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    endocrine

    Hypothyroidism (adjunctive care)

    Also known as: underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

    Hypothyroidism means the thyroid makes too little hormone, causing tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold and low mood. It is diagnosed with blood tests and treated with daily thyroxine. Chinese medicine may support wellbeing alongside medication, seeing Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency, Qi and Blood deficiency, and Phlegm with Qi stagnation.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Take thyroxine at the same time each day on an empty stomach.
    • •Get blood tests as your doctor advises.
    • •Regular exercise and good sleep help energy.
    • •Don't take kelp or iodine supplements without medical advice.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •CV22 needs shallow, careful technique — trachea and major vessels nearby.[]
    • •Herbs must not replace thyroxine and should be taken at least 4 hours apart from it.[,]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Review fatigue and wellbeing scores every 4–6 weeks; liaise with GP on TSH results; refer if symptoms persist despite normal TSH.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Hypothyroidism — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Hypothyroidism — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    3. Thyroid disease — Australian Thyroid Foundation
      Australian Thyroid Foundation · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner registration standards
      AHPRA · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.