19/01/2022
CBD for Thyroid Conditions: Just the Facts
Most of us never think about our thyroid. It is just something that exists in our bodies, doing its job. Yet if something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can create a host of problems.
Whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive, if you have a thyroid condition, you are likely all too familiar with the symptoms that may come with it; including pain, insomnia, and unexplained weight gain or loss. Untreated thyroid disorders can cause serious health issues over time.
Managing the symptoms of thyroid disorder can be challenging, even if you are currently being treated by a doctor for your condition. Below, we outline some of the latest research on CBD and the thyroid. Read on to learn more — and to decide for yourself if CBD is right for you.
What Are Thyroid Disorders?
The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck that is responsible for producing hormones that are related to a number of vital functions in the body. In particular, the thyroid releases and controls hormones that control metabolism. When the thyroid is working properly, the body will have the appropriate balance of hormones to keep the metabolism working at the right rate.
Thyroid disorders — or diseases — occur when the thyroid makes either too much or not enough hormones. Either condition can cause health problems, including fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, and an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain types of hormones. This may be caused by autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, certain medications, hyperthyroidism treatments, a disorder of the pituitary gland, a congenital disease, and even some medications. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include muscle weakness, pain stiffness, and swelling in the joints, thinning hair, impaired memory, weight gain, and an elevated blood cholesterol level.
This condition is diagnosed through blood tests to determine the level of thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) in your blood. Treatment involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone medication daily. While these medications can successfully treat hypothyroidism, too much of this drug can cause problems, including shakiness, heart palpitations, increased appetite, and/or insomnia.
The flip side of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. This happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, causing unintentional weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms. It may be caused by conditions such as Graves’ disease, Plummer’s disease, and thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed using the combination of a physical exam and blood tests to confirm low levels of TSH. Additional tests may be performed to determine the reason why a person’s thyroid is overactive. Treatment may include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, beta blockers, or surgery to remove most of your thyroid. Each of these options carries side effects, including liver damage, skin rashes, joint pain, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue.
Can CBD Help Thyroid Conditions?
The cannabis plant contains a number of naturally-occurring compounds, known as cannabinoids. One such compound is cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike another well-known cannabinoid, THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a feeling of being high or stoned.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining balance (homeostasis) in our bodies. The ECS is made up of three components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. The endocannabinoids bind to specific receptors in order to carry out specific functions. Enzymes then break down the endocannabinoids once they have carried out their function.
Research has linked the ECS to a number of processes within the body, including metabolism, chronic pain, motor control, sleep, muscle formation, and skin and nerve formation. Each of these functions contribute to homeostasis, or stability, in the internal environment of the body.
CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the ECS in order to maintain balance. While scientists are not positive about all of intricacies of how CBD works with the ECS, initial research has demonstrated that it may be helpful in several important ways, including addressing pain and inflammation, reducing anxiety, and suppressing seizures.
In addition, CBD could be useful for people who have thyroid conditions. This may be linked to the existence of ECS receptors on the thyroid gland itself. According to a 2002 study conducted on rats, this strongly suggests that cannabinoids may have a direct influence on thyroid hormone activity. In addition, these receptors have been found in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an area of the brain that sends signals to the thyroid.
In 2015, scientists performed a study on both malignant and benign thyroid lesions. They concluded that ECS receptors may serve as therapeutic targets to inhibit the growth of this type of lesion.
To date, there has not been a clinical study that specifically addresses the use of CBD for thyroid disorders. However, a number of studies have shown that CBD may help to manage the symptoms that are commonly linked to thyroid disorders, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression. In this way, CBD may be a good option for those who suffer from thyroid disease.
Studies also indicate that CBD may influence the metabolism. The ECS plays a significant role in regulating the metabolism. Compounds that interact with the ECS, such as CBD, may allow individuals with a thyroid disorder to balance their metabolism.
While the research on CBD for thyroid conditions is still in its early stages, the presence of ECS receptors on the thyroid gland and in the area of the brain that regulates the thyroid is promising. If you suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, CBD may be useful to manage your symptoms.
