The use of CBD is currently being discussed in relation to a multitude of diseases. Already, there is some knowledge about its positive effects. You may be wondering: Can CBD help with thyroid issues?
We've examined the current state of research and will show you the potential effects of CBD. You'll get an overview of the organ, what kind of diseases can occur, how a traditional treatment proceeds, and its potential downsides.
Also, towards the end of this article, you will find advice on dosage, potential interactions, testimonials, and a roundup of the best CBD oils.
Enjoy!
An Overview of the Thyroid
The thyroid is an organ found in all vertebrates. In humans, it's located under the larynx and in front of the trachea. Its main task is the production of two hormones: triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine.
Even though you may have never heard of these, they have a crucial role. These hormones practically regulate everything, from metabolism, heartbeat, and circulation to nerves and muscles. Thus, this walnut-sized organ isn't insignificant.
Unfortunately, the thyroid is also very susceptible to diseases. Most often, they arise from inflammation. But problems can also be congenital. An excess or deficiency of iodine often triggers various diseases.
What Thyroid Diseases Are There?
Many people suffer from under-or overactivity of the organ. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is among the most common autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid. In addition, there are also other diseases such as:
- Goiter
- Nodules
- Graves' Disease
- Thyroid Cancer
Hyperthyroidism
If the organ produces too many hormones, it's called hyperthyroidism. The effects can be somewhat severe, potentially causing heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, weight loss, diarrhea, and many other symptoms. In the worst case, it can lead to a coma.
Hypothyroidism
A low hormone production results in thyroid underactivity. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, concentration problems, headaches, loss of appetite, and reduced motivation.
Hashimoto
In this autoimmune disease, the body's own defense mechanisms attack the thyroid. The cause is usually an inflammation. Women are far more affected than men, with a ratio of about 80 to 20.
If left untreated, Hashimoto's can lead to the complete destruction of the thyroid. The disease often manifests itself through throat pain. As it often results in hypothyroidism, the symptoms of underactivity also appear.
Thyroid diseases are usually combated with long-term medication. However, two problems arise. Firstly, optimal dosing is challenging. The individual medications often have different strengths and must be adjusted to the patient's body.
Secondly, side effects, which can affect other body functions, occur quite frequently. These can potentially attack the immune or digestive system, leading to mood swings and uncontrolled weight loss and gain. So, we are far from an optimal treatment.
How do we currently treat thyroid disorders?
Enter CBD. Our bodies have an Endocannabinoid System that produces cannabinoids, which attach to CB1 and CB2 receptors and control them.
These receptors are also found in the thyroid [1] where they are directly responsible for controlling hormone production.
Externally supplied CBD can thus increase the production of our own cannabinoids, which can attach to the CB1 receptors in the thyroid and improve hormone production.
Research in this area is still in its infancy. However, tests on rats give us cautious cause for optimism. [2]
Can CBD help with specific thyroid diseases?
In addition to this finding, there's another reason to believe that CBD can help with thyroid issues. CBD appears to be able to reduce the production of certain immune proteins.
These are often linked with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's. [3]
For hyperfunction or hypofunction, CBD can have a positive effect on symptoms. Studies show that CBD can reduce sleep disturbances and anxiety. It can also affect appetite and weight fluctuations.
For an inflammation of the thyroid, it's important to combat the source of inflammation. CBD has proven anti-inflammatory properties. [4]
Initial studies also show promise for a positive effect on cancer. [5] Why not in the thyroid as well?
Are there interactions between CBD and thyroid medications?
Yes, there are. That's why you should always consult a doctor about potential risks and interactions before using CBD for thyroid disorders. CBD might inhibit the breakdown of specific medications, potentially leading to an overdose.
This is especially true for Thyroxin, a commonly prescribed drug for issues with the organ.
What is the correct dosage of CBD oil for thyroid disorders?
The simplest and most popular method of administering CBD is oil. However, determining its dosage can be difficult since everyone reacts differently to cannabidiol. However, the following tips can be given:
- Adjust the amount according to the severity of your symptoms.
- Start with small amounts and gradually increase the dose if necessary.
- At the beginning, do not take more than 3 drops daily.
- While an overdose is not possible, it can intensify potential side effects and waste the product.
What are the experiences with CBD in thyroid diseases?
There are already several experience values regarding the treatment of thyroid problems with CBD. A Hashimoto patient reports how CBD has helped with the symptoms of the disease:
"After 2 weeks I was pain-free. CBD removed my anxiety symptoms, my panic attacks disappeared, my digestive system regulated itself."
Other comments on hyperfunction also paint a positive picture.
Manuel:
"CBD works well for hypothyroidism. Before using it, I took 75 mg of Thyroxin. 4 months after taking CBD, I was able to reduce the dose to 25 mg."
Eirene:
"I have Hashimoto's and recently started taking CBD for muscle and joint pain. It works like a miracle, and I can sleep well. Possibly because the pain has subsided, but maybe also because of the calming effect of CBD."
What is the best CBD oil?
Not just for severe diseases, but also for minor symptoms, one should pay attention to the quality of the product. In the case of CBD oil, there are some bad actors who want to make quick money with inferior oils. To help you avoid these, we have listed the best CBD oils for you:
Why should I prefer CBD over THC for thyroid use?
There are two reasons for this. Firstly, you need a corresponding prescription for the legal use of THC in the United States, which is often not easy to get.
But more importantly, CBD doesn't get you "high" and therefore doesn't limit you in your daily life. CBD products usually contain THC but only in small amounts of less than 0.2%.
Our Conclusion
Whether CBD can help in the treatment of thyroid diseases is still uncertain. The research is still too sparse to make clear statements.
What we do know, not least from a variety of experiences, is that CBD can have a positive effect on various symptoms. It's likely to play a larger role in the future.
Please note our advice on potential interactions and discuss this with a doctor. Only a medical professional can give you a recommendation.
If you have experience with CBD in thyroid diseases, we would appreciate a comment. Let's discuss it.
Sources
- [1] Lakiotaki, E. et al. Clinical Significance of Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2 Expression in Human Malignant and Benign Thyroid Lesions. BioMed Research International, 2015
- [2] Porcella, A., et al. Evidence for functional CB1 cannabinoid receptor expressed in the rat thyroid. European Journal of Endocrinology
- [3] Esfahanian F. et al. Increased Levels of Serum Interleukin-17 in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.2017. Indian J Endocrinol Metab
- [4] Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorg Med Chem. 2015
- [5] Liang C et al. A population-based case-control study of marijuana use and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Prev Res (Phila Pa) 2009