Why is it so popular so suddenly? Can I use CBD oil to cure hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and other thyroid disorders?
If you suffer from thyrotoxicosis, more commonly referred to as hyperthyroidism, you might know that cannabis oil has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of thyroid disorders, including sleeping problems, mood swings, inflammation, etc.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know regarding CBD's effect on thyroid disorders, causes and symptoms, so please keep reading to learn more..
Current research reveals an important role that cannabinoids play in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, or an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, including hyperthyroidism in maintaining balanced energy in your body, especially in your endocrine system.
What is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland resting on top of the trachea (windpipe). It is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which regulates the body's metabolism.
There are instances where the thyroid may produce too much thyroid hormone, as well as too little. We will cover both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, as well as the common causes and symptoms related to both.
Stick with me until the end, and you will understand the depths that CBD may benefit these thyroid conditions.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, also known as a form of thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which the thyroid gland receptors produce too much thyroid hormone. You often hear it is called an "overactive thyroid gland." Some of the symptoms are:
- Concentration difficulty
- Fatigue
- Heat intolerance
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Irregular menstruation
- Nervousness
- Weight loss
The thyroid gland is located in the neck beneath the cartilage cavity, or what is commonly called the Adam's apple.
Another symptom of hyperthyroidism is hypertrophy of the thyroid gland, which results in goiter. Thyroid hormone receptors regulate the speed of metabolism, which is the process of digesting food and energy.
Women over the age of 60 and people with other thyroid problems have an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.
What Causes Thyrotoxicosis And Hyperthyroidism Specifically?
The specific originating causes for this specific thyroid disease is unknown, but recent evidence suggests that it is a consequence of the imbalance of thyroxine between thyroid hormones and peripheral tissues.
Tension, psychic stress, and psychological trauma can act through the cortico-hypothalamic pathway and release human-specific thyroid stimulators (HSTs). This, in turn, stimulates the hypothalamus receptors to release Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which excites the front pituitary receptors, releasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to act on the thyroid and produces excess T3, T4, or sometimes both hormones.
Another protein, called immunoglobulin G also stimulates the release of hormones and can cause thyroid hyperplasia. It is synthesized by lymphocytes in thyrotoxicosis patients, called "long-acting thyroid stimulation" or LATS.
All of this is to say that there is a domino effect when it comes to what causes this condition. It root cause could stem from another condition. It is recommended to consult with a physician before treatment.
Grave's Disease
Conditions such as Grave's disease can cause pronounced inflammation throughout the body and is a common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Subclinical (early symptoms) of Graves' disease can be difficult to diagnose as they share some of the same symptoms as other similar conditions. Some common symptoms of this thyroid disorder include:
- Anxiety
- Chest pain, heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Finger or hand tremors
- Increased stool frequency
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping
- Goiter
- Muscle weakness
- Prominent, bulging eyes
- Sweating, heat intolerance
- Weight loss with increased appetite
- Vision problems
However, your doctor will use specific guidelines to properly diagnose your specific overactive thyroid causes, which should help you make the right decisions for your health prior to treatment.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, also known as thyroiditis, and is a thyroid disease which the thyroid gland receptors are underactive, and unable to produce adequate hormones for optimal body function.
This condition usually occurs after Hashimoto’s disease is treated with radiation or post surgery where the thyroid gland is removed. While not all Hashimoto’s patients will also experience underactive thyroid symptoms, antibodies may cause future issues for the patient.
"Hypo" Thyroid Disease symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Coma
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Decreased sweating
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Heightened sensitivity to cold
- Insomnia
- Irregular heart rate
- Loss of libido
- Memory problems
- Weakness
- Weight gain
Hashimoto's Disease
Also known as Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s is a common cause of hypothyroid symptoms. While it can affect anyone at any age, most patients tend to be middle-aged women.
This thyroid disorder triggers the immune system to attack and degrade thyroid function, stunting its hormone production. It may not always be apparent that you have this disease due to mild symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Goiter
- Heavy menstruation
- Intolerance to cold temperatures
- Irregular menstrual Cycle
- Puffy Face
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
- Changes in body temperature
NOTE: Grave's is related to causing Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) and Hashimoto's is related to causing Hypothyroidism (thyroiditis)
Thyroiditis & Thyrotoxicosis Treatment Guidelines
Your doctor should conduct a physical examination and investigate your history of illness with you before your diagnosis.
However, to achieve an official diagnosis of thyroiditis or thyrotoxicosis, further tests have to be carried out because many of the symptoms related to hyperthyroidism are similar to those of other conditions.
It is vitally important to talk with a doctor before trying anything for thyroid issues. Please do not take your health lightly.
While CBD is not a cure for any disease, it has been shown to help with symptoms you may be experiencing. If you want relief and think CBD may be a solution for you, be sure to check out Mana Artisan Botanics™
Women who have difficulty in getting pregnant are usually tested for thyroid problems because hyperthyroidism can lead to problems with fertility.
To understand the cause of your hyperthyroidism, doctors may take and evaluate several blood samples. They can also use image tests such as a thyroid scan to help diagnose.
Thyroid treatments may include a combination of medications, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and alternative holistic medicines like CBD.
The goal of your treatment is to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal, reduce unpleasant symptoms, and prevent long-term health complications while avoiding negative effects to your immune system.
Since no single person is the same, there is no single treatment that would suit everyone, similar to diet plans.
Your specific treatment will depend on the cause of your condition and its severity. Your doctor may review any potential allergies you have, your age, other conditions such as heart disease or pregnancy, side effects, and other factors before recommending treatment.
Medical Treatment For Hyperthyroidism
1. Antithyroid Drugs
Antithyroid Drugs are the easiest way to treat thyroid disease. That's why these thyroid glands produce fewer thyroid hormones. However, they do not provide permanent treatment.
Methimazole is the most commonly used antithyroid drug, but since this drug can harm the fetus, doctors often use propylthiouracil for treating pregnancy during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Once you start treatment with antithyroid drugs, it may take several weeks or months to return thyroid hormone levels to a healthy state. One or two years is the average duration of this treatment, however, it can take many years of treatment and isn’t without a host of side-effects.
Antithyroid Drug Side Effects: Some people may have side effects with antithyroid drugs, such as:
- Reducing the number of white blood cells in your body, which can reduce its resistance to infections.
- Allergic reactions, such as itching and rash.
- Insufficiency of the liver.
- Can cause Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during antithyroid treatment:
- General Weakness
- Fatigue
- Vertigo
- Loss of Appetite
- Mild Abdominal Pain or Pressure
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Prolonged throat pain
Doctors often recommend antithyroid medicines for pregnant women or breastfeeding because it is a less dangerous treatment for the baby during pregnancy.
2. Beta-blockers
Although beta-blockers do not stop thyroid hormone production, they can help reduce symptoms while waiting for other treatments. They work fast to alleviate some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as:
- Accelerated Heart Rate
- Tremors
- Nervousness.
You can feel better just a few hours after taking the beta blocker. Beta-Blocker Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cold hands and feet
- Gastric disorders
- Constipation
- Diarrhea.
You may also feel dryness in your mouth, on the skin, and in your eyes.
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism And Alternative Treatment
1. Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine (RAI) is an effective and frequent treatment of hyperthyroidism. RAI-131 is taken orally either by capsules or liquid. It slowly destroys the thyroid gland cells that produce thyroid hormones without affecting other tissues in your body.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy Side Effects:
- Neck Swelling
- Neck Sensitivity
- Dry Mouth
- Swelling
- Salivary Gland Sensitivity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
2. Thyroid surgery
Surgery is the least used type of hyperthyroidism because it poses the most risk. Here the surgeon removes some or most of the thyroid gland. Each surgical procedure, including the thyroid, represents a risk of infection.
CBD Oil and Thyroid Disease Treatment
Because of its immunomodulatory properties and constituents, CBD promotes positive body reactions not only to mitigate thyroiditis symptoms but also to reduce inflammatory buildup. If you take CBD and thyroid problems are in your recent history, you may notice benefits right away.
Cannabidiol has been confirmed as an effective treatment for symptoms related to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
Because CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to stimulate overall function, it can be used holistically for your general wellbeing.
Does CBD Interfere with Thyroid Medication?
Given CBD research is relatively new, scientific evidence needs to be collected to fully understand how CBD and thyroid medications interact with our endocrine systems, but analysis of possible inhibition of thyroid cell destruction due to the favorable properties and effects of cannabidiol has resulted from existing research.
We should also differentiate CBD from hemp oil for thyroid treatment. CBD and Hemp Oil are not the same thing even though CBD comes from hemp, hemp oil alone does not interact with the receptors in your brain responsible for the benefits you'd experience with CBD.
Before you consider taking CBD products for your thyroid health, be sure to seek the advice from your doctor by asking lots of questions. If you are taking medications already, make sure your doctor knows what you are taking.
How To Use CBD OIL For Graves Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune thyroid disease, which means that there is no cure and current medical science suggests adjusting lifestyle habits to mitigate symptoms.
Fortunately, CBD oil helps you make some of the suggested lifestyle adjustments like:
- Lower your stress
- Consume anti-inflammatory foods (CBD is anti-inflammatory)
- Improve overall immunity to combat environmental toxins
Can CBD Oil Help Hypothyroidism?
Recently, scientific studies have established a link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the brain/thyroid communication network. The brain will usually send instructions between its receptors, but then you suffer from thyroid disorders, these receptors do not received the vital messages needed to function properly.
The ECS is crucial to how the thyroid gland and the central nervous system send messages within the body.
CBD interacts with and helps to maintain your body's homeostasis, and since both hyper and hypothyroidism are an imbalance in the normal functioning of your body, CBD can be an effective treatment for both conditions.
CBD may play an essential role in balancing communication between the thyroid and brain, meaning that your endocannabinoid system and your cannabinoid receptor network could directly promote the active release of thyroid hormone. This is important for general homeostatic health and proper functioning of organs.
CBD cannabis oil offers fantastic health benefits and does not cause the "high" effect you get with THC. CBD has already been used to successfully treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, but what about hyperthyroidism?
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How To Use CBD OIL For Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's patients may experience relief of or even the elimination of persistent headaches, muscle soreness, and joint pain when they consume CBD oil in the forms of isolates and tinctures.
CBD enables patients to regain much-needed sleep, increase their ability to concentrate, reduce their overall stress, and has been shown as an effective treatment for depression as well.
It is no wonder that CBD is sought after so much for so many applications given it’s naturally therapeutic full-body treatment characteristics.
What is the CBD Dosage for Thyroid Issues?
Based on widespread anecdotal evidence only, the standard CBD dosage recommendation may depend on your body weight. Start with 1 to 6 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.
We've built a calculator for you so that you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight below:
The above dosage recommendation is general and merely a suggestion. Your case may differ in that you may need a lot more, while others may need a lot less. Please consult with your physician before supplementing your treatment with CBD.
The chart below will help you determine what this means with tinctures.
I am not a physician, so please consult your doctor before you take any supplements for any condition you may have. There may be unknown side effects or adverse drug reactions for your specific situation, so please consider this before using CBD for any reason.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Due to its properties, CBD allows patients an alternative option for treating symptoms of various conditions, including thyroid disorders.
A properly adjusted dose of thyroid hormone (in case of hypothyroidism) or blocking production (excessive activity), adequate nutrition and lifestyle can lead to reduction in symptoms.
CBD oil may help treat the underlying causes of these symptoms and assist your body in regulating its functions.
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