Overview

Low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism, slow metabolism, and prevent many body parts from growing or repairing.A deficiency of thyroid hormone generated by the thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism. Underactive thyroid is another name for this illness. During the early stages, hypothyroidism may not exhibit any symptoms. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can eventually lead to serious health disorders. 

When your thyroid levels are extremely low, this is called myxedema. A very serious condition, myxedema, can cause serious symptoms, including.

• A low body temperature

• Anemia

• Heart failure

• Confusion.

• Coma

Causes

Hypothyroidism results from decreased production of hormones from the thyroid gland. This could be the result of

• Increasing age 

• Gender: Women are at increased risk 

• Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s cells 

• Central or pituitary thyroidism - Due to tumours in the pituitary gland 

• Treatment for hyperthyroidism - Medications may cause lowered hormone levels 

• Family history - Congenital hypothyroidism due to reduced 

• Thyroid surgery, where a portion or all of the gland is removed. Pregnancy Iodine deficiency

Symptoms

• Fatigue and Depression 

• Moderate weight gain. 

• Cold intolerance. 

• Excess sleepiness 

• Dry coarse hair or hair loss. 

• Hair loss 

• Menstrual disturbances or Amenorrhoea 

• Mood changes, especially depression 

• Reduced perspiration and constipation 

• Dry skin and muscle cramps. 

• Higher cholesterol levels. 

• Decreased concentration 

• Symptoms are vague 

• Leg swelling

Ayurvedic View

Galaganda- Here, gala refers to the neck and ganda is a swelling resembling the shape of a button, filled bladder, etc, the disease in which there is swelling in front of the neck hanging pendulously like a srotum, either big or small in size or without swelling. Dosha involved is aggravated vata and kapha dosha, which causes vitiation of medas (fat tissue), as pitta is not involved; there is no suppuration of the swelling, this is goitre, due to hormonal imbalances, known as hypothyroidism. Ayurveda's approach is to correct agni (metabolism), bring doshas back to prakruta awastha (balance state), reduce the symptoms and prevent the complications by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and treatment done to improve the function of the thyroid gland.