Hypothyroidism, often referred to as an underactive thyroid, is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy production, and temperature regulation. When the thyroid gland is underactive, these processes slow down, leading to a range of symptoms and health issues.
Common causes of hypothyroidism include:
Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis): This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid gland, impairing its ability to produce hormones.
Iodine Deficiency: The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. A lack of dietary iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, although this is less common in regions with iodized salt.
Surgical Removal of the Thyroid: If the thyroid gland is surgically removed or partially removed, the remaining tissue may not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for certain cancers, especially in the neck area, can damage the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism.
Medications: Some medications, such as lithium or certain anti-thyroid drugs, can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary widely, but often include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Slow heart rate
- Menstrual irregularities (in women)
Hypothyroidism is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. A high TSH level and low T3 and T4 levels are indicative of hypothyroidism.
Treatment for hypothyroidism involves replacing the missing thyroid hormones with synthetic thyroid hormone medication, most commonly levothyroxine (Synthroid). The goal is to bring thyroid hormone levels back into the normal range and alleviate symptoms. It’s essential for individuals with hypothyroidism to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage, as it can vary from person to person. In conventional treatment, hypothyroidism is a manageable condition, and with the right medication and monitoring, most people can lead normal, healthy lives.
Why integrate medicine for hypothyroid care?
Conventional medicine has traditionally been the primary approach to managing hypothyroidism, relying on synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms and restore thyroid hormone levels. However, in recent years, there has been growing interest in integrated medicine approaches for managing hypothyroidism, which combine conventional treatments with complementary and alternative therapies.
Integrated medicine offers a holistic and patient-centred approach to managing hypothyroidism. Integrated medicine recognises that each patient is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing hypothyroidism. Practitioners consider a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to tailor a treatment plan that may include dietary changes, lifestyle changes, stress management, yoga, ayurvedic formulation, herbal supplements, marma therapy, and other complementary therapies. By integrating medicine with conventional treatments, patients can potentially improve their overall well-being and enhance the effectiveness of their treatment to normalise thyroid function and be free from medication. However, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who is experienced in integrated medicine to create a personalised and safe treatment plan that meets individual needs to root out thyroid problems.
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