slow-working thyroid
A few years ago, I was at a birthday party with my daughter. One of the mothers present commented that she was a hearty eater. “You seem to be one too,” replied my daughter, who was never shy to speak her mind. I was embarrassed by her blunt remark, but fortunately, the woman in question took it well. She explained that she didn’t actually eat much, but her weight was affected by a slow-working thyroid.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, just in front of the windpipe. It is part of the endocrine system, a collection of cells and glands that produce and release hormones. The endocrine system, or hormonal system, regulates various bodily processes.
The thyroid produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism, control heart function, and contribute to brain development and the maintenance of strong bones.
The medical term for a slow-working thyroid is hypothyroidism. The condition affects an estimated 1.4% of the population and is more common in women than in men. The risk of a thyroid disorder increases with age.
Symptoms that may indicate a slow-working thyroid include weight gain, abnormal fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, hair loss, and depression. Because the clinical signs are often not clear and can be associated with other conditions, a blood test is necessary for diagnosis.
Direct effects on thyroid function
Endocrine glands like the thyroid are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Scientists have discovered that thyroid cells contain cannabinoid receptors CB1. These are ECS receptors to which THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, binds.
Animal studies have shown that CB1 receptors in the thyroid control hormone secretion. Scientists believe that this is also the case in humans.
Since thyroid disorders are caused by an atypical secretion of thyroid hormones, they hypothesize that the administration of THC oil has a beneficial effect on thyroid activity.
Indirect influence via the brain
The thyroid is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone, abbreviated as TSH. This hormone ensures that the thyroid produces thyroxine (T4). When there is insufficient thyroid hormone in the body, more TSH is produced to restore balance.
TSH is produced in the pituitary gland, a small but important part of the brain about the size of a pea, located in the cavity at the base of the skull. Like the thyroid, the pituitary gland contains cannabinoid receptors CB1.
This means that THC can influence thyroid function in two ways: directly by acting on the thyroid and indirectly by stimulating the pituitary gland to release more TSH.
Symptom relief
Finally, THC oil alleviates various symptoms linked to a slow-working thyroid.
As mentioned in a previous article, THC boosts metabolism. In this way, the cannabinoid contributes to normalizing body weight.
Furthermore, THC oil has a beneficial effect on skin and digestion problems. Finally, the oil can be used to reduce depressive feelings.