Ayurveda management of Iatrogenic Hypothyroidism: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Iatrogenic Hypothyroidism is permanent condition, once evoked by treatment resulting in permanent thyroid damage, or reversible, when caused by the treatment which interfere the thyroid function. Nowadays Radioactive iodine therapy is more preferably introduced for the treatment of Hyperthyroidism. It has proved to be effective, inexpensive and convenient for patients and wide thought as a treatment of choice. It destroys the cells within the thyroid gland that typically leads to hypothyroidism. In contemporary medicine still the management of Hypothyroidism remains unsatisfactory. Excessive hormonal replacement therapy carries potential to long term complications. Hence the present case study was taken to evaluate the efficacy of Shodhana therapy (Virechana karma) in the management of Iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Material and method: In a present case study a 30-year-old male patient diagnosed as a case of Iatrogenic hypothyroidism managed through Shodhana therapy (Virechana Karma). Assessment was made on the basis of change in TSH and T4 level along with relief in subjective parameter after the Shodhana therapy (Virechana Karma). Result: There was significant relief in weight gain (Reduced from 60 kg to 56 kg), BMI (25.9 to 24.2 kg/m2 ), Reduction in Hair fall from average 12.4 to 10.0 (Assessed by the hair comb test), disturbance in sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index changes 13 to 5) and TSH level (27.64 to 4.2 uIU/ml). Conclusion: The observartion made from this study suggests that Shodhana therapy along with Udwartana and Takradhara can provide an efficient result for managing Iatrogenic Hypothyroidism.