Effect of selected yogic practice on hypothyroidism among middle aged women

Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder increasingly associated with lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour, chronic stress, and the pressures of a competitive environment. Psychological stress and depression have been identified as potential contributors to the development of hypothyroidism. Thyroid function is primarily regulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), secreted by the pituitary gland, while the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), produced by the thyroid gland, serve as key indicators of thyroid health.The prevalence of hypothyroidism is significantly higher in women compared to men, largely due to more frequent hormonal fluctuations in females. The condition is most commonly observed in individuals between the ages of 40 to 50. Population-based study done in Cochin on 971 adult subjects, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 3.9%.The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was also high in this study, the value being 9.4%. In women, the prevalence was higher, at 11.4%, when compared with men. (Indian Journal of endocrinology and metabolism) The long-term benefit to hypothyroidism with improved health conditionsPurpose: This pilot study mainly focuses on how yogic practices effect on hypothyroid hormone among middle aged womenAim: To investigate the effects of yoga practices on biochemical variables among women with hypothyroidism and to understand the underlying mechanisms.ObjectivesAssess Biochemical Changes: To evaluate the changes in thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4) in women with hypothyroidism following a structured yoga intervention.•Investigate Psychological Well-being: To evaluate the impact of yoga practices on psychological well-being, including stress, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life.Methods: A pilot study was conducted over a period of four weeks among middle-aged women diagnosed with hypothyroidism, specifically within the age group of 40-50 years. A total of 20 participants were randomly selected and divided into two groups: an experimental group(n=10) and a control group(n=10). Baseline measurements of biochemical variables (TSH, T3, and T4) were recorded prior to the intervention (pre-test). The experimental group received a structured yoga intervention for 60 minutes per day, six days a week, throughout the four-week period. Post-intervention assessments of the same biochemical variables were conducted at the end of the study to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant changes in thyroid hormone levels compared to the control group, indicating that yogic practices may be effective in helping to balance thyroid hormone levels.