Endocrine

Thyroid disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
- Diabetes Type 1
- Diabetes Type 2

Thyroid disease >> Hyperthyroidism Top
Definition:
Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones in the body is called as hyperthyroidism (hyper=more).
Thyroid is small gland situated in the midline and base of the neck. The gland produces thyroid hormones T4 (Tetraiodothyronine/Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine) that are absolutely essential for maintaining harmony of various body functions. Thyroid hormones govern the speed of body’s chemical reaction and have positive influence on growth of an individual (mental and physical). Because thyroid hormones affect growth, development and many cellular processes, excess of thyroid hormones has widespread consequences on the body.

Causes
There are many causes that can cause over activity of the thyroid gland and in most cases the entire gland is producing more hormones, this is seen in Grave’s disease. Grave’s disease is actually an auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly starts attacking it’s own cells (in this case the thyroid gland) resulting in inflammation and enlargement of the gland (Goiter) and production of excess hormones. In some cases, there is a particular solitary nodule in the gland (called ‘Hot’ nodule) that is producing more hormones; there may also be multiple such nodules in the gland Inflammation of the thyroid gland (Thyroiditis) due to any other cause can also result in hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms
Increased secretion of thyroid hormones can produce myriad of symptoms that vary from person to person and with the age of patient. The common symptoms include:
* Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
* Palpitations
* Heat intolerance
* Nervousness
* Insomnia
* Difficulty in breathing
* Increased bowel movements
* Light or absent menstrual periods
* Fatigue
* Tremors of hands and fingers
* Irritability
* Excessive perspiration

Signs commonly seen in patients with Hyperthyroidism:
* Fast heart rate
* Muscle weakness
* Trembling hands
* Weight loss
* Hair loss
* Staring gaze
* Warm moist skin
* Lump in the neck (Goiter)

Remarks:
Hyperthyroidism being a constitutional disorder calls for an in-depth constitutional approach for its management. The science of homeopathy is based on the concept that disease is total affliction of body and may find its local expression at the level of certain organs. Hence homeopathy prescription take into account presenting complaints along with physical, emotional and genetic make up of a person that individualizes him/her. The remedy prescribed based on this entire totality treats the disorder at its root cause and thus restores the normal functioning of the body.

Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathy is suggested for cases of hyperthyroidism. Homeopathy helps in alleviating the symptoms associated with the condition. Moreover, homeopathy works at a deeper level to bring deviations of immunity back to normalcy and to restore the harmony of the body. Homeopathy works better in the early and mild cases of Hyperthyroidism and not in chronic and severe cases. Extreme cases where the hyper activity of thyroid gland has affected other vital organs, homeopathy has limited role.

 
 
Thyroid disease >> Hypothyroidism Top
Definition:
Diminished secretion of thyroid hormones in the body is called as hypothyroidism (hypo=less). It is also called Under Active Thyroid.

Thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in the midline and base of the neck. The gland produces thyroid hormones that are absolutely essential for maintaining harmony of various body functions. Thyroid hormone expedites speed of body’s chemical reaction and has positive influence on growth of an individual (mental and physical).

Remarks:
Reduced secretion of thyroid hormones can produce myriad of symptoms that vary from person to person and with the age of patient. The common symptoms include signs excessive tiredness and sleepiness, weight gain, intolerance to cold, hoarseness of voice, deafness, dry flaky skin and hair, loss of hair, body swelling, constipation, depression, etc. The condition is much more common in females.

One reason for such reduced production of thyroid hormone may be deficiency of raw material i.e. dietary iodine. But hypothyroidism can develop in absence of dietary iodine deficiency also. The cause for such cases may not be known always, but it is largely believed to be due to disturbances of immune system where body’s defense system starts attacking body’s own organs and tissues.

Hypothyroidism is a constitutional disorder affecting multiple body systems and calls for an in-depth constitutional approach for its management.

The science of homeopathy is based on the concept that disease is total affliction of body and may find its local expression at the level of certain organs. Hence homeopathy medicines take into account presenting complaints along with physical, emotional, and genetic make up of a person that individualizes him/her.

Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathy is very strongly suggested for cases of hypothyroidism. Experience has established that homeopathic treatment, especially in the early 2-3 years, are able to stimulate thyroid glands to produce enough hormones.

 
 
Diabetes >> Diabetes Type 1 Top
Introduction:
Type I Diabetes is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Juvenile Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome (= set of symptoms) characterized by increased level of sugar (glucose) in the blood due to deficiency or inactivity of hormone ‘Insulin’ that is absolutely necessary to monitor glucose metabolism of body. By and large IDDM is an early-onset disease and is frequently seen in children though adults can also be affected by it. Diabetes is prevalent worldwide and if not attended properly, it may lead to serious complications.

Causes:
IDDM occurs as a result of decreased production of hormone ‘Insulin’ by the pancreas (the organ that synthesizes insulin). This occurs due to loss of the insulin-producing cells (beta cells of the islets of Langerhans) of the pancreas. Auto- immunity (disturbance of immune system where body’s defense mechanism starts attacking body’s own organs and tissues) has been strongly suggested as a causative factor in the initiation of Type I Diabetes. Genetic factors may also have a role to play in this alteration of the immunity. Type 1 diabetes also appears to be triggered by some viral infections or less likely stress-related or environmental factors (such as exposure to certain chemicals).

Symptoms:
The classical triad of diabetes symptoms is polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (excessive hunger/appetite). These symptoms may develop quite fast in children. There may also be weight loss and excessive fatigue.

Homeopathic treatment:
In case of Insulin Dependent Type I diabetes, the role of homeopathy is restricted to controlling the complications of diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, etc. Homeopathy does not have medicines that could stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin in cases of Type I diabetes.

  
 
Diabetes >> Diabetes Type 2 Top
Introduction:
Type II Diabetes is also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Adult-onset Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome (= set of symptoms) characterized by increased level of sugar (glucose) in the blood due to deficiency or inactivity of hormone ‘Insulin’ that is absolutely necessary to monitor glucose metabolism of body. This is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and consecutively hyperglycemia. Diabetes is prevalent worldwide and if not attended properly, it may lead to serious complications.

Causes:
NIDDM basically occurs due to defective insulin secretion combined with defective responsiveness of the body to the insulin (also called Insulin resistance). Due to both these factors, hyperglycemia starts occurring in the body. NIDDM is strongly associated with obesity and with increasing age. A strong inheritance pattern has been noted in cases of type 2 diabetes. Sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc pose as risk factors for developing Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can begin at any age though it is not very common in childhood. It usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin but later it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. This ultimately results in Hyperglycemia (high levels of glucose in circulation).

Homeopathic treatment:
Type II Diabetes is a constitutional disorder as it is an offshoot of constitutional defects (genetic factors, altered immunity) having an impact on the entire constitution of an individual. Hence it calls for an in-depth constitutional approach for its management.

Homeopathy is based on the principle that disease is a total affliction of body. Moreover homeopathy recognizes importance of the underlying causes such as genetic and inherited factors as the root of any ailment of the body. Homeopathic medicines prescribed on such criteria plays a crucial role in management of many deep-rooted, chronic, difficult diseases; one amongst them being Diabetes.

When we talk about diseases like diabetes, we talk in terms of management rather than cure. Homeopathic treatment along with intake of hypoglycemic drugs and/or insulin can prevent the progress and the complications associated with this condition. Moreover timely administered homeopathic medicines help in maintaining the levels of exogenous insulin and hypoglycemic drugs at minimum possible dosage and in preventing the further progress of the disease. However, it may be noted that there is no substitute to insulin in homeopathy. The role of a healthy diet and exercise cannot be underestimated along with all the above treatment measures

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