5 Best Treatments For Hypothyroidism

Insufficient production of the thyroid hormones causes hypothyroidism. As the thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism process of the body, an under-active thyroid gland increases body weight and causes heart diseases, joint pain and infertility. Hypothyroidism cannot be cured. Regular intake of thyroid hormone pills helps to keep the condition under control. In addition, certain herbal preparations and alternative treatments can be used for stimulating the thyroid gland to increase hormone secretion.

Types of Hypothyroidism Treatment

Herbal Treatment

Studies suggest that the peels of mango, watermelon and muskmelon are effective remedies for hypothyroidism. The extracts of the peels of these fruits work by stimulating the thyroid gland to increase production of the thyroid hormones. In the traditional Indian medicine system, the root of the medicinal plant Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is recommended for treating hypothyroidism. According to studies, intake of root extract of Withania somnifera improves thyroxine concentration in the blood. In the traditional medicine systems of Southeast Asia, the bark extract of Bauhinia purpurea or the purple orchid tree is widely used for improving the serum concentrations of the thyroid hormones. Preliminary findings suggest that Bauhinia purpurea causes significant improvement in the serum concentrations of the T3 and T4 hormones. Another effective natural remedy for hypothyroidism is the gum resin of the tree Commophora mukul. The stimulatory effect of the constituents of the Commophora mukul gum resin boosts production of the thyroid hormones.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement with Synthetic Hormone

Levothyroxine is the standard medication used for treating hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic thyroid hormone that when taken orally helps to stabilize the thyroid hormone levels in the body, thereby reversing the symptoms of poor thyroid activity. The appropriate dosage of the oral synthetic thyroid hormone depends on the severity of the condition. Usually a single dosage of lemothyroxine is taken once in the morning, on empty stomach. The dosage of the medication may change over time. Liothyronine is a synthetic T3 thyroid hormone. It is used occasionally for a short time for improving the levels of the thyroid hormones naturally. Small doses of liothyronine are usually combined with lemothyroxine during treatment. It is used when conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to T3 is impaired or when due to a gastrointestinal problem absorption of levothyroxine is impaired.

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Natural Thyroid Hormone for Treatment

Natural thyroid hormone extracted from bovine thyroid gland can be used in thyroid replacement therapy. Natural thyroid hormone is also known as desiccated thyroid. It is available in different strengths with different ratios of T3 and T4 hormones.

Acupuncture

According to the traditional Chinese medicine, hypothyroidism occurs when there is a deficiency of qi or the vital energy. Inserting needles at appropriate acupuncture points helps to improve the function of the thyroid gland.

You may need treatment for about three months to experience the positive affect of acupuncture on your thyroid function. Once the condition of the thyroid gland improves, three to four acupuncture sessions each year are usually sufficient for maintaining the normal thyroid function.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines can effectively treat hypothyroidism. However, the appropriate homeopathic medication for the thyroid disorder depends upon the physical constitution of the patient. Homeopathic medicines commonly used for treatment include Pulsatilla, Calcarea Carbonica and Sepia.