Exploring the Comprehensive Treatment of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Perspective of Modern Medicine

Abstract: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of thyroid-specific autoantibodies and lymphocytic infiltration within the thyroid gland. Although its etiology is multifactorial and complex—encompassing genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, and epigenetic modifications—HT primarily presents as primary hypothyroidism. Conventional management predominantly involves hormone replacement therapy; however, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in the treatment of HT. This review critically examines the application of TCM in HT management, contextualized within contemporary understandings of the disease’s pathophysiology. TCM exerts therapeutic effects through multiple mechanisms, including immunomodulation, attenuation of oxidative stress, and inhibition of thyroid cell apoptosis. Clinical studies indicate that TCM interventions, such as herbal formulations and acupuncture, can effectively enhance thyroid function, decrease autoantibody levels, and improve patients’ quality of life. The integration of TCM with standard Western medical treatments offers a valuable complementary strategy for HT, addressing both symptomatic relief and underlying immune dysregulation. Nonetheless, there remains a need for large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials to establish standardized treatment protocols and to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of TCM approaches. Overall, TCM represents a promising adjunctive therapeutic option for HT, expanding the range of treatment modalities beyond conventional hormone replacement. Future investigations should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TCM’s effects and to optimize therapeutic regimens to maximize clinical benefits. Keywords: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cellular immunity, hypothyroidism, traditional Chinese medicine