As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I see a few patients every month who present with the diagnosis of Graves Disease. Graves Disease is caused by an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism) and can cause a great variety of symptoms. Many of these symptoms can be easily treated with cannabis.
The thyroid gland is located on either side of the adams apple in patients and can be easily felt on physical exam. It’s main function is regulate the overall metabolism of the body. It also plays a role in calcium metabolism. There are many clinical symptoms associated with an over active or under active thyroid gland. The most common symptoms are weight loss, fatigue, rapid heart rate, muscle weakness and protruding eyes (exophthalmos). However many patients can also experience anxiety, headaches, excessive sweating, irritability, decreased concentration, insomnia and a multitude of other symptoms.
Today my patient was a 38 year old make who presented with the diagnosis of graves disease. He experiences insomnia, frequent headaches and lack of appetite. On exam he suffered from protruding eyeballs which is common in patients with hyperthyroidism. He had been using cannabis for the past three months to help with the headaches pain and assist with sleep. At night time he would vaporize with an indica kush strain and during the day he used a sativa to help with his appetite. He stated the cannabis has greatly improved the quality of his life. He received a written recommendation by me to medicate legally with cannabis and was able to go and purchase medicine today!
Traditional medical treatments for Graves disease are 1. Anti-thyroid medication designed to chemically slow down the production of thyroid hormone 2. Radioactive iodine which “kills” the overactive thyroid cells and 3. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland itself.
To see if you can benefit from the use of cannabis please feel free to visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com where you can pre-qualify for the medical marijuana card privately from your home. Dr. Sean Breen evaluates patients M-F at his three offices in Irvine, Long Beach and Encinitas. Toll free number is 877-721-0047
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Tags: appetite, cannabinoids, Dr Sean Breen, excessive sweating, graves disease, headaches, hperthyroidism, indica, insomnia, iodine, medical cannabis of southern california, Medical Marijauna, sativa, sweating, thyroidectomy, vaporizer
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Hi,
I’ve been experiencing excessive sweating, headaches, increased appetite with no significant weight gain, tremors especially in the hands and legs, finger “cramps” with no pain just loss of proper functioning, disorientation/dizziness, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, I could go on but the signs are all there including nervousness, anxiety and mood swings. At first I thought I was experiencing withdrawals from not smoking weed anymore but after 3 months the same symptoms were still there and not improving a whole lot or at all in some cases, which made me doubt my quitting so I started smoking again and the result was instantaneous (less than an hour, especially for the physical symptoms). No more sweating (while I’m smoking), I feel more oriented when I’m high (which doesn’t seem right really), tremors subside and I feel almost social but not quite because the psychological state seems to stay the same such as the anxiety and nervousness around people which I had never experienced before until the rest of these symptoms showed up.
I want to seek a doctor but I’m not sure how I’m going to explain this one. I don’t have any problems telling anyone I smoke, but I would have a problem if it (the weed) was blamed for what’s happening.
Any and all advice would be welcome.
Thank you!
You can find more information on Hyperthyroidism in:
http://www.geneticsofpregnancy.com/Encyclopedia/Hyperthyroidism.aspx?pid=62
This site contains information On Pregnancy Diseases And Genetic Testing.
Hi,
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in February. A while back for about 10 years I smoked marijuana. Hardly now do I smoke on a regular basis, but I have noticed now when I do, my thyroid seems to decrease. I live in Colorado and will speak with my PCP. However was wondering if there is any information you could supply me with on further research.
Blessings,
Vena