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The overall vast effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of various medical disorders still amazes us all. Recently, a well-researched link has been established between Plummer disease and the role of medical cannabis in treating the disorder.
Let’s take an extensive look at the disorder and find out exactly how medical cannabis is aiding the treatment.
What is Plummer Disease?
Plummer Disease is a disorder that affects the thyroid glands within the body. The disease leads to a condition called ‘hyperthyroidism’ which is marked by excessive production of thyroid hormone. Now, the thyroid as a hormone is naturally produced within the body. However, the accumulation of excessive amounts of thyroid can lead to life-threatening disorders.
If left untreated, Plummer disease can lead to the enlargement of thyroid glands in the neck region causing a visible ‘goiter’ lump to appear. If the goiter has one or more active nodules, it will become a Toxic Nodular Goiter (TCG).
Common Symptoms of Plummer Disease
Some of the most common symptoms associated with Plummer disease include,
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings
- Difficulties sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Weight loss
- Frequent bowel movements
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Heat intolerance
- Irritability or nervousness
Apart from these, hyperthyroidism can lead to the following physical changes within the body. Remember, these changes may appear subtle in the beginning but can become violently progressive over time.
- Moist and smooth skin
- Enlarged thyroid gland with one or more soft, smooth, mobile nodules
- Breathing or speaking difficulties
- Brisk reflexes and movement
- Increased opening space between the eyelids
- Weakness of the proximal muscles
- Racing heartbeat
Cannabis and Hyperthyroidism
Cannabis is rich in cannabinoids of many sorts, however, the most important ones of these hundreds of cannabinoids are the CBD and the delta-9 THC. But why is that? Well, both CBD and delta-9 THC interact with the Endocannabinoid system of the body.
The ECS can influence a part of our brain called the pituitary gland. Now the pituitary gland, also known as the master gland manages the secretion of various hormones within the body. A 2018 study reveals that under the influence of cannabis, ECS signals the pituitary gland to stop the production of thyrotropin. This hormone signals the thyroid gland to produce its relevant hormones.
Can cannabis help with thyroid conditions?
Studies have so far revealed that cannabis has immunosuppressive effects which make it an ideal way of treating autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Graves disease. However, Plummer disease is not an autoimmune disorder. So does cannabis help in the treatment of Plummer disease?
We don’t have a definite answer yet as more research is needed to be done on this matter. Still, reducing the production of thyroid hormone can be a potential way of treating hyperthyroidism. Plus, cannabinoids are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Recommendations for Hyperthyroidism and Cannabis
Although it is quite clear that cannabis does have some potential positive impact on the symptoms of Plummer disease, there’s no clinical evidence that can justify this statement. The natural compounds present within cannabis are known to work more effectively when in collaboration with terpenes. This makes medical cannabis products quite beneficial for patients suffering from thyroid-related disorders.
Interestingly, researchers have indeed found some relation between cannabinoids and lower levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) within blood samples taken from affected patients. This provides evidence in support of cannabinoids affecting the pituitary gland directly to lower the THS secretion within the body.
Popular cannabis products to use for Plummer Disease
Today, the market is practically loaded with all sorts of cannabis products and strains that can be beneficial for you in more than one way. However, do remember that not all cannabis products are for everyone. That’s why, it is better to research a particular strain and discuss it with a medical professional before consuming it.
Plus, you can enjoy cannabis products in the form of tinctures, cannabis flowers, oils, topicals, edibles, and even vape cartridges. Do your due research and prefer a specific cannabis strain that will aid with both pain management and subside the prominent symptoms of Plummer disease.
Talking to your Provider
If you suspect that you might have thyroid-related problems, it is advisable to visit your doctor as early as possible. It may not seem like much in the beginning but thyroid-related problems can eventually lead to more serious conditions such as the development of osteoporosis, fertility problems, complications during pregnancy, vision damage, and development of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia.
Final Note
Even though there is no concrete medical evidence yet that proves the effectiveness of cannabis for the treatment of Plummer disease, many patients claim that this remedy works, Plus, we have also discussed the potential scientific role cannabis plays in inhibiting the secretion of extra thyroid hormone, thus eventually preventing hyperthyroidism.
