It’s great that you’ve already undergone Panchakarma and are taking Kanchanar Guggulu for your thyroid condition. However, since your TSH levels remain high at 9 (though reduced from 15), this suggests that the thyroid imbalance may still need further support. In Ayurveda, hypothyroidism is often related to an imbalance in Kapha dosha, leading to sluggish metabolism, weight gain, and fatigue, along with potential impacts on sex drive.
Here’s how you can proceed:
Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a Kapha-pacifying diet with warm, light, and easily digestible foods. Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly sweet foods that can further aggravate Kapha. Include fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains like barley and quinoa. Foods that are warming and stimulate digestion, such as ginger, turmeric, and mustard, can support thyroid function.
Herbal Support: Continue with Kanchanar Guggulu, which is traditionally used to support thyroid health and reduce Kapha. Consider adding Ashwagandha for its adaptogenic properties to balance hormones and Triphala to support detoxification. Guggulu combined with Kesar (saffron) can enhance thyroid function and metabolism.
Exercise and Weight Management: Since you mentioned having a higher weight, regular exercise is key to boosting metabolism. Focus on yoga, aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming, and strength training to increase muscle mass and improve thyroid function. Even light daily activities like brisk walking can help significantly in weight management.
Sex Drive & Hormonal Balance: For low sex drive, consider incorporating Shatavari and Ashwagandha, both known for their rejuvenating and hormone-balancing effects. These herbs can improve energy levels, stamina, and overall vitality. Additionally, regular stress management through pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation can improve hormonal balance.
Panchakarma: If you haven’t already undergone Panchakarma specifically for thyroid imbalance or weight loss, you may consider doing it again, focusing on therapies that reduce Kapha and improve metabolic function, such as Udwarthana (dry powder massage), Virechana (purgation), and Abhyanga (oil massage) with herbal oils that enhance circulation and detoxification. You should consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner to see if another round of Panchakarma would be beneficial.
Medical Consultation: While Ayurveda can be incredibly helpful, it’s also important to consult with an endocrinologist. Your doctor may recommend levothyroxine or another thyroid medication to further regulate TSH levels. If you’re already on thyroid medication, it’s important to ensure that your dosage is correct, especially since you’ve seen improvement in TSH.
In summary, combining a balanced diet, regular exercise, herbal supplements, and stress management can support your thyroid health, and you can consider a second round of Panchakarma if needed. Always ensure that any complementary treatment aligns with your doctor’s advice.
You’ve taken some good steps already, but it seems like there’s more to address here. If you’ve completed Panchakarma and are on Kanchanar Guggulu DS for the thyroid with some improvement, that’s a sign you’re on the right track… but let’s look deeper.
First, let’s consider your lifestyle. Being in IT, with a sedentary lifestyle can be hard on kapha dosha, which might be adding to weight issues and affecting thyroid function. So, try to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. Even short walks every hour or some desk exercises will help. Aim for at least 30 mins of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Next, diet. Focus on a kapha-pacifying diet, which means light, warm, and minimally processed foods. Spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper can boost your metabolism. Avoiding heavy, oily, and very sweet foods can help too. Try to eat your main meal around midday when digestion is strongest.
Sleep is also crucial. Make sure you’re getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night. Stick to a regular sleep schedule and avoid screens before bed. Stress management is another area to consider; practices like yoga or meditation might provide relief.
As for panchakarma, repeating it might help, but it’s usually not done back-to-back. Consult with your Ayurvdedic doctor to see when it might be suitable again for you. Maybe a different approach within Ayurveda, anti-Kapha herbs like Trikatu or Shilajit may assist libido concerns, check with your practitioner on this.
Safety net - keep regular contact with your healthcare provider, they can keep an eye on your TSH levels and address any medical concerns. If you ever feel sudden changes or concerns, please reach out to them right away!
Lastly, stay persistent. Sometimes these changes take time but stick with the routine, and see how your body responds. Maybe some trial and error but don’t lose hope.
