Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) required in the body. The thyroid is a two-lobed butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism, or simply put, regulate how the body uses energy. When thyroid hormones are not produced in enough quantity, the body’s functions tend to slow down. Symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of hypothyroidism. With the progression of the condition, symptoms start showing up.
The early and most common signs and symptoms include weight gain (obesity), fatigue (tiredness), and increased sensitivity to cold. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, stiffness or swelling, muscle/joint pains, and constipation. Other indications include puffiness on the face, hands and feet. Thinning of hair, dry hair, and brittle fingernails may be noted. Slow heart rate and movements, elevated cholesterol levels, sleepiness, skin dryness, and decreased sweating. In females, heavy menses is reported. Feeling depressed, impaired memory, decreased sexual interest, numbness and tingling sensation in hands, and a low and hoarse voice are the other symptoms.
Homeopathy offers a wonderful and natural treatment for cases of hypothyroidism. Homeopathic medicines are highly effective in mild to moderate cases of hypothyroidism. Homeopathic medicines mainly help in improving the function of the thyroid gland, and provide symptomatic relief to the patient. Natural homeopathic remedies for hypothyroidism are useful for people who want to avoid the side effects of conventional drugs.
Homeopathy boosts thyroid functioning
In cases of hypothyroidism, homeopathy improve functioning of the thyroid gland in a natural manner by treating the root cause. This relieves one of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Since the underlying cause is addressed with these medicines, the complaint is treated in the long run rather than a temporary cure. For achieving the best possible results, it is recommended to complete the entire course as suggested by the homeopath. In mild to moderate cases of hypothyroidism, homeopathic treatment is recommended. But in severe cases or cases having complications, it is advised to seek help from a conventional mode of treatment.
Individualised Treatment
The required medicine for every case of hypothyroidism has to be selected from a wide range of homeopathic medicines. The medicine to be taken is decided after a detailed study of the case history and symptoms presented by the patient. The potency and frequency of the finalised medicine vary from case to case as per the age, key symptoms, and thyroid hormone levels evaluated by a blood test. Since the prescription is customised for a given case, it offers excellent results. It is advised to avoid self-prescription. Consider the use of any of these medicines after a proper case evaluation from a homeopathic expert.
Safe medicines with zero side effects
In homeopathy, all the medicines used for treating hypothyroidism are of natural origin, hence these are safe medicines to use. These are used in highly diluted forms that work very gently in a harmless manner and cause no side effects at all. These are a great alternative to natural medicines that offer a safe recovery.
Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Hypothyroidism
The top eight homeopathic medicines for treating hypothyroidism are Thyroidinum, Calcarea Carbonica, Natrum Muriaticum, Sepia Officinalis, Graphites Naturalis, Iodum, Spongia Tosta and Kali Iodatum.
1. Thyroidinum – Top-grade medicine for hypothyroidism
Thyroidinum is a top homeopathic medicine for thyroid issues known to stimulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is suitable for persons who have a puffy face and complain of weight gain. They get tired easily and want to lie down all the time. They are over-sensitive to cold and their hands and feet remain cold. Thyroidinum also address skin problems arising from an underactive thyroid. Here, it especially helps those with extremely dry skin. Irritability, weak memory, and tingling sensations are some of the other complaints that can be addressed with this medicine.
When to use Thyroidinum?
Thyroidinum is the best choice of medicine for cases of hypothyroidism with concerns of weight gain, sensitivity to cold, skin dryness, irritability of mind and tingling sensations.
How to use Thyroidinum?
This medicine is used in varying potencies like 3X, 6C, 30C, varying on a case-by-case basis. Consult a qualified homeopath for the right potency and dosage for best results.
2. Calcarea Carbonica – For Hypothyroidism with Obesity and Constipation
Calcarea Carb is the next most important medicine used very frequently in cases of hypothyroidism. Its use is highly recommended when there is excessive weight gain as a consequence of an underactive thyroid. Next, it is mostly recommended when there is increased sensitivity to cold. It also works wonders when there is a marked weakness that gets worse while walking or climbing upstairs. This medicine can also help in relieving constipation in hypothyroid patients – the peculiar feature needing it is that the initial part of the stool is hard, followed by soft stool. This medicine proves to be very efficacious for women with hypothyroidism who suffer from profuse menses that continue for a long duration and set off earlier than the expected date. Feet remain cold during menstrual periods.
When to use Calcarea Carbonica?
This medicine offers much help in cases of hypothyroidism to manage weight gain, sensitivity to cold and constipation. Its use is also administered for complaints of heavy and prolonged menses among women.
How to use Calcarea Carbonica?
Though it may be used in different potencies, it is best to begin with the 30C potency once a day. Higher potencies like 200C and 1M can also be considered later, but only under the supervision of a qualified homeopath.
3. Natrum Muriaticum – To manage Depression and Sadness in Hypothyroidism
It proves effective in managing certain specific complaints linked with hypothyroidism. First, it manages depression very effectively. Those who need it are apparently sad and weep often. Second, it is a very good medicine for dealing with hair thinning and hair fall among those suffering from hypothyroidism. Third, it can be administered when there is frequent exhaustion. There is tiredness and a sleepy feeling all the time. Weakness is felt more in the morning while still in bed. Its use can also be considered to manage numbness and tingling sensations in fingers. Hands and feet remain cold. Last but not least, it works wonders for the dryness of the skin.
When to use Natrum Muriaticum?
Natrum Mur is highly suitable to manage depression with sadness and weeping bouts, marked weakness, hair thinning and hair fall complaints and numbness, tingling sensation in fingers in cases of underactive thyroid.
How to use Natrum Muriaticum?
This medicine is mostly prescribed in 6X potency that can be used once or twice a day.
4. Sepia Officinalis – For Hypothyroidism with Menstrual Irregularities
The patients who need this medicine are very weak, have a pale yellow face, and are extremely sensitive to cold. They feel cold even in a warm room. This medicine can help in treating menstrual complaints with hypothyroidism. The onset of periods may be too early and heavy. The patient feels as if the pelvic organs will come out through the vulva; therefore, always sit cross-legged. The use of Sepia is also recommended for women with low libido (decreased sexual desire). The medicine is effective in treating constipation in hypothyroid patients. The patients who require this medicine complain of hard and constipated stool, which is evacuated as small balls with excessive pain that continues for a long time after one gets relieved in the morning.
When to use Sepia Officinalis?
This medicine should be administered to those with hypothyroidism, especially to manage complaints of increased sensitivity to cold, heavy menses and constipation with hard, stool that is difficult to pass.
How to use Sepia Officinalis?
This medicine can be taken once or twice a week in 30C power.
5. Graphites Naturalis – To Manage Skin Complaints with Hypothyroidism
Graphites is mainly recommended for patients with hypothyroidism who are obese and over-sensitive to cold. Those who require this medicine are very depressed, sad and start crying without any reason. Skin complaints, prominently dry rough skin, can be wonderfully managed with this medicine. It can also be administered to treat persistent constipation where the stool is hard and passes with great difficulty in lumps. There is a feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to gas.
When to use Graphites Naturalis?
Graphites is suggested for managing complaints such as obesity, sadness, depressed feelings, and dryness, roughness of skin in cases of underactive thyroid.
How to use Graphites Naturalis?
Initially, Graphites 30C can be administered once a week.
6. Iodum – For Hypothyroidism with Indurated, Inflamed Glands
Iodum is a very useful medicine in cases of glandular swellings and inflammation. The thyroid glands are hard with nodular changes. Patients who need this medicine are extremely sensitive to warmth and are always hungry despite eating well. The appetite is excessive, yet the patient doesn’t gain weight. Mentally, such patients are restless with impulsive behaviour. Iodum is also prescribed in cases of Goitre. Alternating hypo-hyper thyroid states are also very well managed by using this medicine.
When to use Iodum?
Iodum should be thought of in cases of chronic induration of the thyroid gland with nodular changes.
How to use Iodum?
This medicine is usually administered in biochemic form (3X potency). Recommended dose for best possible results is 2 tablets two times a day.
7. Spongia Tosta – For Goitre and Early Glandular Enlargement
Spongia Tosta is mostly prescribed in cases with prominent glandular enlargement. Glands are painful to touch and when there is even slight pressure on them. The thyroid glands are swollen, even around the chin. Goitre with suffocative spells and laryngeal complaints are also very well treated with this medicine. There is a constant sensation of pressure in the neck region along with dyspnea and a choking sensation.
When to use Spongia Tosta?
This medicine is mostly indicated in cases of early glandular enlargement and goitre associated with laryngeal symptoms such as difficult breathing and a choking sensation.
How to use Spongia Tosta?
It is administered in 30C potency that can be raised to 200C or 1M after consulting a qualified homoeopath.
8. Kali Iodatum-To Manage Structural Glandular Changes in Hypothyroidism
Kali Iodatum is yet another useful medicine in cases of hypothyroidism with structural and fibrotic changes in the gland. The glands are hard, nodular and rapidly enlarging. Glands are swollen and feel stony or irregular to the touch. It is also administered in chronic thyroiditis with fibrotic changes. There is a burning sensation in the glands with a tendency to degenerate, accompanied by rapid tissue changes.
When to use Kali Iodatum?
Kali Iodatum is recommended in cases of hypothyroidism with structural, fibrotic changes with swollen, stony glands.
How to use Kali Iodatum?
This medicine can be administered in different potencies, including 3X, 6X and 30C, depending upon the intensity of the symptoms.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Various causes can be attributed to hypothyroidism, which are as follows:
1. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder (infection-fighting cells of the body that begin to destroy the body’s own healthy tissues out of a misdirected response). Inflammation develops in immune cells, which damages the thyroid gland by mistake and hampers its functioning. What triggers such a response is not clear; genetic factors seem to play a role in it. A person having a family history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is at risk.
2. Thyroiditis: It refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can result from an infection caused by a virus or bacteria, or can be an autoimmune process or an after-effect of childbirth (postpartum thyroiditis).
3. Hyper response to hyperthyroidism treatment, radiation therapy and thyroid surgery: People who are administered anti-thyroid medicines or radioactive iodine treatment (it destroys thyroid cells) for hyperthyroidism may go on developing hypothyroidism with decreased production of thyroid hormones over a period of time. The thyroid gland may also be affected in those who undergo radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer of the head or neck. It slows down the production of thyroid hormones, ending up in hypothyroidism. A person who has undergone the surgical removal of the thyroid gland for some reasons (like goitre, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, etc.) may also develop hypothyroidism.
4. Iodine deficiency and use of certain medications: Iodine is a mineral required for making thyroid hormones. If a person does not have enough iodine in the body, it can result in hypothyroidism. There are certain medications like lithium, interferon alpha and interleukin that can hinder thyroid hormone production.
5. Pituitary Gland Disorders: If the pituitary gland is unable to produce TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) due to some reasons, like pituitary surgery, pituitary tumours, then hypothyroidism may result, though this cause is rare.
6. Congenital Hypothyroidism: In this case, the functioning of the thyroid gland is not proper from birth. At birth, babies with congenital hypothyroidism appear normal, and later, mental and physical growth are hampered. Newborns can be screened for hypothyroidism as a preventive measure.
What are the risk factors?
Though anyone can develop hypothyroidism, certain factors increase the risk, like women above 60 years of age; a family history of thyroid disorders; autoimmune disorders (like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome); history of thyroid surgery, treatment with anti-thyroid medicine or radioactive iodine, and pregnancy.
What are the complications of hypothyroidism?
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to the following complications:
1. Mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and slow mental functioning.
2. Goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland); trouble in breathing, and heart problems.
3. Pain, numbness and tingling sensations in different body parts due to damage to peripheral nerves; joint pains; carpal tunnel syndrome (a syndrome caused by numbness, tingling, and weakness in fingers due to compression of the median nerve).
4. Infertility issues.
5. Myxoedema coma with symptoms of extreme intolerance to cold, drowsiness, weakness, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, and confusion that leads to unconsciousness. It is a medical emergency needing urgent treatment.
6. Increased risk of pre-eclampsia (a dangerous condition characterised by very high blood pressure during pregnancy with retention of fluid and protein in urine), and anemia during pregnancy. Increased risk of birth defects and developmental problems in babies borne by women with untreated hypothyroidism.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can hypothyroidism cause hair fall?
Yes. Reduced thyroid hormones slow body metabolism and weaken hair roots, leading to diffuse hair fall, thinning of eyebrows, and dry hair.
2. Does hypothyroidism lead to weight gain?
Yes. Due to slow metabolism, fluid retention, and reduced energy expenditure. However, weight gain is usually moderate, not extreme.
3 Is hypothyroidism curable?
In many cases, it is not completely curable, but it can be controlled with proper treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes.
4. How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels. High TSH with low thyroid hormones confirms hypothyroidism.
5. Can hypothyroidism affect pregnancy or fertility?
Yes. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause infertility, irregular periods, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications. Proper treatment usually restores normal fertility.
6. What foods should be avoided in hypothyroidism?
Patients should limit excessive soy products, junk food, refined sugar, cabbage, cauliflower, and processed foods. Too much gluten may worsen symptoms in some people.
7. Which food items are helpful in hypothyroidism?
Iodine-rich foods (in proper amounts), nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and a protein-rich diet support thyroid function and metabolism.
8. Can stress worsen hypothyroidism?
Yes. Chronic stress affects hormones and immunity, which can worsen symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
9. Can hypothyroidism cause depression or mood swings?
Yes. Thyroid hormones affect brain chemistry. Therefore, low levels can cause depression, poor memory, irritability, and lack of concentration.
10. Is lifelong treatment necessary?
Many patients require long-term treatment, but regular monitoring helps adjust dosage and maintain normal hormone levels.
11. Can lifestyle changes help in hypothyroidism?
Yes. Regular exercise, stress management, proper sleep, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive junk food greatly improve symptoms and treatment outcomes.
12. Will homeopathy replace thyroid hormone tablets?
Homeopathy will not replace thyroid hormone immediately. Patients already on thyroid medication should not stop it suddenly. Homeopathic treatment is usually started along with conventional treatment, and dosage reduction is considered only after improvement and medical supervision.
13. How long does homeopathic treatment take?
The symptomatic improvement may begin in 1–3 months, but deeper hormonal balance usually requires long-term treatment depending on the severity of the symptoms.
14. Is homeopathy safe for long-term use in hypothyroidism?
Yes. Homeopathic medicines are administered in minimal doses and are generally safe for long-term use when prescribed by a qualified practitioner.