CBD for Graves Disease
Caused by a malfunctioning of the immune system, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include anxiety, trouble sleeping, heat sensitivity, hand tremors, and fatigue. There is currently a lack of research on CBD’s effects on Graves’ disease and some findings are mixed.
Yet, CBD shows promise in treating symptoms of this disease such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, appetite, and dry skin.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism or the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. Though several conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common cause. Though not life-threatening, Graves’ disease can drastically reduce a person’s overall quality of life. Because of this fact, researchers are always on the lookout for treatments that can help patients better manage their symptoms while inhibiting the overproduction of the thyroid hormone at the same time.
What Causes Graves’ Disease?
At a direct level, Graves’ disease is caused by a malfunctioning of the immune system. As to why this happens, the answer remains unclear. However, while researchers remain stumped as to why some people develop overactive thyroids and others don’t, they have put together a list of risk factors. While anyone can develop Graves’ disease, having a family history of the disease, being a woman younger than 40, and chronic physical and emotional stress put individuals at an increased risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Graves’ Disease?
The symptoms of Graves’ disease can range from mild to moderate, and from annoying to debilitating. Common symptoms are as follows:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity to heat
- A tremor in the hands or fingers
- Weight loss
- Frequent bowel movements
- Change in menstrual cycles
- Bulging eyes
- Fatigue
- Lack of libido
Many of these symptoms are common to other conditions, making Graves’ disease difficult to diagnose.
Does CBD for Hypothyroidism Help?
While there is not a lack of research regarding CBD for thyroid disorders, the findings are mixed and therefore not very reliable. For instance, previous studies reveal that the major psychoactive cannabinoid components of marijuana cannot inhibit thyroid activity. However, the findings of a 2015 study suggest otherwise and imply that cannabinoid receptors may inhibit the progression of benign and malignant thyroid lesions in humans.
Regardless of whether CBD for autoimmune disease is a viable treatment or not, there is no denying that it can help manage symptoms. Ample evidence shows that CBD reduces pain and helps lessen the symptoms of anxiety, depression, inflammation and dry skin. Though a correction of diet may be a solution for weight loss in Graves’ disease patients, CBD stimulates appetite and therefore may provide a more accessible solution for many individuals.
