Alternative medicine methods in the management of autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries, primarily affecting women. It involves lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid and the presence of anti-TPO and antithyroglobulin antibodies. The standard treatment consists of administering levothyroxine. To assess the efficacy and safety of alternative medical methods in the comprehensive management of autoimmune thyroiditis, based on current international scientific literature. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed (2015–2024), selecting clinical articles, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials on CAM therapies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Inclusion criteria involved studies evaluating hormonal parameters, autoantibody levels, symptom relief, and quality of life impact. Phytotherapy using Nigella sativa (1–2 g/day) has been shown in clinical studies to reduce anti-TPO levels and increased FT4 (p<0.05). Acupuncture significantly decreased anti-TPO, anti-T3 and anti-TSH levels, with improvement of clinical symptoms; the effects on antibody levels were 10-15% stronger compared to levothyroxine monotherapy. Diet therapy, through gluten exclusion and the autoimmune paleo diet, led to nominalization of TSH and reduction of antibody levels in 30-50% of cases; the average reduction in anti-TPO/anti-Tg levels was 20-40% and in approximately 20% of participants antibodies decreased to undetectable levels. CAM therapies may offer meaningful benefits in the management of autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly as adjuncts to conventional treatment. The lack of standardization and the heterogeneity of studies require caution, individualized standardization, supported by medical monitoring.