Effect of Yoga Practices on Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Case Report

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a typical, organ-specific, autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland. The most common symptoms are cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, depression, and menstrual irregularities. A mind-body add-on intervention like yoga may be effective in managing the symptoms of HT. A 32-year-old married female diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, painful menstruation, excessive blood loss in menstruation, dry skin, and indigestion. After obtaining informed consent, the subject started yoga practice along with standard medical treatment. After the 6-month yoga and medical intervention, the results showed a reduction in TSH levels (67.29%), anti-TPO antibodies (11.45%), BMI (5.29%), systolic blood pressure (21.33%), total cholesterol (8.92%), depression (80.95%), anxiety (85.71%), and stress (90.47%). Additionally, improvements in diastolic blood Pressure (8.11%), hemoglobin level (16.84%), T3 (1.38%), T4 (4.22%), sleep quality (73.33%), and overall quality of life (68.39%) were noted. Positive changes in physiological and psychological variables were seen in this individual with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after 6 months of yoga practice concurrent with standard treatment. However, the case report cannot quantify the contribution of yoga therapy alone. Randomized controlled trials that account for the effects of medication are needed in large populations to determine the true contribution of yoga in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.