Abstract

THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON THYROID FUNCTION: A CASE REPORT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Dr. Sneha Shinde, Dr. Vijaya Nagarale*, Dr. Pratiksha Umbardand

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders and is primarily diagnosed through laboratory investigations. Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms; anxiety and stress-related complaints are among the frequent manifestations. Accurate grading of anxiety together with management of the underlying thyroid dysfunction is essential to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. Method: A 34-year-old woman presented with anxiety and related symptoms of one year’s duration. Thyroid screening revealed subclinical hypothyroidism. Stress severity was assessed using the DASS-21 Stress Subscale. She was managed on an outpatient basis with the Ayurvedic formulations Hansapadadi Kashayam, Laghu Sootshekhar Rasa, Brahmi Pearls, Gandamala Kandan Rasa, Kalingakadi Yoga, Kanchanar Guggulu, and Dashmoolarishta Result: Marked clinical improvement was observed. Thyroid function tests, returned and remained within the normal range, Menstrual cycle returned to normal and DASS-21 Stress Subscale scores showed substantial reduction. Conclusion: Special attention to the evaluation and management of stress, together with thyroid screening, is warranted when patients present with nospecific stress-related symptoms. Ayurvedic management produced favourable effects on both DASS-21 Stress Subscale scores and thyroid hormone levels.

Keywords: Stress, Kanchanar Guggulu, Brahmi Pearls, Laghu Sootshekhar Rasa, Kalingakadi Yoga, subclinical hypothyroidism.