• Disorders of Endocrine gland are as old as mankind. And the prevalence is increasing day by day leading to many complications.
• Endocrinal disorders are may be subdivided into three groups.
• Endocrine gland hypo secretion (leading to hormone deficiency).
• Endocrine gland hyper secretion (leading to hormone excess).
• Tumours (benign or malignant) of endocrine glands.
• Endocrine disorders are often quite complex, involving a mixed picture of hypo secretion and hyper secretion because of the feedback mechanisms involved in the endocrine system.
• Amongst them Hypothyroidism is very common. So it is a need of hour to understand and plan the treatment accordingly in Ayurveda.

Signs and symptoms

Ayurvedic view

• Agni plays an important role in metabolism in the body especially Dhatwagni.
• Any derangement in this Dhatwagni will lead to the similar effects on the body as that of the Thyroid hormones.
• Medo Dhatwagnimandhya will lead to impaired metabolism of the poshaka Asthayi Dhatu – impairment in the formation of prakrita medo Dhatu( Poshya Sthayi dhatu) – Malaroopi medodhatu vriddhi.
• Hypothyroidism –impaired fat metabolism – increased level of circulating fats in serum – Abnormal deposition of fat.

Management

• In Hypothyroidism – initially shodhana chikitsa on the lines of sthoulya followed by shamanoushadhis of galaganda can be adopted.
• Lifestyle and food habits should be corrected, try to avoid heavy foods and liquids.
• Reason for agnimandya (like impaired digestion) and ajirna should be avoided.
• Rasadhatu pachan should be done.
• Lekhana chikitsa for meda(FAT) should be done.
• Panchakarma like vaman ,virechan ,basti, Nasya, Udwartanam, Shirodhara are helpful.
• Herbs such as Guggul, Kanchanara, Punarnnava have proven very useful in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Dr Ritesh Lahoti,M.D -Kayachikitsa

Centre Head -Gachibowli
Travancore Ayurveda