Thyroid-Related Headaches and CBD: A New Solution to an Old Problem

It is often said that there is nothing like exhaustion from thyroid disease. When the endocrine system is not working, it can destroy many functions in the body. Features like:

• metabolism
• Menstrual cycles
• Body temperature
• Blood pressure
• Mood

In fact, according to the American Thyroid Association, there is increasing research into the complex relationship between thyroid disease, body weight, and metabolism. With so many body functions that rely on a small gland, the function of the thyroid gland is of paramount importance to your wellbeing – mind, body and spirit.

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A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology looked at self-medication cannabis use in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and found that “10.2% of patients reported using it for migraine headache symptoms … with low doses that tend to Relieve migraines while at higher doses that even trigger headaches. These results require the creation of a highly specific prescription for individual patients that might be required for a safe and successful treatment plan. “

To be clear, cannabis works but needs to be personalized in order to alleviate symptoms in a personal and efficient way.

Thyroid replacement drugs and CBD

Many who have lost a thyroid due to cancer or other diseases know the importance of making sure that the correct dose of thyroid medication and regulation is in their body. But thyroid replacement therapy often comes with the dreaded headache and the soul-destroying, vomiting-inducing migraine that is associated with thyroid problems.

RELATED: How Does Cannabis Use Affect Our Hormones?

And even those who are not given thyroid substitutes have severe migraines. In fact, the International Headache Society estimates that 30% of people with an underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism) have a headache, while the Mayo Clinic also states that hyperthyroidism (or an overactive thyroid) can also cause migraines. So what can a headache sufferer do?

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Patients with thyroid headache also have other thyroid-related complications such as anxiety, inflammation, and joint pain. Since CBD is commercially available in almost every state, study after study shows that CBD oil not only helps with headaches, but also with inflammation and anxiety, especially since it stimulates the endocannabinoid system.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system

Often referred to as a network of receptors or sensors, the endocannabinoid system regulates the body’s environment. The receptors communicate internally from the brain to the nervous system via pain, heat, cold and other stimulants. Cannabis and CBD oil contain cannabinoids that directly support the endocannabinoid system by improving the function of receptors and often increasing natural cannabinoid levels. Think of it this way: your body has serotonin and other responses to stimulation that it naturally generates. Cannabis and CBD oil mimic what your body is already creating to give it a little more “oomph”.

RELATED: 9 Scientific Strategies for Using the Endocannabinoid System

Using CBD oil or cannabis for headaches does not “numb” the pain as much as it “treats” it by giving the body exactly what it is already producing. This is why medications that block pain, such as pain relievers, don’t work with prolonged use. Cannabis and CBD speed up the body’s response system to remind it to do what it knows best: thrive.