SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AND ITS MANAGEMENT WITH AYURVEDA: A CLINICAL EXPOSITION
Subclinical Hypothyroidism is an early, mild form of hypothyroidism. It is a silent state where the thyroid gland is beginning to fail, but the body is still compensating to keep hormone levels stable. In clinical terms, it is defined by high TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) that means the pituitary gland is screaming at the thyroid to work harder. Common manifestations include unexplained fatigue or sluggishness, mild weight gain or difficulty losing weight, feeling more sensitive to cold, dry skin or brittle hair, low mood or brain fog. In Ayurveda, this stage is viewed as Agni Mandya (lowered metabolic fire) at the tissue level where the Kapha and Vata doshas are beginning to obstruct the channels (Srotas), slowing down the conversion of energy. In this case a 41-year-old female patient who experienced certain symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss and muscle cramps. Her thyroid tests confirmed subclinical hypothyroidism, revealing elevated serum TSH level(6.816µIU/ml) and slightly high T4 level(14.66µg/dl). Remarkably, after receiving a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment plan, the patient not only normalized his thyroid profile but also saw a significant improvement in overall symptoms. This case study highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment in managing Subclinical Hypothyroidism. This integrative strategy showcases Ayurveda's remarkable potential in treating endocrine disorders, especially when synergized with conventional diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Key words: Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Agni Mandya, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Ayurveda