Pathophysiologic changes that occur in hypothyroidism are caused by either damage to the thyroid, pituitary gland dysfunction, or problems with the hypothalamus. The thyroid regulates the body’s metabolism and produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) through the extraction of iodine in the blood. T3 and T4 production is regulated by the thyroid through a feedback loop with the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland, also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Any disruption to the feedback loop causes dysregulation of the T3 and T4 hormones, resulting in altered metabolic processes, since every cell in the body relies on thyroid hormones for metabolism (Moore, 2018).
Ashwaganda, licorice, and ginseng, are all herbs that belong in a group called adaptogens. They increase the sensitivity of binding-sites to thyroid hormones T3 and T4. This ensures that the hormones stay working at the site, instead of being degraded. Supplementation with herbal remedies such as ashwaganda in addition to levothyroxine or natural desiccated thyroid can facilitate a decrease in symptoms of hypothyroidism at a faster rate. Just taking prescription medications such as levothyroxine on their own can take up to 6 months for the patient to actually start noticing any changes or decrease in symptoms (Shames, 2012).
Moore, D. (2018). Hypothyroidism and nursing care. American Nurse Today, 13(2), 44–46. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.csusm.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=128142428&site=ehost-live
Shames, R. (2012). Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Options for Thyroid Conditions. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 18(1), 8–13. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csusm.edu/10.1089/act.2012.18109