Efficacy of Ayurvedic Treatment in Managing Hypothyroidism and Reducing Thyroxine Dependency

Background: Hypothyroidism poses a clinical challenge, with levothyroxine as the standard treatment. However, a notable subset of patients reports ongoing symptoms despite achieving biochemical euthyroidism. This questions the adequacy of levothyroxine monotherapy for all individuals and prompts consideration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Aim: The current study aimed to establish efficacy of Panchakarma and lifestyle management in management of hypothyroidism and reducing oral thyroxine dependency. Methods: A prospective, single centre, observational study was conducted in Maharashtra India. Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted at 90 days. Day 1 and day 90 data were compared. Results: A total of 15 patients were studied. T3 levels (day 1: 39.70 ± 43.37 nmol/dl and day 90: 42.90 ± 46.46 nmol/dl, p=0.83), T4 levels (day 1: 6.89 ± 2.36 nmol/dl and day 90: 13.70 ± 18.32 nmol/dl, p=0.17) and TSH levels (day 1: 8.63 ± 6.93 mIU/ml and day 90: 6.63 ± 2.97 mIU/ml, p=0.29) improved at follow-up. Conclusion: Ayurvedic treatment is effective in reducing the thyroxine burden and restoring the thyroid functioning in hypothyroid patients.