Navigating hypothyroidism – An Ayurvedic approach

BACKGROUND : Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders encountered worldwide and is characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone activity, commonly presenting with weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, and generalized heaviness. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these clinical features may be correlated with Kapha predominance, Agnimandya, Medo-Dushti, and Santarpana. A 24-year-old female presented with neck swelling, irregular menstrual cycles, generalized body heaviness, lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain. Thyroid profile revealed elevated TSH (61.009 μIU/mL) and reduced T4 (3.54 μg/dL). Based on the Ayurvedic assessment, a multimodal treatment protocol comprising Langhana, Deepana-Pachana, Kapha-Medohara Chikitsa, Vamana, Shamana Chikitsa, and dietary and lifestyle modifications was adopted. Vamana was performed considering the Kapha predominance and Santarpana pathology. After 60 days of treatment, significant clinical improvement was observed, with TSH decreasing to 3.04 μIU/mL and T4 increasing to 9.1 μg/dL. AIM: Ayurvedic management of hypothyroidism.