Hypothyroidism and Homoeopathy

Dr Omi V Bosmia

Abstract:-
Largest of all the endocrine gland the thyroid is a butterfly shaped organ, located in the front of the neck, extending from C5 to T1. Hyperthyroidism is a common  discorder where the thyroid gland produces and secretes excess thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) level, due to multiple factors, causing multi-organ dysfunction. Its prevalence is about 20:1000 females. Males are affected 5 times less frequently when compared to female. Hyperthyroidism is associated with significant acute and chronic morbidity. Early recognition and timely management of the condition are required for maintaining health. This article deals with the introduction to hyperthyroidism in relation with homoeopathy.

Keywords:- Hyperthyroidism, Homeopathy, Thyroid, Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine, TSH.

Introduction:-

The thyroid gland is Butterfly shaped gland which consists of two lobes connected by isthmus. It is located anterior to trachea between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. The normal thyroid gland is 12-20 gm in size, highly vascular and soft in consistency⁽³⁾.

The function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormone T3(Triiodothyronine) and T4(Thyroxine) which are derived from Tg (Thyroglobulin) a large iodinated glycoprotein. After secretion into the thyroid follicle, Tg is iodinated on tyrosine residues that are subsequently coupled via an ether linkage. Reuptake of thyroglobulin into the thyroid follicular cell allows proteolysis and the release of newly synthesized T3 and T4⁽³⁾.

These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, growth and development. They support the rate at which the body uses fats and carbohydrates. They help control body temperature. They have an effect on heart rate. And they help control how much protein the body makes.

The regulation of thyroid axis; hypothalamic TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormone) stimulates pituitary production if TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which in turn stimulates thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. Thyroid hormones act via negative feedback to inhibit TRH and TSH production⁽³⁾.

Hyperthyroidism is a hyper metabolic clinical and biochemical state caused by the excess production of thyroid hormones T3(Triiodothyronine) and T4(Thyroxine) levels in the blood⁽²⁾.

Hyperthyroidism is more common in women than men, with a ratio of 5:1.

As the homoeopathic system of medicine relies on highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing mechanism. This study aims to delve into the efficacy od homeopathic medicine for cases of hyperthyroidism, exploring whether these treatments could provide a valuable adjunct or even an alternative to conventional approaches.

This research endeavors to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by conducting a comprehensive review of literature, analyzing clinical outcomes. By exploring the holistic principles of homoeopathy and assessing its impact on management on hyperthyroidism.

RISK FACTORS:- ⁽⁸⁾

Risk factors for the Hyperthyroidism includes;

• A family history of thyroid disease, particularly Grave’s Disease.
• A personal history of certain chronic illness, including Pernicious Anemia and Primary Adrenal Insufficiency.
• A recent Pregnancy, which raises the risk of developing Thyroditis, this can lead to develop Hyperthyroidism.

ETIOPATHOGENESIS:-(3,4)

There are two types of Hypothyroidism, they are:

• Primary Hyperthyroidism: The term primary hyperthyroidism is used to indicate that the pathology lies within thyroid gland itself.

Causes	Pathogenic mechanism
Grave’s Disease	TSH Antibody
Toxic multinodular Goiter	Activating mutation in TSHr (thyroid stimulating hormone receptor)
Toxic Adenoma	Benign tumor of thyroid gland & overproduction of thyroid gland
Struma ovarii	Mesodermal teratoma of ovary
Iodine induced	Iodine containing drugs & radiography
Painless thyroiditis	Inflammatory autoimmune

• Secondary Hyperthyroidism:- The term secondary hyperthyroidism is used to describe that the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones due to excessive circulating TSH ( Extra thyroid causes)

Causes	Pathogenic mechanism
TSH secreting pituitary adenoma	Tumors in pituitary gland produces excessive TSH
Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome	Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone

CLINICAL FEATURES:-^(1,2)

CVS: Palpitation, dyspnea, Tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure, wide pulse pressure

CNS: Restlessness, irritability, tremors, insomnia, periodic paralysis

GIT: Increased appetite, hyper defecation, exaggerated bowel sounds, pernicious anemia

Ophthalmic: Foreign body sensation, prominence of eyes, diplopia, diminished vision, stare, lid lag, globe lag, proptosis, extra ocular muscle involvement, exposure keratitis, lagophthalmos, exophthalmos

Reproductive System: Short menstrual cycles, loss of libido, gynecomastia

Thyroid: Neck swelling, goiter, bruit

General: Weight loss, weakness, heat intolerance,

Skin:  hyperpigmentation, pruritus, warm and moist skin, onchylosis, palmar erythema, diffuse alopecia, sweating

Investigations:-⁽⁴⁾

• The primary test performed is Blood Test: The blood test measures the hormones T3, T4 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The high levels of T3, T4 and low level of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism.
• Absent TSH response following intravenous TRH.
• Radioactive iodine uptake test: I131 uptake may be increased by thyroid gland.
• Measurement of TRAb: It may be useful in Grave’s disease.
• Thyroid ultrasound: To look for nodularity, vascularity.
• Elevated antibodies to TPO.

COMPLICATIONS:⁽⁸⁾

Hyperthyroidism may lead to the following complications;

• HEART PROBLEMS: Atrial fibrillation may lead to stroke.
• BRITTLE BONES: Untreated hyperthyroidism may lead to weak, brittle bone, this condition is called Osteoporosis.
• VISION PROBLEMS: Bulging eyes, pressure in eyes, puffy or retracted eyelids, light sensitivity.
• THYROTOXICOSIS CRISIS: This condition is also called thyroid storm; it may cause life threatening which may require emergency medical care.

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY IN MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:

Rubrics from synthesis Repertory;⁽⁷⁾

• Mind – Irritability
• Mind – Restlessness
• Head – Hair – baldness
• Eye – protrusion – exophthalmos
• Vision – diplopia
• Throat – choking- thyroid gland; from enlargement of the
• Stomach – appetite – increased
• Stool – frequent
• Male genitalia/ sex – sexual desire – diminished
• Female genitalia/sex – sexual desire – diminished
• Respiration – difficulty
• Chest – palpitation of heart
• Extremities – eruptions – hands – palms – red spots
• Sleep – sleeplessness
• General – hyperthyroidism
• Generals – pulse – frequent
• Generals – trembling
• General – warm

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES USEFUL IN HYPERTHYROIDISM:-^(5,6) 

• BADIAGA:

1. Tremulous palpitation of the heart, even while sitting or lying.
2. Palpitation after pleasurable emotions.
3. Very stiff neck.
4. Scrofulous swelling of the glands of face, throat, neck.

• CALCAREA CARBONICA

1. Improper nutrition and imperfect digestion.
2. Impatience, excessive excitability and excess liability to mental impression.
3. Copious night sweat which are sour or odorless.
4. Hunger, a short time after having eaten.

• GRAPHITES:

1. Rush of blood to face, with flushed face.
2. Dejection, sadness and profound melancholy with discouragement and much weeping.
3. Great aversion to coition.
4. Palpitation of the heart on the least movement.

• IODUM:

1. Fixed ideas.
2. Diplopia.
3. Violent, frothy diarrhea or composed of sanguineous mucus.
4. Violent palpitation of heart, increased by least exertion or motion.

• KALI IOD:

1. Swelling of thyroid gland (goiter) with sensitiveness to touch and pressure.
2. Sleeplessness almost during night, only sleepy in daytime.
3. Dyspnea on ascending stairs with pain in region of heart.
4. Pulse rapid and full

• NATRUM MURIATICUM:

1. Ravenous appetite but grows thin.
2. Goiter of large size.
3. Violent thirst.
4. Great weakness, debility of mind and body after exertion

• SPONGIA:

1. Thyroid gland hard and swollen, with suffocative attacks at night.
2. Excessive insatiable hunger.
3. Thirst sometimes insatiable.
4. Pulse full, hard and frequent.

• THYROIDINUM:

1. Prominence of eyeballs- exophthalmic goiter.
2. Frequent pulse with inability to lie down.
3. Flushing with nausea.
4. Gastrointestinal disturbance with diarrhea.

• THUJA:

1. Greasy brown skin of neck.
2. Violent and audible palpitation of heart, especially when going upstairs.
3. Palpitation of heart with nausea.
4. Emaciation and deadness of affected parts.

• PHOSPHORUS:

1. Exophthalmos.
2. Apathy alternating with angry words and acts.
3. Longing for acids and spicy things; thirst, with longing for something fresh.
4. Glandular diseases, especially after contusion.

Conclusion:
Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that requires timely intervention. While conventional treatments like medication and surgery can help manage symptoms, homeopathy offers a natural, long-lasting solution by addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction. By choosing homeopathy, you can support your thyroid health and improve your overall quality of life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. D. Penman Ralston, Strachan, M.W.S. Strachan, and R.P. Hobson (Eds.). (2022). Davidson’s principles & practice of medicine (24^th edition) Elsevier Health Sciences
2. Mohan Harsh. Textbook of pathology (7^th edition). Jaypee brothers’ medical publishers (P) Ltd.
3. Dennisl, H. Stephenl, L.J.J., F.Anthonys, L.Danl Josephloscalzo (Eds.). (2017). Harrison’s Endocrinology (4^th edition). Mc. Graw. Hill education
4. George K. Mathew, Aggraval Praveen. Medicine prep manual for undergraduates (7^th edition). Elsevier
5. J.H. (2023) Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: 3 volume set B. Jain
6. Boericke W. (2023). Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory. B.Jain
7. Schryones F. Synthesis Repertory
8. https://www. Mayoclinic.org

Dr Omi V. Bosmia
B.H.M.S.; Intern batch, L.R. Shah Homoeopathy College, Anandpar, Rajkot, Gujarat.
Email id omibosmia29@gmail.com