Effects of individualized homeopathic medicines in hypothyroidism: Double-blind,randomized, placebo-controlled, feasibility trial

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, resulting disruption of heart rate, body temperature and all aspects of metabolism.  Hypothyroidism is found in about 2% of the UK population and in India overall prevalence is 10.95%. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others) with various adverse effects. Homeopathy remains a popular choice of treatment among sufferers, yet evidence of efficacy trial with individualized homeopathy is scarce. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 32 patients suffering from hypothyroidism will be randomized to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines (verum; n=16) or identical-looking placebo (control; n=16). We aim to address the feasibility issues of conducting a definitive efficacy trial of individualized homeopathic medicines in treatment of hypothyroidism and to investigate whether there are any differences in outcomes between these two groups over 3 months of intervention. Thyroid profiles (TSH, FT3 and FT4), Zulewski clinical score for hypothyroidism (ZCSH) and Thyroid symptoms questionnaire (TSQ) will be used as the primary and secondary outcome measures respectively. Feasibility issues will be checked and comparative analysis will be carried out to examine group differences, if any. Results will be published in scientific journals.