I’m considering taking CBD for chronic pain. Has anyone taken CBD with thyroid meds and if so, have any interactions or side effects been observed?
CBD and thyroid hormones: I’m considering taking... - Thyroid UK
CBD and thyroid hormones
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Cake-Maker
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RedAppleAdministrator
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Thank you.
TiggerMeAmbassador
I took it for a few weeks but it lowered my cortisol, which I really didn't need
Oh no! That’s something I don’t need either!
Thanks for your response.
I took if for years with no problems. I took my thyroid hormone in the morning and CBD at night. It did wonders for my ataxia. 
Glad to hear that.
Are you happy to share details of which one you used?
Ah. That's difficult. All the details were on my computer that crashed at the beginning of the summer. All I can tell you is that it was from Simply CBD. Great company but they will no-longer ship to France. Which is why I stopped taking it.
Ah. When I was browsing old posts, someone said that your bio gave details. So I read your bio and see that it’s been replaced.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry when I read it. 😩
Well, I hoped people would laugh, actually. That's why I wrote it. I try and find the humour in every situation, that's who I am. I don't want people to pity me.
But what do you mean my bio has been replaced?
It used to be the story of how your hypothyroidism was uncovered and how you were probably hypo as a child without being aware.
A great read too - but so sad.
It's still the story of how my hypo was diagnosed and how I'd probably been hypo since I was 8 years old. I hasn't changed.
Have a look at Sensi Seeds who are based in Holland. Their CBD oil has good reviews and is well recommended. They ship to the UK so I'm sure they will ship to France.
Thank you, that's kind of you. But I've recently found a company in the south of France that grows their own, processes it and sells it on Facebook. I've bought some but haven't got around to trying it yet. Life is a bit hectic at the moment!
I have used cbd gummies with a touch of thc,,,Im hypothyroid and take synthroid...no side effects!!!! Helps you sleep as well !
Thanks for your reply!!
I was prescribed CBD for anxiety and pain and I still take it occasionally for those reasons (now that it is so much easier to get without prescription). I take my thyroid hormones in the morning and the CBD in the evening or if I need it during the day at least 4 hours away from the thyroid hormones (just to be on the safe side). It is very helpful to me and I don't think it has influenced my thyroid hormones, just positively the inflammation that can come with autoimmunity. I recently have started to combine it with LDN and it takes care of the insomnia that is a transient (?) side effect of the LDN. I believe the two compliment each other. I don't know what the science says (if anything) about CBD and thyroid hormones, so I can only speak my own truth. I have certainly encountered very strong medical biases against CBD, so I usually do not mention it to doctors, even though there are some who swear by it.
Hi can I ask what dose and strength of CBD you found effective for chronicle pain relief ? And how did you get LDN where are you based in the world? what ways does it help with symptoms and does it cause any? I wanted to consider It a while a go but the NHS specialists I went to had no knowledge of it's uses in autoimmune diseases
I'm in Canada and have just started to take LDN. My nurse practitioner had suggested it already several times over the years, but I was reluctant because I could not find much research on it. Research on LDN is only starting out, it seems. Much of what I could find is more anecdotal than scientifically backed. What seems to be known is that it reduces inflammation and is an autoimmune modulator. It makes the body produce endorphins, which in turn relieve pain (and other symptoms).
The earliest effect of LDN was that I had the best sleep in years, maybe because I combined it with CBD to counteract insomnia. I did have the vivid dreams, but they were not nightmares. So that was a bonus. Initially the pain got much worse. I was extremely fatigued and very dizzy, to the point where I questioned my decision. I was also very thirsty all the time. All these adverse effects are starting to wear off and I am starting to have much less to no pain. The fatigue and dizziness are also getting better. I'm now considering restarting my exercise routine. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I also have my experience with thyroid hormones which prevents me from getting up my hopes too much. From what I understand, there can be quite a few adverse effects of LDN and the duration of them can be anywhere from days to weeks. Just like with the thyroid hormones it can apparently take some fine tuning to reach the "sweet spot". It's another individual process.
Both LDN and CBD are taken under the motto "start low, go slow", so you would have to find your individual dose and whether adding a tiny bit of THC to the CBD increases the benefits for you. It did for me. It's really a matter of figuring it out for yourself. My impression is that very few doctors know anything about LDN and thus their reaction is mostly biased against it to various degrees (like with the CBD), which was another concern for me when considering it. Other than the CBD, which can be taken on demand, LDN has to be taken regularly. My experience with thyroid has taught me that doctors can just randomly take helpful medication away and that there is nothing one can do about it. That made me reluctant to bind myself to another medication that the majority of doctors knows nothing about. If I ever came into a situation where I was cut off, it would be best to titrate. A doctor without knowledge could refuse to do that and that might lead to a bit of a shock to the system. There are so many things to consider. I'm sure I still have much to learn.
Thanks for your reply sounds like there are some side affects to take into account but the benefits out way them, Canada sounds abit more advanced than the UK unfortunately no specialist here through the NHS I have met really know and even agree to it's uses with autoimmune which is disappointing as lots of people are not having a quality of life they could have if they tried it, I am glad you are finding benefit with it's usage and are able to feel less pain, I have read a few good posts about LDN and CBD for the uses of autoimmune diseases
I'm sorry to say that, from what I have seen from other members on here, Canada is in no way more advanced than the UK. I just really lucked out, both for the CBD and the LDN. I have had massive pushback from doctors here when it came to CBD. It seemed that the less they knew about it, the stronger they opposed it. I haven't even had a chance to "confess" the LDN consumption yet and hope I will never have to. I only asked about it once, because I trusted doctors to have that information, and the doctor did not know what it was at all, never heard of it. When I said that it was low dose naltrexone, the focus immediately went to the naltrexone part and it wasn't pretty.
Glad to hear you’ve had benefit from these.
Stay well ☺️
Thank you. I hope you find what's right for you to get well.
Thank you 😉
I tried taking CBD as I’d heard it helped with menopause problems joint pain and sleep, but it didn’t work for me gave me an upset stomach even on a low dose. I kept it up for 6 weeks just to see it it levelled out but it didn’t. I’ve started taking Turmeric gummies take before bed..now they have worked no joint pain and I sleep better. I take my levothyroxine every morning.
My stomach is wrecked. Can’t take NSAIDs or Turmeric so oral CBD may not be the answer.
Glad Turmeric works for you. I had it years ago before stomach issues began. It was a miracle pain reliever for me. Be aware though that it’s a blood thinner and must be stopped before surgery. A few years ago I had a serious bleed following surgery as I was totally unaware and so were pre-op team!!!
Hi, I took CBD for just under a year and couldn’t understand why my thyroid was constantly off. So yes it did interfere with mine but it may not interfere with yours. I decided to take Wild Yam cream, which has sorted all my aches and pains and does not interfere with my thyroid, I got mine from Napiers herbalists in Edinburgh. Do your research on it before you take it and good luck.
I’ll certainly research that. I believe Wild Yam is a form of progesterone???
Gynae says my sex hormones are really low and is trying to persuade me to have HRT low dose - even though I’m 73 and have had BC. I’d be happy to try a natural alternative. Will investigate!!
I've had bc and had the full works including being on an estrogen inhibitor for 7yrs. No way would my Onc be in favour of HRT as I was estrogen positive. No idea if he'd be OK with progesterone.... I'll high risk re reoccurance so on this I do listen!! 🤣😂
I was shocked when Onc suggested it. He referred me to a Gynae menopause clinic and I went once and refused script for trandermal oestrogen.
I was oestrogen ++ and was told the BC was definitely the result of 10 years of oestrogen transdermal patches following a radical hysterectomy. The abdominal hysterectomy was to remove a huge fibroid allegedly caused by oral HRT given during perimenopause
You couldn’t make it up 🤨
Confusion reigns in world of hormones / not just in the thyroid world. 🤨
The Onc recommended HRT?!! 😮😮 Wow. I'm post menopause....mine just recommended low estrogen pessaries. Thry do help. He knows full well that their tteatment stripped me of estrogen which my body cannot replace.
Mine said exactly the same. I have the oestrogen Pessaries for vaginal atrophy but I was staggered when he said that low dose systemic oestrogen would help me.
He referred me to Gynae. She talked about QoL versus risk. I get the impression that they think that at my age the risk factor isn’t important. I’m slowly beginning to realise that after the age of 60 or so we’re considered expendable. I’m 73
Absolutely agree! Sadly my 2monthly repeat prescriptions have all been reduced to monthly. Faff on both sides. Hoping its cos I'm a new girl on the block in which case I get it!! 🙏I'd consider a low dose but I won't be offered as despite being 10yrs in remission I'm considered high risk. I'm 68.... Onc had same discussion over Qol when I didn't want to continue examastane for another 3yrs. I do think there's no win win really as it's a trade off whichever direction you go in. Too low estrogen affects brain functioning etc....
And if we’ve got thyroid issues as well there’s no hope. 😩
That's why I'm determined to.optomise both my ndt and b12.....gotta give my body a fighting chance!! 🙏🤣
Yes. Our bodies sure have a lot of fighting to do! They need all the help they can get
I’m eight years in remission - but my BC was invasive Lobular which likes to come back and visit many years later. It’s attached to CDH1 gene - same gene as attached to Thyroid Cancer (got it) and diffuse stomach cancer.
I’ve been asked if I want to be tested for CDH1 gene. Have declined. The less I know the better 😉
I agree ......I'm in a simular boat with HER2. Prefer to focus in here and now. None of us knows what the future holds.....we just like to pretend we do!! 🤣😂
That’s the attitude to live with.
My sister is very unwell. Yesterday we spoke on the phone and I asked how she was doing.
Her reply:
Well this morning I got up, stretched out my arms horizontally and thought “I’m fine”
I said:
Well that’s a really positive attitude - but why do you stretch out your arms? Have you started exercising?
Her reply:
Nope But if I can’t feel the side of a coffin, I know I’m ok.
lol 😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂 love it!!
🤣🤣
I’m 83 and hypothyroid. I’ve been taking oral HRT since a total hysterectomy about 30 years ago. It might not get on well with Thyroxine, but it’s good f or my bones and my heart. ( Also my skin and hair, but that’s less relevant! ). My GP lets me continue with it as long as I’m aware of the risks, but it’s a very low dose. I couldn’t be fiddling with creams or pessaries.
Pessaries are localised in their effect....so am told. Has zero effect on bones hair or skin sadly! Lol....
Correct. Just for vaginal atrophy.
That’s why I take the tablets.
I find cdb patches work for me. Trial and error with strength and number but as they are nothing to do with digestive system they are easy to use.
Thanks for that. I didn’t know patches existed. I try to use transdermal meds when possible.
Can I ask what kind of gastro symptoms you’d suffer with non-patch type cbd before? I ask because I have a few gastro issues and usually I know what’s causing what… but I have realised habits can change when I’m taking cbd (I also take thc but guessing effects are similar as I take the plant whole) and I wouldn’t have put 2+2 together that perhaps some of my gastro issues are coming from that!
It’s more, with me, that I never know how much cod is absorbed when I take it by mouth. I start with one drop and work my way up but with patches, I started with a 15mg patch and now use 1x15mg and 1x30mg. I have arthritis in both knees and one hip (the other was successfully replaced a few years ago) but also neuropathy in my feet and hands caused by the chemotherapy for colon cancer. While I am free of the cancer, there is little anyone can do for neuropathy but I think the patches keep the electric shock-like feeling away. I’ve been offered a new left hip but I really don’t want any more intrusion just now. The last 4 years have been rough and I’ve found I am now in a good place with my thyroid medication.
Lots of good news there Button and I guess that helps in coping with your problems. 😉
Someone below mentioned low-dose naltrexone for pain. I recently broke my arm and have had very little pain at all. I put this down to having taken low-dose naltrexone for nearly a year. It may be worth having a look at taking this if you suffer from chronic pain. Hope this helps.
It does. Thank you
Yes, I've tried CBD and I take levothyroxine and I have two comments:
I took it for more than six (expensive) months and,
1. There appears to be no interaction and,
2. CBD has absolutely no effect on anything!
Hi Cake-Maker
I've taken it on/of for years, mainly due to cost. I've found it beneficial for pain and stress. My cortisol levels are too high so need lowering at times. Just start on a low dose and see how you get on.
Good luck 👋
Ty 🙃
From my experience the best thing I tried for high cortisol is ashwaganda. It absorbs the stress
It does - but I believe research shows it pushes thyroid levels too high. Never risked it for that reason.
Thanks for your response and glad it works for you 😉
hi. I take Synthroid in the morning and at night I take half a Cbd mint. It’s enough to chill me out a little, I feel calmer and drift off to sleep easier. I’m always mindful to take synthroid and cbd at completely different times of the day.
No side effects on my tummy. I tried cbd oil but that can get me up and running to the bathroom in the early hours.
Give it a try. Good luck.
Thank you mum 😉
actually I do take CBD and I’m on Levothyroxine . I suffer from fibromyalgia. But usually I take the CBD early evening and the levothyroxine early morning. Never felt any interaction.
😉
I got some CBD oil though a friend from a very good company in US. Couldn’t officially import it. It made absolutely no difference to me in any way positive or negative so I stopped. I wasn’t particularly keen to take it tbh because I’ve seen awful effects of cannabis consumption (I know CBD is different!) in some people so maybe I was a bit resistant to it working!
Thanks Jane. Sorry they didn’t work for you. Seems that experiences are unique to every individual.
Hi Jane,
Would you mind adding what horrible effects you’ve noted from those who were consuming cannabis?
I ask as I’ve been taking some medical cannabis this year and whilst I do have to manage the side effects I find myself doing relatively better on it (even though you could argue they are the effects from the plant and not truly side effects, but perhaps we call it side effects as they’re undesirable effects non the less?!).
I do always worry that long term I’m not helping myself - even if that is also pointless as without the help of the cannabis on a lot of days I wouldn’t be able to do anything at all, as I did for many years prior to being prescribed with it. So no point “saving myself” either if I’m not able to make a life for myself whilst I wait for the miraculous day when I’ll wake up and have no more health conditions!! But nonetheless, appreciate knowing about things o should keep an eye out for to make sure I’m not causing damage. Thank you 🙏🏼
Hi
I don’t know of anyone with awful side effects taking medicinal cannabis, my only experience is seeing mostly young people who are massively abusing it get v unwell. I think you’re probably ok with it if you’re feeling better generally though later in your post you discuss feeling tired. Generally cannabis can slow people down but some people lose their motivation a bit too so that’s something to watch.
I’ve used medical cannabis so cbd and THC and I must say whilst cbd does absolutely nothing to me on its own, doesn’t touch my pain or even calm me down, adding CBD to my THC (versus taking THC only) has the best results. It’s funny how even THC on its own - whilst that definitely helps some of my other symptoms from multiple conditions, doesn’t help pain that well.
But amazing that when you have the plant whole (CBD and THC, also including the terpenes which are meant to have therapeutic effects in themselves) it does relieve about 20-40% of pain depending on how bad it’s been.
In terms of interactions, I am completely thyroid deficient (don’t produce any on my own) as well as the other hormones from the pituitary gland being all replaced, and I have no issues.
My only negative (always is one sadly!) is the fatigue. Whilst I’ll take fatigue over pain when pain is so bad you’re gonna be fatigued regardless, it is a bit frustrating to feel slowed down by the THC doing that to your brain. I’ve found a trick which is to start doing something as soon as you take a dose so you don’t get a chance to become “lazy” - but when we already have so much fatigue from hormonal issues, extra tiredness is just not amazing! But no other issues
Interesting information! Thanks for posting this.
I use Bristolcbd, the whole plant paste which comes in syringe which is brilliant. I started with the drops and slowly worked up but you could start in a tiny bit of it and work up. It's not cheap but they do very good offers periodically and it lasts a year with a full dose for me. It improved my mood hugely so my daughter always knows if I haven't been taking it for a while😳 Make sure it's Bristol CBD .co.uk as there is a similarly named company. Their ointment (I can't remember its current name) is great for painful joints and their body oil is excellent for dry skin.
Thank you for recommending
I took cbd oil and gummies. Neither one really helped with my pain. I purchased a powerful tens/ems unit that did do wonders. The only time I have pains is when I eat high FODMAP foods. Even the smallest amount of onions or garlic by cross contamination and It feels like I battled a bear.
😫
I played around with Kratom as well. Not sure if that is legal in the UK. It did work however, it is expensive. I tried different colors and strains. Each strain has a different effect. Red kratom is for serious pain. I found that to be untrue with me. I loved the white strain. It knocked out my pain and made me happy happy happy. If it's legal in your country, research it until you are sick of researching it. I weighed the cons with the pros against pharma narcotics, but couldn't justify the cost to stay on it. I do still have plenty on hand just in case.
I’ve read quite a lot about Kratom. I believe it’s available on prescription via some Pain Clinics as is Medical Marijuana. Never tried either
Not sure I could cope with being happy happy happy! It’s a long way to fall when you have to stop taking it 😉
Sad to say I can’t remember the last time I felt happy. Pain is the perfect antidote to happiness.
I read stories of people abusing it and getting addicted. I've done a lot of stuff back in my wilder days and was always in total control. With the white strain of kratom, I can see how some will abuse it " oh my I like this, give me more more more". I never let that feel good get to me because of that. I took just enough to knock the pain out and become happy. I never took more or as much as others suggested. When I bought it, the lady asked if I had ever tried Kratom before. I said no. She said start out with a teaspoon full and work my way up to 4 teaspoons full per dose. I looked at the amount in the bag, the cost and thought no way. I did 1/4 to a half teaspoon dose when I was in pain and it did the job. I would be pain free and happy for about 4 hours on that dose. It is NASTY too. I tried mixing it in food, drinks, anything to kill the dirt and grass like taste. I finally decided to just put the dose in my mouth and quickly chug down water. You can buy it in capsules, but I read that the stomach acids kill most of it off before it gets into the system. Powder form hits faster. I never had any negative side effects from it. I started off on the green vein kratom. It worked for pain, but thats it. Then I got the red vein kratom. It killed the pain and made me sleepy. The white vein didn't make me drowsy while killing the pain. It lifted me up.
I would try cbd first. It's safer/non addictive and if it works, great. Kratom would be after cbd. Just my opinion.
Grateful for your opinion ICE. Ty 😉
You're welcome. I hope you find what works for you.
i have not taken CBD but found magnesium glycinate 240 mg very helpful in relieving my severe neck muscle pain!
Accupuncture, dry needling, meditation & massage therapy may help too!
It hope u find this information heloful!
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