Any disease that affects your thyroid can cause mood swings because this gland releases hormones that regulate our metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid that burns energy too quickly. One of the main causes of this disorder is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where antibodies mistakenly attack thyroid tissue resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to serious mood swings. Most physicians address these psychological symptoms by prescribing medications to regulate the overactive thyroid. However, as patients wait for these meds to kick in, they’re left to deal with the emotional effects of their condition.
If you’re struggling with the psychological side effects of hyperthyroidism, don’t feel awkward or embarrassed. These aspects of your condition should be treated with the same care and consideration as the physical characteristics. Medical marijuana could be a possible treatment option for the emotional side effects of hyperthyroidism, but there are many strains to choose from, and it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
Rapid changes in thyroid hormone levels lead to many physical side effects. For those with hyperthyroidism, excessive weight loss, eye issues and sweating are common symptoms. However, sometimes these abnormal thyroid hormone levels can lead to psychological symptoms. The most common ones caused by hyperthyroidism are:
To steady a patient’s mood swings, doctors seek to stabilize their hormone levels. But after treatment — even if their levels normalize — they may still feel emotionally and mentally out of sorts for some time. Even certain medications for hyperthyroidism can lead to psychological symptoms. Beta-blockers often leave patients feeling depressed, sluggish and fatigued.
The way it interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is what makes medical marijuana such an effective treatment. This system has a series of receptors that help stabilize different bodily functions, including digestion, pain modulation and even emotional responses. The cannabinoids in marijuana bind to these receptors and aid the ECS in the stabilization process.
So, patients with hyperthyroidism who are dealing with the psychological side effects of their condition can find relief. Many are afraid to try cannabis medicine because of its psychoactive component, THC. However, there are low-THC and high-CBD strains that produce marijuana’s beneficial side effects without getting users high.
Here are some strains patients can try to treat the mood swings associated with hyperthyroidism:
Finding the right strain for your symptoms and lifestyle preferences is extremely important. Some varieties may increase feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which is why all cannabis medications should be taken under the direction of a licensed physician. They can monitor your dosage and ensure you’re not experiencing any negative side effects.
If you’re interested in finding out more about your state’s medical cannabis program, contact a marijuana doctor near you for more info.
For more information about how cannabis can be used to treat Hyperthyroidism, check out our resources: