Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms, Tests, Living With Your Medication and Where Homoeopathy Fits

What the thyroid does

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Its hormones control how quickly the body uses energy. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the thyroid through a hormone called TSH.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair fall, puffy face, slow thinking, low mood, heavy or irregular periods and muscle aches. Symptoms usually develop slowly and are easy to blame on a busy life.

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Weight loss despite a good appetite, palpitations, a fast or irregular heartbeat, tremor, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, poor sleep, loose stools and lighter periods. Some people develop bulging or gritty eyes (thyroid eye disease).

Common causes

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis — an autoimmune condition and the most common cause of an underactive thyroid.
• Graves' disease — an autoimmune cause of an overactive thyroid.
• Thyroiditis after pregnancy — can cause a temporary overactive phase followed by an underactive one.
• Iodine imbalance, some medicines, and thyroid surgery or radio-iodine treatment.
• Thyroid nodules — lumps in the gland, most of which are harmless but need assessment.

Understanding thyroid tests

TSH is usually the first test: it is typically raised when the thyroid is underactive and low when it is overactive. Free T4 (and sometimes free T3) shows the hormone level itself. Anti-TPO antibodies suggest autoimmune thyroid disease. An ultrasound is used to assess nodules or swelling. Results are interpreted together with your symptoms and history, so discuss them with your doctor rather than going by the report alone.

Taking thyroxine correctly

• Take it on an empty stomach with water, at the same time every day — usually 30–60 minutes before breakfast or tea.
• Keep a gap of about four hours from calcium, iron, antacids and some other supplements.
• Try to stay on the same brand; switching brands can change levels slightly.
• Never stop or change the dose on your own. Tests are usually repeated about six to eight weeks after any dose change.

Thyroid and pregnancy

Thyroid hormone needs rise in pregnancy, and untreated thyroid problems can affect both mother and baby. If you take thyroxine and plan a pregnancy or become pregnant, inform your doctor promptly; the dose often needs adjusting and tests are repeated more often.

Common myths

• "Cabbage and cauliflower must be avoided completely." Normal cooked portions are fine for most people as part of a balanced diet.
• "Thyroid explains all weight gain." An underactive thyroid may add a few kilograms; most weight gain has several causes.
• "Thyroid tablets are addictive." Thyroxine replaces a hormone the body is not making enough of; it is not habit-forming.
• "Natural products can replace thyroxine." Never replace or stop prescribed thyroid medicine without your doctor's advice.

Where homoeopathic care fits

Thyroid disorders are among the conditions for which homoeopathy is offered only as supportive care, alongside your prescribed medicine. No claims are made about changing thyroid test results or medicine doses. In the consultation Dr. Meenakshi looks at your symptoms, energy, sleep, mood, periods, digestion, skin and hair, family history and reports. Any change to thyroid medicine is decided only by your treating doctor, based on your tests. Progress is reviewed honestly at each follow-up. More: thyroid — clinic page.

When to see a doctor promptly

A swelling or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a racing or irregular heartbeat, bulging or painful eyes, or severe tiredness with confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions