Authored by Dr Harsh Sharma, Edited and Peer Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Sharma
Published September 20, 2024, Last updated September 20, 2024
Hypothyroidism is a common problem which leads to weight gain in men and women alike. In women, it may lead to other symptoms like disturbance in menstrual cycle also. The following 5 homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism are very effective in its treatment-
- Graphites
- Spongia
- Thyroidinum
- Fucus Vesiculosis
- Crotalus Cascavella
Before we come to the symptoms suggesting the use of these homeopathic remedies in the treatment of hypothyroidism, let us understand a little more about thyroid gland and hypothyroidism.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland is not able to produce enough of the hormones. In such a situation, the body is deprived of the effects of these thyroid hormones namely T3 and T4. These two hormones help in regulating the metabolism of our body. If the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough of these hormones, the metabolism of the body slows down. The digestive system slows down and one’s appetite goes down. Ironically, one tends to gain weight despite eating less. This happens because the body’s metabolism is slow and it burns much lesser calories in the resting state.
What is Thyroid Gland and its function?
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland in the front of your neck and just under the larynx. It has two lobes, one on either side of the windpipe. The thyroid gland secretes T4 and T3. These two hormones are responsible for the metabolism of the body, which in turn regulates the digestion, energy metabolism and even growth of the body.
The function of the thyroid gland is regulated by another hormone, namely the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH. The pituitary gland, which resides at the base of the brain, secretes the TSH in response to the levels of the T3 and T4. If the thyroid hormones are less, the pituitary secretes more TSH which prompts the thyroid gland to produce more T3 and T4. If the levels rise above the desired level, the pituitary secretes less TSH which prompts the thyroid to produce less of the thyroid hormones.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypo means below or under. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is underperforming. It is not producing enough of the two thyroid hormones T3 and T4. This happens even when the pituitary gland is producing enough of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or the TSH. Rather the pituitary produces more of TSH to stimulate the production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland in an effort to raise the production of these two hormones. That is why in most cases of hypothyroidism, the T3 and T4 are normal but the TSH is high.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism may be primary or secondary. Primary hypothyroidism is when the fault lies with the thyroid gland itself. In secondary hypothyroidism, the thyroid is not able to function normally because of an issue with the pituitary gland which is not able to secrete enough TSH. The common causes of primary hypothyroidism are as follows-
- Thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism.
- Iodine deficiency is another cause of hypothyroidism though it is not common anymore after the compulsory addition of iodine to the common salt.
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism can also lead to hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are as under-
- Weight gain- Patients start gaining weight even when they are not eating much.
- Fatigue- A feeling of weakness persists though one is not able to find any specific reason for that.
- Lethargy- One does not feel like getting up or going to work.
- Lack of appetite- A common symptom is a marked lack of appetite.
- Constipation- A difficulty in evacuation of bowels is another common symptom.
- Hyperlipidemia- Increase in cholesterol levels may also occur in hypothyroidism.
- Intolerance to cold – The body is unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
- Disturbance in menses – Delayed or heavy menses are also common.
- Dryness of skin and hair – It causes dryness and coarseness of skin and hair.
- Puffiness of eyes and face may also be present in some cases.
Homeopathic Treatment for Hypothyroidism
A very common misperception has gained ground in the minds of patients that hypothyroidism is not curable. They mistakenly believe that they will have to keep taking medicines for the rest of their lives. The fact is that homeopathy works wonders in the treatment of Hypothyroidism. A patient who is suffering from hypothyroidism takes homeopathic medicines to treat hypothyroidism for some time and his thyroid gland regains its normal functioning. Thereafter, he or she does not need to continue taking the medicines and can stop taking the medicines. This means that he or she will be able to lead a medicine free and disease free life.
5 Best Homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism
The following 5 homeopathic medicines have proved to be very effective in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Although, there are many homeopathic medicines that can help cure hypothyroidism, these 5 are more often indicated. This does not in any way mean that only these will be able to treat all the cases of hypothyroidism. Often, an experienced homeopath needs to go beyond the routine medicines and prescribe something uncommon based on the symptoms in a particular patient.
Still it is important to emphasize the role of these 5 homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism –
1. Graphites – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with constipation
2. Spongia – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with persistent cough
3. Thyroidinum – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with anaemia
4. Fucus Vesiculosis – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with obesity
5. Crotalus Cascavella – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with constriction in thyroid gland
Here, I am giving a brief synopsis of the most prominent indications that point towards the use of a particular homeopathic medicine for a patient having hypothyroidism.
1. Graphites – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with constipation
When constipation is a dominant symptom, Graphites is one of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism. The patient is usually fat, chilly and constipated. In females, menses may be delayed, short and scanty. Skin eruptions are also common in such patients where there is oozing of thick sticky discharge.
2. Spongia – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with persistent cough
When there is persistent cough as a concomitant symptom, Spongia is one of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism. There is constant tickling in the throat which causes cough. One tries to clear the throat constantly. Air passages are dry and the cough is worse before midnight. The thyroid gland is swollen.
3. Thyroidinum – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with anaemia
When there is persistent anaemia, Thyroidinum is one of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism. Weakness, anaemia, emaciation and sweating are other prominent symptoms indicating the use of this medicine in cases of hypothyroidism. Craving for sweets is another strong indication.
4. Fucus Vesiculosis – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with obesity
When there is obesity with hypothyroidism, Fucus Vesiculosis is one of the best homeopathic remedies for hypothyroidism. This remedy works wonders in such cases where obesity is the dominant symptom and other symptoms are not present or negligible. Non toxic goiter is also present in some cases.
5. Crotalus Cascavella – One of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism with constriction in thyroid gland
When there is sense of constriction in the neck region, Crotallus Cascavella is one of the best homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism. The patient feels as if a thread is tied around the thyroid gland. There may be a feeling of dust in the throat region. Swallowing becomes difficult and there is pain from the oesophagus down to the abdomen.
