suffer from insomnia , the same disagreeable ideas arouses from slight sleep. Women with too early menses , which is too profuse and too long with vertigo, toothache and cold damp feet.

GRAPHITES 200—Graphites is suited to persons who have a tendency to put on unhealthy fat, always feel cold indoors or out. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with chronic constipation. Stool is large, difficult, knotty, united by mucus threads. They suffer from fissures of anus. They are timid, sad, and depressed. And inability to make decisions. Weeps without cause, music makes her weep.  They are  excessively tired and sleepy.  In women menses late, scanty, painful and irregular. They always suffer from leucorrhea.  

NATRUM MURIATICUM 200—Natrum muriaticum is excellent for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in anemic persons. They are emaciated, sensitive persons , who suffer from catarrhal troubles and  severe weakness.  They are depressed and introverted. Dry skin and dry mouth. They have a special craving for salt and salty foods. Aversion to fats and oysters. Obstinate constipation. Insomnia from worries.

SEPIA 200—Sepia is suited to highly irritable persons , having an indifferent behavior. Aversion to family to those loved best to sympathy to company, yet dreads to be alone. Loss of sex drive and sexual disorders. Craving for acidic things and pickles. Menses too late, scanty, irregular or early and profuse with sharp cutting pains. Weak uterus, dragging or bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vagina. They suffer from obstinate constipation, no urging for days.

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.