Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition characterized by decreased thyroid hormone production, leading to metabolic slowing and multisystem involvement. While conventional medicine focuses on lifelong hormone replacement, homoeopathy aims at stimulating the natural functioning of the thyroid gland by treating the underlying miasmatic cause and constitutional tendencies. This article outlines the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of hypothyroidism, and provides a detailed homoeopathic perspective, including commonly indicated remedies and a repertorial approach.
Keywords
Hypothyroidism, Thyroxine, Thyroid gland, Homoeopathy, Constitution, Miasm, Repertory, Materia Medica.
Definition
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leading to a generalized decrease in metabolic processes. The most common cause is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease).
Etiology
- Primary Hypothyroidism (thyroid gland failure): Autoimmune thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, post-thyroidectomy, congenital defects.
2. Secondary (pituitary failure): Pituitary adenomas, Sheehan’s syndrome.
3. Tertiary (hypothalamic dysfunction).
Pathophysiology
Thyroid hormones regulate basal metabolic rate, thermogenesis, protein synthesis, and sympathetic nervous system sensitivity. In hypothyroidism, there is elevated TSH due to pituitary feedback, low T3 and T4, slowing of cellular metabolism, and accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, leading to myxoedema.
Clinical Features
Fatigue, lethargy, slow speech, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, bradycardia, dry skin, hair loss, puffy face, menstrual irregularities, depression, poor memory, and non-pitting edema (myxoedema).
Homoeopathic Approach
Homoeopathy treats hypothyroidism through:
– Constitutional remedy: Individualized remedy based on totality of symptoms.
– Miasmatic approach: Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis.
– Isopathy: Use of potentized thyroid gland (Thyroidinum).
Homoeopathic Materia Medica
Several remedies are known for their affinity to thyroid disorders. Prescribing is based on totality of symptoms:
Calcarea Carbonica: For sluggish metabolism, obesity, chilliness, profuse perspiration, fatigue, and constipation. Often seen in flabby, fair, and anxious individuals.
Lycopodium Clavatum: Right-sided complaints, flatulence, early satiety, loss of confidence, and aggravation between 4–8 pm.
Sepia: Suited for hormonal disorders in women; symptoms include weakness, aversion to family, irritability, bearing-down sensations.
Graphites: Obesity with dry skin, constipation, delayed mental processing, and tendency to keloid formation
Natrum Muriaticum: Reserved, introverted personalities, with dry skin, hair fall, and craving for salt.
Thyroidinum: A sarcode used in managing glandular insufficiency; helps when symptoms align with fatigue, chilliness, weight gain, and menstrual disturbances
Repertorial Approach
Kent’s Repertory: Generalities – obesity, Skin – dryness, Mind – sluggishness, Extremities – coldness, Gland – induration.
Other sources: Synthesis repertory, Boericke’s repertory.
Key remedies: Calcarea carb, Sepia, Thyroidinum, Graphites, Natrum mur, Lycopodium.
Management & Auxiliary Measures
Dietary iodine, avoid goitrogens, stress management, regular thyroid testing (TSH, T3, T4).
Review of Related Literature
Dr. Vijayakar links thyroid disorders to sycotic miasm. Dr. Gunavante notes Sepia, Thyroidinum, and Graphites as key remedies. Hahnemann’s Chronic Diseases attribute hypothyroidism to psoric miasm.
Conclusion
Homoeopathy addresses root causes of hypothyroidism with a miasmatic and constitutional approach. Remedies like Calcarea carb, Sepia, Graphites, and Thyroidinum help restore thyroid function naturally. Lifestyle changes and follow-up enhance outcomes.
References
Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine, 6th edition. Translated by William Boericke. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers.
Hahnemann, S. The Chronic Diseases: Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure. B. Jain Publishers.
Boericke, W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. B. Jain Publishers.
Kent, J.T. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers.
Allen, H.C. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons. B. Jain Publishers.
Vijayakar, P. Endocrinology in Predictive Homoeopathy. Mumbai: Predictive Homoeopathy Publications.
Gunavante, S.M. Essentials of Homoeopathic Therapeutics. B. Jain Publishers.
Davidson, S. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd edition. Elsevier.
Synthesis Repertory, 9.1 Edition. Dr. Frederik Schroyens. Homeopathic Book Publishers.
Dr Dhiraj Vishnubhai Surjuse
B.H.M.S
L R Shah Homoeopathy College, Anandpar, Rajkot, Gujarat
