Hypothyroidism or an under-active thyroid is the condition of the thyroid gland wherein the gland does not produce enough of thyroid stimulating hormone.

It is observed that as women cross the age of 60 years, they are more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism. An under-active thyroid causes a multitude of health issues. Although it is less known to cause symptoms in the early stages, untreated and over a long period of time, hypothyroidism can cause a number of health related problems such as excessive weight gain or obesity, joint complaints like joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

Hypothyroidism results from an under-active thyroid gland which means that the gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.

1. Autoimmune (the body’s immunity working against its own tissues
2. Congenital (defective thyroid gland from birth)
3. Surgery where in a significant portion of the thyroid gland is removed
4. While treating hyperthyroidism, the medication used for it can give rise to hypothyroidism
5. Certain medicines like lithium which is used in treatment of certain psychiatric disorders can also lead to hypothyroidism

1. Sense of tiredness and weakness
2. Fatigue
3. Dryness of skin
4. Constipation
5. Hair fall
6. Swelling on the face and other parts of the body
7. Excessive sleepiness
8. Low mood
9. Raised blood cholesterol level
10. Raised blood pressure
11. Reduced or impaired memory
12. Intolerance to cold

Goiter – the gland enlarges due hypothyroidism and shows up as a significant swelling along the midline of the neck

Cretinism – lack of thyroid hormone in children leads to delayed milestones, stunted growth and poor brain development

Myxedema – collection of myxedematous tissue in various parts of the body due to hypothyroidism. It gives rise to visible swelling in the affected parts.

Infertility – due to impairment in ovulation

Enlargement of heart and heart failure

Every individual is different and therefore each one of them presents with different individual characteristics in the same disease. Homeopathy works very well in treatment of hypothyroidism as it understands the person who suffers from hypothyroidism. The homeopathic treatment of hypothyroidism is without any side effects. In fact in the long term homeopathy can also help improve immunity. Since homeopathy works on improving the immunity, it can also help in treatment of autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the thyroid gland wherein the thyroid gland functions excessively. It produces too much of thyroid hormone. This causes an overall increase in basal metabolic rate. Causes of Hyperthyroidism An overactive thyroid gland leads to hyperthyroidism

• Graves’ disease, it is an autoimmune disorder. Antibodies are produced by the immune system to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excess of T-4 hormone. This is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism. This is likely to be genetic in nature.
• An over functioning thyroid gland can cause hyperthyroidism in conditions such as toxic adenoma, multi-nodular goiter and Plummer’s disease. In these conditions, one or more adenomas or tumors of the thyroid gland produce excess of T-4 hormone.
• Thyroiditis or swelling and inflammation of the thyroid gland can also cause hyperthyroidism. This inflammation leads to lot of thyroid hormone being stored inside the thyroid gland eventually letting it leak into the blood stream. Types are sub-acute granulomatous thyroiditis and post-partum thyroiditis. inside the thyroid gland eventually letting it leak into the blood stream. Types are sub-acute granulomatous thyroiditis and post-partum thyroiditis.

Weight loss
Increased heart rate
Palpitations
Excessive sweating
Tremors
Intolerance of heat
Dryness of skin
Thinning and brittle hair
Skin thinning
Changes in menstrual cycles
Nervousness, irritability and anxiety
Increased appetite

Heart – Disorders of the heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure

Bones – Weak and brittle bones due to reduced calcium absorption in bones

Eyes – bulging eye balls, double vision (diplopia), redness of eyes and vision loss(blindness)

Skin – Redness and swelling of skin

Thyroid crisis – This is an emergency situation wherein there is a sudden flare up of all symptoms of hyperthyroidism leading to increased heart rate, fever and delirium.

Homeopathy is known to relieve the discomfort caused due to thyroid disease in a gentle manner and without any side effects. The homeopathic doctor assesses each case in details and addresses to the inner most conflicts that give rise to disease. Once the conflict is known and the right homeopathic medicine is given, the disease can be treated very well.