Nowadays thyroid issues are becoming prevalent. Statistics show that women are more susceptible to it than men. Often, people suffering from it may not be aware of this condition until diagnosed by a medical professional. Generally, doctors prescribe medicines for this condition. Understand that it is a lifelong condition. Sometimes, the medicines do not work, and in such cases, people look for alternative treatments. One such effective option is cannabidiol (CBD), and this is because of its multitude of therapeutic and medical effects. It imparts these effects due to its positive influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS); read on to know more about it.
An Introduction About Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system which is a network of glands and hormones secreted by them. Their primary function is to regulate various biological functions of the body. The two important hormones secreted by this gland are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine), and they control vital functions like energy utilization by cells and the body’s metabolism. Apart from this, other important homeostatic functions regulated by this gland are core body temperature, heartbeat rate, body weight, mood, and physical and mental energy levels. Above all, the thyroid gland plays a critical role in determining the conversion of food that you consume into energy.
Cannabidiol (CBD) And The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The cannabinoid cannabidiol imparts its effects due to its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) mainly by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of this system. ECS is a network of chemical messengers, i.e. hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate homeostasis, and it is common to all vertebrate mammals. Because of this, the endocrine system function is influenced by the ECS. So, by influencing the ECS, CBD has a positive effect on the endocrine system as well. Also, research has shown that CB1 receptors controlled the release of thyroid hormones. The other finding is that administering cannabinoids increased the activity of thyroid hormones. Due to these reasons, scientists are studying the link between CBD and thyroid disorder treatments.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders are conditions affecting the structure and function of the thyroid gland. There are different types of it, and the two common ones are the gland secreting either too much of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Other thyroid conditions are goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Goiter is caused by iodine deficiency, and this results in swelling of the gland. Thyroid nodules symptoms include hyperthyroidism along with pain at the nodule(s).
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused due to the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, and it is more common in women. This can be due to excessive iodine consumption, tumors in ovaries or testes, thyroid inflammation, or benign pituitary. Its symptoms include irritability, nervousness, shaking, restlessness, racing heart, increased sweating, anxiety, sleeping trouble, thin skin, bulging eyes, brittle hair and nails, muscle weakness, and weight loss.
CBD For Hyperthyroidism
The therapeutic and medical effects of cannabidiol (CBD) helps to get relief from the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It has been found that with the regular use of CBD oil the appetite can be reestablished, body weight can be managed, and diarrhea issues can be put to an end in people with thyroid issues. Besides, the anxiolytic and sleep-inducing effects of CBD also help to do away with issues like sleep disorders due to anxiety and irritability in patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. Finally, CBD helps to regulate heartbeat rate, reduce muscular pain, and the shivering of fingers.
One common doubt among people who wish to use CBD for treating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is whether cannabidiol interacts with thyroid medication. There is no clinical evidence for this, and the ideal way to know this is to look for grapefruit warning on the label of the medicine. It is important to consult with your physician before using CBD for mitigating the symptoms of thyroid problems.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the condition where the thyroid gland secretes too little hormones. This condition is usually followed by Hashimoto’s disease, i.e. thyroid gland removal, or damage to the gland by radiation treatment for cancer. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are memory issues, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold, depression, insomnia, decreased sweating, loss of libido, anemia, reduced heartbeat rate, and coma. Also, keep in mind that most of these symptoms are mild compared to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
CBD For Hypothyroidism
Consuming CBD oil alleviates headaches, muscle and joint pains, and helps to restore restful sleep in patients suffering from hypothyroidism. Apart from this, it eliminates depression, increases concentration, and reduces tension. These are due to CBD’s sleep-inducing, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects along with its enhancement of neurological functioning as it improves cerebral blood flow.
The other thyroid disorders where CBD is useful for mitigating the symptoms are Hashimoto’s disease and thyroiditis. In both cases, using CBD oil is helpful because of its therapeutic and medical effects. However, its effectiveness depends on the optimal dosage, and this varies from person to person due to the difference in their physiology.