Effects of Cannabinoids on Endocrine System

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Cannabinoids can change some hormone levels, most clearly cortisol, but cannabis is not a proven treatment for endocrine disorders, and tiredness, stress and burnout have many causes. Constant tiredness with poor sleep is one reason people ask about their hormones. It may not be the amount of sleep you get. Chronic fatigue, mood disorders, dry skin, and other ailments may be signs that there is trouble with your endocrine system. What can you do about these problems? First see a doctor, because thyroid and other hormone disorders need testing. The sections below cover what studies show for cortisol, thyroid and sleep hormones.

A structure of connected glands, the endocrine system affects every cell and organ in the body. These glands secrete hormones that help cells communicate with each other by their molecules attaching to receptors. Throughout our bodies, there are many receptors. They relay information about what’s going on inside and outside of our bodies. The data goes to other sources that react and cause changes creating homeostasis, an equilibrium within our internal environment. If something is not right with that communication, it creates an imbalance. The imbalance is what can cause diseases and disorders.

Another network that works with the endocrine glands is the endogenous cannabinoid system. Also referred to as endocannabinoid, the system creates chemicals that are similar to those found in marijuana plants. Compounds that are created by the endocannabinoid system bind to what are called CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC from marijuana acts on the same CB1 and CB2 receptors. Just like cannabis, reactions in the endocannabinoid systems have shown to affect functions dealing with appetite and digestion, pain response, immune function, inflammation, mood, memory, sleep, motor control, muscle and bone growth, and stress response. The system can also affect the nervous, skin, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Whether marijuana can ease symptoms of endocrine disorders has not been shown in clinical trials, so it should not replace treatment from an endocrinologist.

Endocrine System Glands

Although there are many throughout our bodies, there are several primary glands in the endocrine system. These include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. Claims that cannabis relieves thyroid or pineal gland problems are not backed by clinical trials.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is considered the master gland. It works in conjunction with the hypothalamus, which is part of the brain. The hypothalamus decides which hormones the pituitary gland should release. It does this by sending hormonal or electrical messages. Hormonal messages make the pituitary release one of several hormones including GH (Growth Hormone), TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone), and Prolactin. Electrical messages from the hypothalamus cause the pituitary gland to release ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland below Adam’s apple in the front of the windpipe. It has two side lobes connected by the Isthmus. The thyroid gland has several vital functions. It makes hormones that control the way your body uses energy, and these hormones affect nearly every organ. That is why thyroid problems can show up in so many parts of the body.

Symptoms of an imbalance in the thyroid gland include hair loss, dry skin, chronic fatigue, and mood disorders. Thyroid conditions include goiter, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer. They are treated with medicines and other care your doctor prescribes; CBD has not been shown to help, and the FDA warns it can change how other medicines work.

The claim that CBD and thyroid hormones act alike on CB1 and CB2 receptors is not supported by published research. CBD is the non-intoxicating part of the cannabis plant, and its only FDA-approved use is for certain seizures. NIH notes only a small amount of evidence that cannabinoids might reduce anxiety, and CBD has not been tested for thyroid symptoms. The FDA warns that CBD can cause liver injury and can change how other drugs work, which matters if you take thyroid medicine. For skin changes linked to thyroid disease, start with your doctor.

Marijuana and the Pineal Gland

The Pineal Gland is a small, pinecone shaped gland in the center of the brain between the brain’s two hemispheres. It produces the hormone melatonin. This is the primary hormone that regulates our ability to sleep. Melatonin helps time your body clock and your sleep, NIH notes, but whether CBD or THC changes melatonin in people is not established. Strains of the cannabis plant have different levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the chemical that causes the user to get high. It can affect sleep patterns. THC can cause sleepiness, but research on cannabis and cannabinoids for sleep disorders is mostly small studies, and a 2021 review called for larger trials. Ongoing sleep problems should be checked by a doctor.

Adrenal Glands

There are two adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney. They produce essential hormones that make it possible for us to function in our everyday lives. Cortisol is the primary hormone. One of its main functions is to help us to respond to stress. Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized medical diagnosis: a 2016 systematic review of 58 studies found no proof that it is a real condition. Tiredness, pain, irritability and sleep or digestive problems have many causes and deserve a proper check. Medicines and drugs, including marijuana, can affect adrenal hormones.

Marijuana and Adrenal Fatigue

Studies of marijuana and the adrenal glands focus on cortisol: in pooled lab data from 36 healthy adults and 40 frequent users, THC raised cortisol in a dose-related way, with smaller rises in frequent users. CBD has not been tested as a treatment for adrenal problems.

If you have an endocrine problem, see your doctor or an endocrinologist for testing first, since cannabis is not a proven treatment for hormone disorders. If you also use medical marijuana, tell every doctor you see, because the FDA warns CBD can change how other medicines work and THC can raise cortisol.

If you live in Florida, our medical marijuana doctors in Sarasota and our other Florida offices can tell you whether your condition is one Florida law lists and explain the state’s rules.