Introduction
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones to meet the body’s requirements. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. It is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism, which affects every organ in the body, including the heart. Without adequate levels of thyroid hormones, the body’s functions tend to slow down.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Extremely sensitive to cold
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Constipation
- Hoarse voice
- Coarse hair and skin
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Changes in the menstrual cycles
- Depression
- Memory problems
Causes of Hypothyroidism
- Iodine deficiency
- Hormonal imbalance
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Thyroiditis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Stress
- Health conditions
- Medications
- Genetics
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Ayurveda
Ayurveda attributes hypothyroidism to an imbalance in the body’s doshas, primarily Vata and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic principles, hypothyroidism is linked to a weakened Agni (digestive fire), leading to poor metabolism and the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body. This can result from other factors such as an unhealthy diet, excessive intake of cold and heavy foods, lack of exercise, and chronic stress, which disturb the delicate balance of doshas.
Treatment and Management
Medications like thyroid hormone replacement therapy are commonly used to reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and manage symptoms.
Palliative Care provided by SGP’s PSA can also be an integral part of managing hypothyroidism, particularly for individuals with advanced disease or persistent symptoms. It aims to enhance quality of life by addressing symptom control, emotional support, and psychosocial well-being.
FAQs about Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through blood tests that measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4). Elevated TSH and low T4 indicate an underactive thyroid.
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Hypothyroidism can affect individuals of all ages, but it is more prevalent in women, particularly those over the age of 60. It can also develop in infants (congenital hypothyroidism) and adolescents.
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When you take birth control pills, the hormones in the pill (estrogen and progesterone) can interact with the thyroid-binding proteins in your body. As a result, your thyroid levels increase. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you will need to increase the dosage of your thyroid medications while taking birth control pills. Once you stop taking birth control pills, your dosage will need to decrease. So, it is advised to consult your healthcare provider to know the correct dosage of thyroid medications.
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Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain and make it more challenging to lose weight due to its impact on metabolism. However, weight management can still be achieved with appropriate diet and treatment.
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If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as mental health issues, shortness of breath, fluctuating body temperature, heart problems, and goitre (an increase in the size of the thyroid). In severe cases, it can cause myxoedema coma.
