“Always Tired? It Might Not Be Stress — It Could Be Your Thyroid.”
- caulocare
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Hypothyroidism: Understanding the Root Causes and Symptoms
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo Caulo Care Acupuncture Forest Hills, New York (Feb 18,2026)
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body slows down due to insufficient thyroid hormone activity. To understand it clearly, we can look at it from two complementary perspectives: Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
This article focuses on three key aspects: what it is caused by, where it comes from, and what symptoms it produces.
Western Medicine Perspective
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
In Western medicine, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, temperature control, heart rate, and many other vital functions.
The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system gradually attacks and damages the thyroid gland.
Other causes include:
Thyroid surgery (removal of part or all of the gland)
Radioactive iodine treatment
Iodine deficiency
Certain medications (such as lithium or amiodarone)
Pituitary disorders that reduce TSH production
In simple terms, the condition originates from either:
Direct damage to the thyroid gland (most common), or
A failure of brain signals (pituitary or hypothalamus) that normally stimulate thyroid hormone production.
Where Does It Come From?
From a physiological standpoint, hypothyroidism begins when thyroid hormone levels fall below what the body requires. Since thyroid hormones act as the body's metabolic regulators, reduced levels lead to decreased cellular activity.
What Are the Symptoms?
Because metabolism slows down, the symptoms reflect reduced activity throughout the body:
Fatigue and low energy
Weight gain despite no major change in diet
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Dry skin and hair thinning
Puffy face or swelling
Slow heart rate
Depression or slowed thinking
Menstrual irregularities
In severe cases, extreme hormone deficiency can lead to myxedema, a dangerous medical emergency.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
What Causes Hypothyroidism in TCM?
In TCM theory, hypothyroidism is not described as a hormone disorder. Instead, it is understood as a pattern of internal imbalance. The core mechanism is usually Kidney Yang deficiency, often combined with Spleen Yang deficiency.
Yang represents warmth, activation, and metabolic fire. When Yang becomes weak:
The body loses its warming function
The transformation of fluids slows
Qi circulation becomes sluggish
This creates an internal state of Cold and Damp accumulation.
Where Does It Come From in TCM?
From a TCM perspective, the condition develops due to:
Constitutional weakness
Chronic illness
Emotional stress affecting Liver Qi
A poor diet weakening the Spleen
Aging and depletion of Kidney Essence
Over time, weakened Kidney Yang fails to support the Spleen, leading to fluid retention, fatigue, and metabolic slowing.
Integrative Understanding
From a Western perspective, hypothyroidism is a hormonal deficiency leading to metabolic slowdown. From a TCM perspective, it is primarily a deficiency of Yang energy leading to Cold and Damp accumulation. Although the language differs, both systems describe a similar pattern:
The body’s activating force becomes insufficient, and physiological processes slow down.
At Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills, New York, we view these perspectives as complementary—offering a broader understanding of the root causes and symptom patterns of hypothyroidism.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
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