Most of us never think about our thyroid, a little organ that does its own thing in our bodies. Yet thyroid imbalances can create a host of problems.
Whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive, if you suffer from a thyroid disorder, you're probably all too familiar with the symptoms that can follow, including pain, insomnia and unexplained weight gain or loss. Untreated thyroid disorders can ultimately lead to serious health problems.
Managing the symptoms of thyroid disorders can be challenging, even if you're currently being treated by a doctor for the condition. Below, we present some of the latest research on CBD and thyroid. Read on to find out more and decide for yourself whether CBD is right for you.
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What are thyroid disorders?
The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of the neck, responsible for producing hormones linked to a number of vital bodily functions. In particular, the thyroid releases and controls the hormones that drive metabolism. When the thyroid is functioning properly, the body has the right balance of hormones to keep metabolism on track.
Thyroid disorders - or diseases - occur when the thyroid produces either too much or too little hormone. Either condition can lead to health problems including fatigue, weight gain or loss, and an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain types of hormones. This can be caused by autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, certain medications, hyperthyroidism treatments, pituitary disorder, congenital disease and even certain drugs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include muscle weakness, pain, joint stiffness and swelling, thinning hair, memory problems, weight gain and high blood cholesterol.
This condition is diagnosed by blood tests to determine the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. Treatment consists of taking a synthetic thyroid hormone medication on a daily basis. Although these drugs can successfully treat hypothyroidism, too much of this medication can cause problems, including tremors, heart palpitations, increased appetite and/or insomnia.
The flip side of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, leading to unintentional weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sleep disturbances and other symptoms. It can be caused by conditions such as Graves' disease, Plummer's disease and thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by a combination of physical examination and blood tests to confirm low TSH levels. Additional tests may be performed to determine why a person's thyroid is overactive. Treatment may include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers or surgery to remove most of the thyroid. Each of these options has side effects, including liver damage, skin rashes, joint pain, sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Can CBD help thyroid disorders?
The Cannabis plant contains a number of natural compounds known as cannabinoids. One of these compounds is cannabidiol or CBD. Unlike another well-known cannabinoid, THC, CBD is not psychotropic, so it does not alter the senses.
The human body has a endocannabinoid system (SEC), which is responsible for maintaining balance (homeostasis) in our body. The SEC is made up of three components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. Endocannabinoids bind to specific receptors to perform particular functions. Enzymes then break down the endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function.
Research has established a link between the endocannabinoid system and a number of body processes, including metabolism, chronic pain, motor control, sleep, muscle, skin and nerve formation. Each of these functions contributes to the homeostasis, or stability, of the body's internal environment.
CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the SEC system to maintain balance. While scientists aren't sure of all the intricacies of how CBD works with the endocrine system, early research has shown that it can be useful in a number of important ways, including treating pain and inflammation, reducing anxiety and suppressing seizures.
In addition, CBD could be useful for people with thyroid problems. This could be linked to to existence endocannabinoid receptors on the thyroid gland itself. According to a study conducted in rats in 2002, strongly suggests that cannabinoids may have a direct influence on thyroid hormone activity. Furthermore, these receptors were found in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an area of the brain that sends signals to the thyroid.
Visit 2015, scientists conducted a study of malignant and benign thyroid lesions. They concluded that ECS receptors could serve as therapeutic targets for inhibiting the growth of this type of lesion.
To date, there have been no clinical studies specifically investigating the use of CBD for thyroid disorders. However, a number of studies have shown that CBD can help manage symptoms that are commonly associated with thyroid disorders, including pain, inflammation, anxiety and depression. In this way, CBD may be a good option for people suffering from thyroid disease.
Studies also indicate that CBD can influence metabolism. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating metabolism. Compounds that interact with the ECS system, such as CBD, may enable people with thyroid disorders to balance their metabolism.
Although research into CBD for thyroid disorders is still in its infancy, the presence of SEC receptors on the thyroid gland and in the area of the brain that regulates the thyroid is promising.