Overcoming Congenital Hypothyroidism with Homeopathy and a Hopeful Move Away from Daily Thyroid Hormone

Miss S.F. (Patient ID: 47478), a twelve-year-old girl, visited the Life Force Homeopathy Chembur clinic on 22nd February 2022 for an underactive thyroid present since birth. She had been diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism during routine newborn screening at Kokilaben Hospital and was on continuous thyroid hormone replacement therapy with Tablet Eltroxin 25 mcg once daily since she was sixteen days old. The condition had remained stable on supplements, though she experienced lethargy and would get tired easily after running or playing. Her most recent thyroid profile, done in February 2022, before starting homeopathic treatment, showed TSH: 3.480 (0.45-5.50) uIU/mL, and Serum Thyroglobulin antibody was elevated at 79.83 (<=4.11)

As an associated complaint, the patient suffered from nocturnal enuresis since childhood. She would wet the bed daily, typically two to three times per night, and would continue sleeping after bedwetting without awareness.

Regarding her general characteristics, the patient had a mixed diet with an average appetite and a craving for sweets. She had a particular craving; she would drink water frequently and consume three to four liters of water daily. She had difficult perspiration and described herself as ambithermal. Her bowel movements were satisfactory, and she had no issues with urination except for the nocturnal enuresis. Her physical structure was lean with an average build.

Miss S.F. was in the 3rd grade at the time of consultation and was described as academically good with interests in sports and dance. She lived with her parents, her father, who worked as an IT engineer, and her mother, who worked in HR. She maintained a happy and well-supported childhood with cordial relationships with her parents.

The family history revealed a strong pattern of autoimmune diseases. Her father suffered from hypertension, while her mother had epilepsy. Her paternal grandfather had hypertension, diabetes, and some autoimmune skin condition; her paternal grandmother had hypertension, and her paternal uncle also suffered from an autoimmune disorder. This significant family history of autoimmune conditions appeared to be a contributing factor to her thyroid condition.

She had no significant past medical history, with no previous infections or surgeries reported.

Mentally, she was observed to be confident, expressive, and polite. She was described as short-tempered but friendly and extroverted. Her intellectual sphere showed good memory, logic, intelligence, perception, and analytical abilities.

Dr. Shah studied the case in detail and prescribed constitutional homeopathic treatment to address the underlying tendency toward autoimmune dysfunction while gradually reducing her dependence on thyroid supplements.

Follow-ups:

For the first follow-up in April 2022, the patient''s TSH level had mildly increased to 6.06 uIU/mL (20.4.22) after two months of treatment, and on a reduced dose of Tab Eltroxin from 25 mcg daily to 25 mcg and 12.5 mcg on alternate days. The nocturnal enuresis remained unchanged.

In the next follow-up in August 2022, good progress was noted after six months. Her TSH normalized to 3.65 uIU/mL (13.8.22); she was on T. Eltroxin 25 mcg and 12.5 mcg on alternate days since starting treatment in April 2022. Seeing the progress, the dose of Tablet Eltroxin was further reduced to 12.5 mcg daily.

In October 2022, continued improvement was observed. TSH remained stable at 3.780 uIU/mL (20.10.22) while maintaining the Tablet Eltroxin 12.5 mcg daily. The nocturnal enuresis showed no change, with the child still wetting the bed two to three times nightly.

In January 2023, the progress continued with TSH at 3.8 uIU/mL (6.1.23) with Tablet Eltroxin 12.5 mcg daily since August of 2022. Dr. Shah advised reducing Tablet Eltroxin to 12.5 mcg on alternate days.

During the April 2023 follow-up, the TSH increased slightly to 5.63 uIU/mL (25.4.23), but this was expected as the Tablet Eltroxin was being tapered. The alternate-day dosing of 12.5 mcg was continued.

In June 2023, TSH improved to 3.72 uIU/mL (10.6.23) while maintaining the alternate-day regimen of 12.5 mcg Tablet Eltroxin.

In August 2023, TSH levels increased to 5.18 uIU/mL (12.8.23); however, they were still within normal limits, as the Tablet Eltroxin was further reduced to 12.5 mcg once weekly instead of on alternate days since July 2023.

In November 2023, a significant improvement was noted with the TSH level at 3.78 uIU/mL (28.10.23). The once-weekly dosing of Tablet Eltroxin 12.5 mcg was continued.

In February 2024, excellent progress was achieved as TSH normalized to 3.38 uIU/mL (20.1.24). Tablet Eltroxin was completely discontinued in November 2023.

In April 2024, the patient reported sustained recovery with TSH at 4.01 uIU/mL (20.4.24) without supplemental hormonal medicine. The patient experienced only mild weakness, attributed to the summer season.

In August 2024, outstanding results were maintained with TSH at 3.25 uIU/mL (01.8.24). Miss S.F. was completely asymptomatic and had been off thyroid supplements for nine months.

During the November 2024 follow-up, sustained recovery was demonstrated with TSH at 2.020 uIU/mL within normal limits (26.10.24). The patient had been off thyroid medication for one year and remained completely asymptomatic. However, nocturnal enuresis continued to be of concern.

For the most recent follow-up in March 2025, continued excellent results were observed with TSH at 2.71 uIU/mL (15.3.25). Miss S.F. remained off all thyroid supplements for sixteen months with no thyroid-related complaints.

Conclusion:

This case represents a remarkable therapeutic achievement in the management of congenital hypothyroidism. Miss S.F., still under our care, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at birth and placed on what would conventionally be considered lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. She has successfully discontinued all thyroid supplements after homeopathic treatment. She has successfully transitioned from daily thyroid hormone dependence to complete independence from supplements while maintaining normal thyroid function. The treatment addressed the underlying autoimmune tendency, activating her thyroid gland to function normally. While the associated nocturnal enuresis requires continued attention, the primary thyroid condition showed complete recovery, offering hope for similar patients who might otherwise face lifelong pharmaceutical dependency.

• Case study written by Dr. Nafisa Dhirajiwala, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)