What Causes Hypothyroidism?

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism-

• Fatigue and Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Hair loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Memory loss

Causes of Hypothyroidism-

• Over treatment of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
• Thyroiditis – an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Severe iodine deficiency
• Radiation treatment or Radioactive iodine
• Pregnancy – during or after, may seriously affect the fetus
• Inborn defect
• Viruses and bacteria

Risk factors of Hypothyroidism-

• Being treated with radioactive iodine (or other anti-thyroid drugs)
• Age, people over 60 years of age
• A close relative having an autoimmune disease
• Exposure to radiation therapy
• Thyroidectomy – partial surgical removal of the thyroid

Complications of Hypothyroidism-

• Heart problems such as an enlarged heart and heart failure
• Severe Depression
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Birth defects
• Goiter
• Intense cold intolerance and drowsiness

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism includes following

• Medical History and physical exam
• Blood test such as Thyroid –stimulating hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (T4) measurement test.
• Imaging test such Thyroid ultrasound and thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test
• Other test such as computed tomography (CT) Scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Precautions & Prevention of Hypothyroidism-

• Avoid alcohol and soft drinks
• Precautions & Prevention of iodine deficiency

Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Homeopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Acupuncture Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Psychotherapy Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Other Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Homeopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Homeopathy is known for balancing hormonal system. It treats the person as a whole. Treatment is constitutional. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. It balances the energy system, improves immunity and body functions. It naturally cures the root cause of disorder. Some homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism are:

• Calc
• Lith met
• Calc sil
• Thyr
• Graph
• Puls
• Sepia

Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Acupuncture may be helpful in correcting hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders. The needles function by getting rid of the pain endured by the individual and curing the ailment.

Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy treatment creates positivity in mind and is very effective for your mind and soul.  It has been said that a mind that is free from all negative thoughts is the best treatment for overall health problems.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Treatment of hypothyroidism in allopathy is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which compensates the insufficiency of the hormone that the thyroid gland is unable to produce.

Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Eat diet which contains iodine such as seafood, iodized salt, eggs and meat.
• Avoid eating Junk foods
• Eat rice, barley malt, carob, fruits, carrots 
• Drink vegetable juices

Other Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Yoga and medication
• Physical activities like fishing, photo-safari, riding or golf.
• Do Swimming in non-chlorinated water