Importance of Virechana in Postpartum Hypothyroidism - A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Hypothyroidism is generally a temporary condition that affects about 5% of women, usually self-resolving in nature. In rare cases, it continues to become subclinical Hypothyroidism. It occurs as a state of Hyperthyroidism followed by Hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: A 39-year-old female presented with weight gain and hair fall after the birth of her second child due to postpartum hypothyroidism that wasn’t controlled with medical intervention. The treatment protocol that was chosen was classical Virechana followed by 15 days of internal medication. Observations and Results: After 4 weeks of Ayurvedic treatment the TSH level from 19.03 uIU/ml came down to 1.44 uIU/ml. Apart from this changes in the symptoms were assessed with the Zulewski et al. scale, the score reduced from 8 to 2 suggesting an euthyroid state. Conclusion: Overall it was concluded that one round of classical Virechana had significant changes on the laboratory parameters and the symptoms, ultimately being an effective way to control hypothyroidism.