According to the latest research, CBD oil might offer a range of therapeutic benefits for those suffering from thyroid disorders, helping to improve the overall quality of life.
There’s an ever-growing library of research that looks into how CBD affects many different bodily systems, and it’s often praised for its immunomodulatory effects.
Given cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including in the thyroid gland, it’s no surprise that CBD may play a part in regulating symptoms associated with thyroid disease.
Research into the effects of CBD on thyroid disorders is ongoing, but early studies are showing promising results.
With the growing availability of CBD in Australia, it could be worthwhile to consider this plant medicine on your Thyroid healing journey. Low-dose CBD will soon be available as an OTC medicine in pharmacies, and for stronger medicinal products you can always consult with a cannabis clinician or clinic.
What Is The Thyroid?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland found at the base of your neck and is responsible for producing a range of hormones that influence various functions throughout your body.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in managing your:
- Metabolic rate
- Bone density
- Heart health
- Muscle strength
- Mood
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
Dysfunctions of the thyroid can lead to a range of symptoms and health conditions resulting from imbalances in hormones that regulate these bodily functions.
Can You Take CBD For Thyroid Disorders?
Research into the possible connections between CBD and the thyroid gland is still early.
However, some studies have indicated that CBD may be useful in treating and managing thyroid disorders.
The thyroid gland contains large numbers of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are involved in processes that shrink thyroid tumours and may be key to stopping the spread of malignant cells throughout the thyroid.
This is certainly not enough to call CBD a thyroid cancer treatment, but it is cause for further investigation. [1]
CBD and other cannabinoids, both directly and indirectly, interact with these cannabinoid receptors. Because of this connection, there is speculation that CBD could be used to treat thyroid issues.
Taking CBD For Thyroid Dysfunction Symptoms
While CBD and thyroid treatment research are still fairly thin on the ground, there is a larger amount of evidence to suggest that it can help manage many of the symptoms associated with thyroid problems.
These include:
- Itchy or dry skin
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Weight gain
- Low energy levels
CBD And Thyroid Health: A Breakdown of the Research
Can CBD Oil Help Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a health condition that can occur when too much of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, is in your system. This imbalance can cause numerous problems related to the functions of the overabundant hormones.
CBD may be able to help tackle the excess hormones in your thyroid gland and might reduce thyroid inflammation which is the root cause of many thyroid disorders. [2]
Can You Take CBD Oil To Cure Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. Instead of your system being flooded with too many thyroid hormones, there are not enough to properly regulate bodily functions.
This is often caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland, which CBD may be able to help with.
In 2010 a research team discovered that CBD could reduce the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the body. These small cell signalling proteins have been highlighted as a major contributor to the onset of conditions such as Hashimoto’s.
Additionally, they found that daily CBD administration halted disease progression in rodent models. [3]
CBD May Help Tackle Hormone Imbalances
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones used in various body functions.
The endocannabinoid system interacts with the endocrine system. The production of hormones in glands like the thyroid gland is regulated by endocannabinoid receptors. [2]
Stimulating these receptors can cause the thyroid to produce different hormones. Cannabinoids like CBD can stimulate these endocannabinoid receptors, which means that CBD might have some potential to treat hormonal imbalances.
However, much more research is needed to fully understand the links and interactions between the endocannabinoid and endocrine systems.
CBD Can Help Manage Energy Levels
Thyroid disorders can cause slow metabolism, resulting in increased tiredness and weight gain, amongst other issues.
CBD may be able to help with these symptoms. CBD helps to regulate the metabolism through the endocannabinoid system in your body, and it promotes the conversion of white fat cells to brown fat cells.
Brown fat cells store energy in a way that is more accessible, making it easier for your body to burn more calories. [4]
Cannabinoids may also make your body more sensitive to insulin and consequently help to reduce your blood sugar levels. This can also help to improve your energy levels throughout the day.
CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
CBD and several other cannabinoids are increasingly recognised for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Many thyroid dysfunctions are caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland and can also cause inflammation elsewhere in the body.
While there is not enough research available to be certain that CBD can reduce thyroid inflammation, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on tissues and organs throughout the body.
Even so, CBD can still help to manage inflammation caused by thyroid dysfunction elsewhere in the body.
CBD Oil And Thyroid Medication Interactions
CBD can inhibit the activity of a large group of enzymes in the body known as the CYP450 enzyme family.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications rely on enzymes within the CYP450 family to metabolise their active ingredients into your body to have the intended effect.
This includes some drugs that are used to treat thyroid disorders. Thyroxine and levothyroxine can both compete in the liver with CBD for absorption into your body.
This can reduce the efficacy of both thyroid medications and CBD oil.
Inhibiting the CYP450 enzyme while taking medications dependent on it can have negative effects. Your body may be unable to absorb enough of the medication at once for it to have any therapeutic effect.
Worse, the medication could build up to an unsafe level in your bloodstream because your body cannot break it down and get rid of it fast enough. [5]
Key Takeaways on CBD Oil And Thyroid Disorders
While some patients anecdotally report that they can take CBD and their thyroid medication simultaneously without experiencing any ill effects, everyone’s body handles medications differently, and not enough is known about CBD drug interactions to be certain this is safe.
If you’re considering adding CBD to your supplement regimen, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor first. Even so, there are a lot of green market options available such as JGO, and CBD ignite. Again, we’d strongly encourage caution when looking into international brands.
While we’re keenly awaiting more specific research on CBD and the thyroid gland, it can certainly help manage day-to-day symptoms often associated with thyroid disorders such as pain, anxiety, hunger, and fatigue.
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