Definition:
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulate many metabolic processes by diffusing small amounts throughout the body.
The production of T3 and T4 in the thyroid is stimulated by thyrotrophin
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is a glycoprotein released from the anterior pituitary. The’ normal’ T3 and T4 and suppressed or raised TSH is known as subclinical hyperthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism respectively.
What are the different kinds of thyroid disorders?
Is a subclinical condition resulting from decreased circulating levels of T4 and or T3 by the thyroid gland irrespective of the cause.The longstanding hypothyroidism is seen as myxoedema characterized by swelling of skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Causes for hypothyroidism: iodine deficiency, after surgery or radioactive iodine treatment and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism
Tiredness, Somnolence,weight gain and cold intolerance and goitre.
puffiness of face with malar rash,baggy eyelids,vitiligo and myxoedema.
Mental changes vary from slowness of cerebration to myxoedema madness.
Joint aches and pains and muscle cramps and stiffness.
High cholesterol levels, angina,pericardial effusion and cardiac failure.
Coarse dry skin
constipation
Thinning of hair or hair loss (alopecia).
Infertility
Menorrhagia
Impotence.
Hyperthyroidism:
A clinical condition resulting from increased levels of free thyroxine (T4) and or T3.Though it is a disease of the thyroid gland it can be induced by administration of excessive amounts of thyroidal hormons.
Causes for hyperthyroidism: Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, or tumors that secrete thyroid hormones.
Symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism
Nervousness, tremor,aggitation
Irritability, fever, anxiety, restlessness.
Poor concentration
Amenorrhoea (no menses) or less mentrual flow.
Tachycardia ( increased pulse pressure)
Heat intolerance, flushing of face and neck in warm atmosphere.
Changes in bowel habits, such as more frequent bowel movements
Exopthalmus, bulging eyes.
Skin thinning, keratitis
Loss of weight in spite of increased appetite.
Profuse perspiration.
Thyroid nodule or cancer symptoms and signs
Nodules can form because of hyper/hypothyroidism and mostly are benign common example is
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an Iodine deficiency which causes an enlarged thyroid gland and nodules.
Certain cysts are also responsible for nodules and some can be cancerous.
Examples of these symptoms and signs include:
Difficult Deglutination (swallowing)
shortness of breath due to compression of the windpipe and airway.
A lump or nodule is seen in the neck region.
Homoeopathic Management &Treatment:
The psychodynamics of the Thyroid :
Hatred/feeling like a victim/humiliation.
feels like never get to do what I want. plans feel thwarted.
After taking into consideration these emotions a Homoeopath tries to ascertain and delves into the depths of case-taking with the patient with respect to his environment at home, work and social contacts.
Together with the past and family history a totality is formed and treated.
Homoeopathy provides a complete and permanent solution to Thyroid problems with no recurrence or relapse of symptoms.
A case of thyroid and leucoderma
A young female nurse, slightly obese came with spots on her heels and toes. She also showed her reports with an elevated TSH level of 11.4
Doctor-Patient verbatim
Doctor: It is Leucoderma! How and when did it start?
Patient: I don’t know how it started as I never had any such thing on my body. First I noticed it on my thumb, and immediately I showed it to the doctor. But slowly it has spread in these 3 months. I don’t remember anyone in my family who has this disease. Also lately I started noticing that my weight is increasing, being a nurse I quickly did a blood test only to find that I now have a thyroid problem also.
On Further questioning
Doctor: Who all are there at home?
Patient: Husband,2 sons. All are good and settled well in life. I have no tensions. Whatever I had planned everything happened. Don’t know why this dreadful disease ?? It is very disturbing for me.
Patient: At the village and among relatives it will be embarrassing otherwise I am mentally stable. But this disease is also better than other diseases as I can do all my things and job, it is not a hindrance. I also spoke to my friends and they said don’t worry but take a second opinion.
Doctor: what is disturbing you?
Patient: why it happened to me(laughing)? My son said to me Mum you are so independent and lucky that you own a house and have a good job. You have no worries absolutely.
Doctor the only thing that worries me is this health condition. Please give me your opinion on this and I will be tension free once and for all.
Analysis and Evaluation of the Case:
The patient appeared to be too pompous about her social status and the things she owns especially her house.
The only thing that really bothered her was why it has happened to me. The answer to this is what she was searching for desperately. Based on the above a totality was erected.
Rubrics Selected:
Mind;Boaster
Delusions wealth of,
Indifference recovery about his
Anxiety dark
Light desire deliriously.
Remedy Selected:
Calcarea Carb 200 3 doses stat.
In 2 months’ time, the entire patches healed and were restored to normal. And also her thyroid levels dropped significantly.