Ayurvedic Management of Thyroid Dysfunction with Suppressed TSH in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Pediatric thyroid dysfunction presenting with suppressed Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) along with decreased Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) and Free Thyroxine (FT4) is uncommon and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Ayurveda emphasizes correction of metabolic imbalance and restoration of tissue function through a holistic approach.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic management in a pediatric patient with thyroid dysfunction presenting with a discordant thyroid profile.

Case Report: A 12-year-old male presented with generalized weakness, bilateral calf muscle pain, headache, and chronic constipation. Laboratory investigations revealed suppressed TSH (0.017 µIU/mL), low FT3 (1.13 pg/mL), and low FT4 (<0.40 ng/dL). Based on Ayurvedic assessment, the condition was interpreted as Dhatvagni Mandya associated with Rasa-Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya. The patient was treated with Shatavari Churna, Praval Pishti, Kushmanda Rasayana, and Goghrita for 12 weeks.

Results: Marked clinical improvement was observed with resolution of weakness, headache, calf muscle pain, and constipation. Follow-up investigations demonstrated improvement in thyroid parameters, with TSH 1.61 µIU/mL, Total T3 1.69 ng/mL, and Total T4 9.16 µg/dL.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic management focused on Agni correction and Dhatu nourishment was associated with improvement in both clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters in this pediatric case. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings.