Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, leading to metabolic slowing, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, bradycardia, and cognitive dullness. It is more common in women, older adults and iodine deficient regions. And in hypothyroidism, Levothyroxine which is a synthetic form of T4 is the standard and first line therapy. It restores euthyroid state by normalizing circulating T4 and converting to T3 peripherally and hence improving symptoms, metabolic rate, lipid profile, and cardiovascular function. So let’s discuss this in detail.
Introduction
Levothyroxine or L thyroxine is the standard first line therapy for hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic version of the natural thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is converted in peripheral tissues to the active triiodothyronine (T3). It restores normal metabolic activity when the body’s thyroid hormone production is affected. Its oral bioavailability is about 75 % and it depends on gastric pH and presence of food. So, it is advised to be taken on an empty stomach and nothing should be eaten for the next 30 - 40 minutes, not even brushing. It is available in the market under the brand names synthroid, eltroxin, thyronorm, etc.
Mode Of Action
- Levothyroxine is biologically inactive until it is converted to T3.
- Enzyme 5’-deiodinase helps in this conversion and this conversion occurs in peripheral tissues like the liver, kidneys, brain, skeletal muscles.
- The converted T3 is the active form that produces metabolic and physiological effects.
Indications
- Primary hypothyroidism
- Secondary hypothyroidism
- Post Thyroidectomy Hormone Replacement
- Post Radioactive Iodine Therapy
- Goiter
Contraindications
- Untreated thyrotoxicosis
- Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Hypersensitivity
- Acute myocarditis
Adverse Effects
- Cardiovascular effects like palpitations, tachycardia, angina, etc.
- Nervous system effects like nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
- Metabolic issues like heat intolerance, weight loss, increased appetite, etc.
- Muscle weakness
- Hairfall and hair thinning
- Menstrual irregularities
Ayurvedic Perspective Of Hypothyroidism
In Ayurveda, hypothyroidism is linked with the jathara agnimandya (low digestive fire) which effects the dhatavagni (metabolic fire at tissue level) and further leads to the vitiation bhuta agni (metabolic fire at the level of elements). This leads to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha Dosha and the Meda dhatu (Adipose tissue). It leads to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation and cognitive dullness. There are certain herbal plants that are very useful in it like:
1. Kachnaar (Bauhinia Variegata)
Its Lekhana (scrapping) and Kaphahara (pacifying Kapha Dosha) actions help to clear ama (toxins) and support healthier functioning and better hormone regulation. It specifically acts on goitre and thyroid enlargement by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling. It boosts metabolic activity, aids detoxification and helps to re establish systemic balance, making them highly beneficial in thyroid disorders.
2. Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala)
It is recognised for its Kapha pacifying properties and helps to regulate fluid retention and prevent excess fat accumulation. The decoction of its root along with honey is very beneficial in thyroid disorders and paste of its roots can also be locally applied. Research studies show that it acts on the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinases (5'DI) which is responsible for conversion of T4 to T3.
3. Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul)
It has Vata and Kapha pacifying properties and acts on the meda dhatu (Adipose tissue) thus has a very significant role in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Since unexplained weight gain is commonly seen in cases of hypothyroidism it is very useful due to its action on Meda dhatu (Adipose tissue) and Kapha Dosha. It also contains active alkaloids Z - guggulsterone which increase the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland.
4. Hamsapadi (Adiantum Lunulatum)
It has kashaya rasa (astringent taste), guru guna (has heavy nature) and thus helps to balance Vata and the Kapha Dosha. It enhances the body’s metabolism and digestion. It contains compounds like 16-Hentriacontanone, Hentriacontane, Adiantone, etc. which exhibit antioxidant and lipid regulating properties thus helps in reducing oxidative stress and symptoms associated with low metabolism.
5. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
It contains madhur, tikta and katu rasa (Sweet, bitter and pungent taste) and ushana virya (Warm potency) which helps to balance the Vata and Kapha Dosha and corrects the agni mandya (Digestive fire). It is an adaptogenic herb which helps the body to manage stress. It supports the thyroid gland by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis, reducing cortisol, improving metabolism and enhancing energy levels in the body.
Planet Ayurveda’s Alternatives
Planet Ayurveda is a globally recognized Ayurvedic wellness company dedicated to providing pure, natural, and ethically formulated herbal products based on the principles of classical Ayurveda. All products are made using 100% vegetarian, chemical-free, preservative free and gluten free herbal extracts. We offer a holistic, herbal approach to managing hypothyroidism by addressing the underlying Kapha and Vata imbalance, sluggish metabolism (Agnimandya) and impaired thyroid functioning. There is Hypothyroid Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda that is specifically used in hypothyroidism. The pack consists of following products:
- Gotukola Capsules
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Gugullipid Capsules
- Hakam Churna
Planet Ayurveda’s Alternatives For Hypothyroidism
1. Gotukola Capsules
It is a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda which contains standardised extract of Gotukola (Centella asiatica). It contains key bioactive compounds such as madecassic acid, asiatic acid, asiaticoside, brahmoside which helps to support thyroid function by enhancing T4 hormone synthesis. It helps to improve energy levels and vitality by regulating the nervous system.
Dosage: 1 - 2 Capsules twice a day with warm water after meals.
2. Chandraprabha Vati
It is a classical ayurvedic tablet formulation containing shilajit (Asphaltum), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), vacha (Acorus calamus), etc. It is very effective in metabolic disorders and endocrine disorders. It has Deepana (Digestive stimulant), Pachana (Digestive enhancer), Lekhana (Scraping action) and Shothahara (Anti inflammatory) properties which helps to correct agni madhya (Low digestive fire) and balance the Vata and Kapha Dosha.
Dosage: 1 - 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meals.
3. Gugullipid Capsules
It is a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda which contains the standardised extract of guggul (Commiphora mukul). Its active components guggulsterones help to increase the thyroid gland's ability to absorb iodine which is a crucial mineral for hormone synthesis. It stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more T3 and T4 hormones.
Dosage: 1 - 2 Capsules twice a day with warm water after meals.
4. Hakam Churna
It is a powder formulation of Planet Ayurveda which consists of chandershoor (Lapidium sativum), kalonji (Nigella sativa), methi (Trigonella foenum graecum) and ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi). It contains active phytochemicals like thymoquinone and other alkaloids which assist in the conversion of T4 to the active T3 hormone and improve thyroid receptor sensitivity. It exhibits deepana (Digestive fire enhancer) and pachana (Stimulate digestion) properties and is helpful in agni mandhaya (Weak digestive fire) at cellular level which is mainly found in hypothyroidism.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice a day with warm water after meals.
Conclusion
Levothyroxine remains the gold standard therapy for hypothyroidism by effectively replacing deficient thyroid hormone and restoring metabolic balance. However it does not correct the deeper metabolic dysfunctions, inflammatory processes or lifestyle related imbalances that often underlie thyroid disorders. Many patients continue to experience fatigue, weight gain, gut issues and fluctuating symptoms despite normal TSH levels, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach and safer approach and Ayurveda offers a holistic, root cause oriented approach to hypothyroidism through Balancing the vitiated Dosha, Dhatu (Tissue) and Agni (Digestive fire) by using targeted herbs like Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), etc. which support thyroid function, reduce inflammation, improve metabolism and balance the neuroendocrine system.







