Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause dysfunction in multiple organs due to pulmonary and systemic inflammation.
This virus can directly or indirectly affect our organs, including the thyroid gland, which is impacted through cytopathological effects. When the virus damages thyroid cells directly or mimics antibodies that attack these cells, the thyroid may not produce enough thyroxine. The pituitary-thyroid axis is particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2. The pituitary gland compensates for decreased thyroid function by producing higher levels of thyrotropin (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid to produce thyroxine.
Clinically, elevated TSH levels caused by the damaged thyroid gland, are recognized as a key indicator of hypothyroidism, especially as levels of 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) decline. This indicates a reduction in thyroid function due to inflammation.
In contrast to conventional medicine which typically prescribes thyroxine to replace the thyroid’s function, our specialized approach focuses on restoring balance in the antigen-antibody interaction and thyroid-pituitary axis. Our treatment targets three main areas: 1) reversing inflammation in thyroid cells, 2) addressing the antigen-antibody response, and 3) restoring balance between thyroid and pituitary function. The goal is to enable the thyroid to self-produce thyroxine, ultimately addressing hypothyroidism caused by long-term COVID. Our medical approach incorporates acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Our clinical research and practice address not only hypothyroidism but also various diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2. You can reference our practice at https://www.anmedicine.com and explore the underlying mechanisms at https://www.anmedicine.thinkific.com.
