more on hypothyrodism

[Guest guest]

Hi Vikram

 

great information

one of the things you are missing is the autoimmune component of

hypothyroidism, called autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease -

it is probably the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in the

Western world, and is eight times more prevalent in women than in men

 

specifically, the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis relates to

high circulating autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase (which acts

to oxidize iodide into organic iodine), thyroglobulin (which serves as

a substrate for the iodination of tyrosine in the thyroid), and the TSH

receptor

 

there is a familial tendency for Hashimoto's thyroistis, with both

patients and their relatives having a higher incidence of other

autoimmune diseases (e.g. IDDM, Addison's disease, myasthenia gravis,

pernicious anemia, RA, SLE, Sjögren's syndrome)

 

patients with Hashimoto's typically present with a non-tender

enlargement of the thyroid gland or fullness of the throat that can

promote some discomfort in swallowing

 

upon examination the thyroid is enlarged, smooth or nodular, and firm

 

most patients have hypothyroidism when first seen, and may present with

other autoimmune diseases such as SLE and RA

 

labs typically yield normal T4 and TSH levels, with high levels of

thyroid peroxidase antibodies and sometimes anti-thyroglobulin

antibodies

 

as it progresses the patient develops clinically evident

hypothyroidism, with decreased T4, decreased thyroid radioactive iodine

uptake, and increased TSH

 

the treatment is similar to that you mentioned for hypothyrodism, but

specific treatment should be given to the auotimmune components, e.g.

dietary changes to remove antigenic foods (e.g. dairy, cereals, grains,

and legumes), and modulation of immune function using botanicals such

as Grifola, Ganoderma, Withania, Glycyrrhiza, Panax, Curcuma,

Rehmannia, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Scutellaria baicalensis, Bupleurum

 

also, a number of herbal interventions you haven't mentioned may be

helpful, - for e.g., in TCM hypothyroidism is often equated with a

jing (shukla), qi (prana) and kidney yang deficiency (vatakopa) -

Indian herbs such as Ashwagandha and other rasayanas are helpful, as

well as Chinese herbs such as Panax quinquefolium, Codonopsis,

Epimedium, Eucommia, Rehmannia, Panax ginseng, Morinda, and Deer Antler

velvet

 

best... todd caldecott Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

in Vancouver: (778) 896-8894

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 5-Oct-05, at 5:29 AM, ayurveda wrote:

 

> Orthodox therapy is based upon taking thyroid hormone daily to replace

> what is not there. Often this has to remain as the basis of therapy,

> in which case the aim is to help the body deal with the repercussions

> of the condition. The use of bitters in mild cases sometimes be

> enough, but will always be beneficial. The seaweed Fucus vesiculosus

> (Bladderwrack) has beenused in the past, and whilst it has much to

> offer it is only truly specific where an iodine deficiency is present.

>

> A number of important contributions can be made by herbs to supporting

> hormone replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism causes accelerated

> atherosclerosis and so coronary artery disease may occur because of

> deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the heart muscle. This damage may

> be lessened through the use of cardio-vasculartonics such as Crataegus

> spp., Ginkgo biloba and Allium sativum. Problems reflecting functional

> and structural changes in the skin can be eased, and whilst this may

> be only symptomatic relief it is essential. Emollients, circulatory

> stimulants etc. etc. can all find a role, but the specifics will

> depend upon the patients experience. Moisturizing is especially

> importantas the skin is usually dry and scaly.