TREATING ENDOCRINE GLAND WITH AYURVEDA – A CASE REPORT ON HYPOTHYROIDISM .
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone production, leading to reduced metabolic activity and multiple systemic manifestations. In Ayurveda, hypothyroidism can be understood in terms of Agnimandya, Kapha-Vata predominance, Rasavaha Srotodushti, and Medovaha Srotodushti. A 73-year-old female diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism presented with elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) while maintaining normal serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. She underwent individualized Ayurvedic management comprising Deepana, Pachana, Kapha-Vata Shamana, Agni correction, Rasayana therapy, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modification.Following approximately 12 weeks of treatment, serum TSH decreased from 24 µIU/ml to 12.2 µIU/ml (approximately 49% reduction). Serum T3 improved from 0.84 ng/ml to 1.38 ng/ml, while serum T4 increased from 7.2 µg/dl to 8.67 µg/dl, remaining within the normal reference range. Conclusion: Individualized Ayurvedic management was associated with partial biochemical improvement in thyroid function. Although TSH remained above the normal reference range, serial laboratory findings suggested improvement. Larger controlled clinical studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in hypothyroidism.
Keywords
Hypothyroidism, Ayurveda, Agnimandya, TSH, Thyroid Function Test, Case Report