Hashimoto’s & Graves’ Disease
Hashimoto’s & Graves’ Disease
Do you know someone who is battling Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease? Both are commonly diagnosed in women and the research on both are limited, but we do know that inflammation is one of the leading symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.
What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. It’s a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones that coordinate several of your body’s functions.
Inflammation is one of the leading symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.
Hashimoto’s primarily affects women and one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in the United States.
Symptoms of Hashimoto range from:
- Fatigue
- Joint & Muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Puffy or paleness of the face
There is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease. Medication is the most common treatment option.
What is Graves’ Disease?
Like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ is also a common disease that affects the thyroid. It is also a leading cause of hyperthyroidism.
Graves’ disease causes the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones. Unlike Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease does go into remission. However, left untreated it can lead to severe complications including death
A common symptom of Graves’ disease is weight loss. By producing excessive hormones, the thyroid gland speeds up the conversion of food into energy. With the increase in metabolism, your body goes into high gear by producing the pounding heartbeats, trembling, sweating that’s associated with hyperthyroidism.
What can CBD do to help with Hashimoto’s & Graves’ Disease?
There are no direct clinical trials on CBD and thyroid disorders, however, scientists have learned how the CBD influences our body’s endocannabinoid system.
Our endocannabinoid system is made up of several integrated mechanisms like cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBC, CBN, and CBG all interact with the cannabinoid receptors to assist in maintaining homeostasis in our body.
There are cannabinoid receptors that are located on cells in our thyroid gland.
Does that mean that CBD can help control the neurons in our thyroid?
Well, a 2009 study found that our CB1 receptor influences the activity of those neurons.
Another study in 2015 found that our cannabinoid receptors could serve as therapeutic targets for benign and malignant thyroid lesions.
This is good news and it’s why more research is needed.
We already know that CBD helps boost our immune system.
CBD also helps with stress management and supports balance in our minds and bodies.
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