THYROID

OVERVIEW:

Thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands of our body found in front part of the neck, below the thyroid cartilage or “Adam’s apple”. It is also called as POWERHOUSE or kitchen of the body as it :

  • Controls the generation of power or energy in our body.
  • Regulates body metabolism.
  • Controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.

Hence the thyroid gland is the chief controller of the body as it affects each and every cell of the body.

Secretions of Thyroid Gland

  • T3 and T4
  • Calcitonin that plays a role in calcium metabolism

DISORDERS OF THYROID:

To prevent the over-production or under-production of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland can sense how much hormone (T3 and T4) is in the blood and adjust the production of hormones accordingly. For example, when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) production by pituitary gland is decreased. This results in decreased production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland to restore the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood to normal. Defects in these regulatory pathways may result in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid problem) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid problem).

THYROID GOITRE

Thyroid goitre is any enlargement of the thyroid that can occur with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism but also with benign and malignant (cancerous) nodules.

Signs And Symptoms:

Hypothyroidism means “underactive synthesis of thyroid hormone” either due to thyroid itself (primary hypothyroidism) or due to pituitary (secondary hypothyroidism) or since birth defects of thyroid function is there (congenital hypothyroidism).

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Cold Intolerance
  • Excessive Sleepiness
  • Dry coarse hairs
  • Constipation
  • Vague body aches and pains
  • Swelling legs
  • High cholesterol levels

Hyperthyroidism often referred to as an ‘overactive thyroid’ is when the thyroid gland secretes excessive amount of thyroid hormones (T3) and/or (T4).

  • Weight loss
  • High blood pressure and palpitations
  • Anxiety and trembling
  • Diarrhoea
  • Hair fall
  • Heat intolerance and hot flushes or Excessive perspiration
  • Scanty/ irregular menses

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis / Autoimmune Thyroiditis Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed by cell- and antibody-mediated immune processes. It is basically body destroying its own cells!!!

QUERIES:

Are thyroid disorders (Hypothyroid / Hyperthyroid / Goitre) curable?

Yes they are.

Is there any permanent treatment for thyroid diseases?

Right homoeopathic treatment can help in permanently relieving Thyroid disorders. As homoeopathy goes to the root cause and cures it, so there are less chances of relapse.

How long the treatment would take?

Duration depends on factors such as severity of disease, hereditary or genetic causes. The relief in the symptoms starts within 6-9 months of starting the treatment, while duration of the complete cure varies from person to person.

Does thyroid diseases run in families?

Yes. If anybody in your family (blood relations) had it then you are in high risk group to develop thyroid disorder.

What is treatment schedule if I am pregnant or want to plan a baby?

Pregnancy does not change the treatment pattern. In fact one may not conceive because of thyroid disorder. Thyroid disorders cause menstrual complaints, infertility and abortions. Hence normal functioning of gland is must. So homoeopathy will help to overcome infertility due to thyroid disorders. Carelessness regarding thyroid disorders during pregnancy will make you pay heavily. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to mental retardation or other complication in child.

Can enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) be treated without surgery?

Yes. There are medicines to help you out without surgery of gland.

Is it curable in older people too?

Yes. Age is no bar thyroid can be cured at any age.

What are the causes for these thyroid disorders?

There are many causes like genetic, environment, stress, lifestyle, iodine deficiency, improper medications, radiations etc.

How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

Complete Free Thyroid profile (FT3, FT4,TSH) is required. If further information regarding a possible cause is needed, antibody levels in the blood can be checked. In cases of nodules, Ultrasound is of help.

What are the complications of no treatment or improper treatment of thyroid disorders?
  • It affects your nervous system and memory, causes depression and mood swings.
  • Weight gain, joint pains, early osteoarthritis affecting your bones.
  • If untreated, thyroid causes increase in cholesterol levels and hence chances of heart disease too.
  • Thyroid disorders are major cause of irregular menses, infertility and abortions in women.
What if I am asymptomatic but investigations show thyroid disorder; do I need to start any medicine?

Yes you need to start treatment immediately. Homoeopathic treatment is more desirable because of better compliance and also more permanent relief.

TREATMENT:

Conventional Approach

  • Conventional treatment for hypothyroid consists of daily dose of thyroid hormone (thyroxin) for rest of life as age and TSH increase so does the dose of tablets.
  • There is absolutely no treatment for hyperthyroid except surgery and removal of over active thyroid gland. Usually after surgery of gland one becomes dependent on external tablet for rest of life.
  • Your own kitchen (thyroid gland) is not making food and you are bringing food from restaurant (thyroid tablets) and how long will your body accept this outside food, sooner or later despite taking thyroxin patient does not feel better!!!

Homoeopathic and Lifestyle Clinic’s Approach

We go to the root cause of illness and hence patients have long lasting effects. The medicine stimulates the synthesis of hormones in thyroid gland itself and hence you are not dependent on any medicines for lifetime. After starting with the treatment, investigations (T3, T4, TSH, USG, antibody levels) are done every 3 months and monitored regularly for all thyroid patients.

Homoeopathy only can conquer the self destructing disease process and rescue the patient not only from thyroid disease but also other future illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, etc which follow such Auto immune diseases BY CORRECTING THE IMMUNE RESPONSE.