Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Its Symptoms & Treatment

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroid where the thyroid gland becomes underactive and does not secrete enough hormones for the body’s need.

Exact cause for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is unknown but the following factors are said to trigger the disorder:

• Genetics: There could be a family history, where some family member could be suffering from the disorder.
• Female Gender: Females are 10-15 times more likely to develop this disorder than men.
• Excessive Iodine: Certain medicines and too much iodine intake through food may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people.
• Radiation Exposure: Increased cases of thyroid disease are reported in persons who are exposed to radiations or undergoing radiation treatment for cancers.

Hashimoto’s symptoms may take years to develop. The first sign of the disease is often an enlarged thyroid gland known as Goitre. The goitre may cause the front of the neck to look swollen. A large goitre makes swallowing difficult. Other symptoms seen in hypothyroid are presenting symptoms for this disorder like, weight gain, fatigue, puffiness of face, joint and muscle pain, constipation, inability to get warm, difficulty getting pregnant, vague muscle pains, hairloss or thinning, brittle hair, irregular menstrual cycles, depression, slowed heart rate.

Because the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroid may be similar to those for other medical conditions, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Homoeopathy for Thyroid Disorder:

Homoeopathy helps to produce thyroid hormone naturally by stimulating the immune system and helps in better functioning of the thyroid gland.

Homoeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing capacity by encouraging the body to reactivate hormone secretions.

Homeopathy is free from any side-effects.

Homoeopathy is a mind-body medicine. Homoeopathy treats not only the physical complaints, but also targets the mind and gently restores mind-body equilibrium- thus it treats the patient as a whole.

If a patient is taking conventional medicine for hypothyroid, they can continue taking the medicine with homoeopathic medicine. Slowly and steadily when the thyroid hormones come to normalcy the conventional medicine can be tapered off and the person can continue with homoeopathy to avoid recurrence.

Self-Help

Regular exercise and a high fibre diet often help in maintaining thyroid function and preventing constipation.

Have regular check-ups and pay attention to your symptoms. Report changes, if any, to your doctor.

Supplemental vitamin/ mineral combinations should be taken under supervision.

Caffeinated drinks and dairy products should be avoided.

Drink adequate water to prevent dryness of skin and hair.

Consume fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes in adequate amounts which will help combat nutritional deficiency and is required food for hair.