Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Hives

@kimspr3 building on @astaingegerdm garden’s point, I also recommend everyone do some research on the efficacy of any alternative treatment like CBD or marijuana before using it.

As the discussion has turned to cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring cannabinoid constituent of cannabis and medical marijuana, I thought you'd appreciate the following information that has been posted elsewhere on Connect. Below are articles and information to help give some guidance about the evidence and regulation (or lack thereof) of CBD use in the US. It's not an exhaustive list, but a starting point to help you with your own research and decision-making.

1. Evidence vs usage
To date CBD to treat epilepsy (in children) is the only condition that has some scientific evidence supporting its use in some cases. CBD for pain, anxiety, inflammation and sleep remains as yet scientifically unproven and requires more validated research.

According to this article by NPR (https://n.pr/2HnI1SM), “By one estimate, the CBD industry has doubled in size over the last two years, and is now worth $200 million. But with this popularity the hype may have gotten ahead of the science.”

While there is promise and ongoing research into CBD effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, inflammation and sleep, the jury is still out. Here are recent articles that help clarify.

– CBD Oil: All the Rage, But Is It Safe & Effective? (WebMD) https://wb.md/2K11QfD
– Does CBD Really Work For Anxiety? (HuffPost) https://bit.ly/2wF1VUs
– Anxiety Relief Without The High? New Studies On CBD, A Cannabis Extract (NPR) https://n.pr/2HnI1SM

2. Industry is unregulated

CBD is not regulated. “Because of the legally murky nature of marijuana, the FDA has not stepped in to regulate products like CBD oil. Read more about regulation in this WebMD article (https://wb.md/2KCS4UW).

There are risks associated with medical marijuana CBD. See this post from a Mayo Clinic pharmacist (https://mayocl.in/2KDyip2). People should also consider interactions with other drugs and always discuss the use of CBD with their medical provider and consult with a pharmacist.

3. Information from Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic provides the following information on medical marijuana https://mayocl.in/2KyrGvp

- CBD products, hemp oil may be helpful but more research is needed, Mayo Clinic review says https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cbd-products-hemp-oil-may-be-helpful-but-more-research-is-needed-mayo-clinic-review-says/

- Mayo Clinic Minute: Is CBD safe to use? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-is-cbd-safe-to-use/

4. Get informed
Information about the use, efficacy and legality of CBD and medical marijuana is constantly being updated. I underline the point again to do your research. It is advisable to talk with a health care professional if you have questions.

Members sharing their findings in this discussion helps too.

@kimspr3 - I did some minor research on marijuana’s effect on the immune system. There has been research on marijuana’s effect on the immune system and other functions. It appears to have an immunosuppressive effect- this would explain the disappearance of the hives. On the other hand, in the long run it could make you more susceptible to certain cancers.
For more answers you probably could talk to immunologists and rheumatologists about treatment if or when they return. Endocrinologists may not deal with immunological issues on a regular basis.
I agree with you- we have to learn to advocate for ourselves!

Hi Ingegerd, I promise I will let you know. Appt. is end of OCT. seem so very far away??????

I thank You so much.Another odd thing happened to me about 10 yrs ago. My eye dr. said the cause my immune system???? Not one dr. had an interest. My daughter looked at me and said, mom, your eyes are hazel now what happened. Looked in mirror in shock. I had blue green eyes, blue, father green mother combination. Eye dr. calls me an "anomaly" He was serious. WHY??? Than eye dr. said, one pupil is slightly smaller than the other?????????? I tried to look it up, found nothing on both. I had thyroidectomy, hot nodule 1995. I hope new doc is good??? Others no!

I thank You so much

Hi, I just joined mayoclinic.org today. It is June 26th 2023
I was diagnosed with chronic urticaria about 2 years ago after starting out with a dermatologist then referred to an immunologist. He did all the scratch testing and said I was not allergic to anything. He then started me out on zolair injections 1 x a month. I get an injection in each arm. Prior to the injections my body itched all over and the hives were like scratching marks, however I wasn't scratching. Once the marks appeared I would then start to itch. I was also taking zertec once a day. Since taking the zolair injections my breakouts subsided but never have gone away. I also was prescribed hydroxine which would help somewhat, but lately my breakouts are back and I am feeling itchy all the time. I can't see my allergist until the middle of July. Could I possibly be immune to the injections? Also, prednisone didn't touch it. Is there anything else I can do at this point? Please advise and thank you for any help or resources.

You know I suddenly broke out one morning with the worst hives ever in February 2023. Huge. Long. Itching. Like crazy. Body was literally buzzing. (I am a tall cell variant thyroid cancer survivor 2012). I had recently been diagnosed with lupus by my rheumatologist. He sent my lupus labs to a special clinic in California "Exagen in Vista CA."" They ran the Avise CTD test which found the lupus. Then he ran an "alpha gal IgE panel for tick borne illness. Then "immunoglobulin E, Total" with meats, an "allergens w/comp Rflx Area 1" which was environmental, then "Food allergy profile" ALL WITH BLOOD LABS and it came back I was allergic to egg whites, wheat, soybean, and milk"!!! I am 68!!! I sort of knew about egg whites but never had an issue. I immediately cut those foods out of my diet (what a nightmare) and hives just stopped. Awhile into my new diet I started breaking out a little and when I looked more closely on the boxes guess what? They were manufactured in a plant that also processed wheat, soy, eggs etc!!!!!!!! I am so hypersensitive I can't even eat something with none of the actual ingredients but processed on the same machinery!!! I was on methyl prednisolone for awhile but found allergy pills and powder with cornstarch in it worked better so have been off steroids for a few months and doing great. Side note: I went to an allergist for skin tests and she said to me "you don't need them. Im the doctor and im very good at what I do. The hives are just urticaria!!" No. I had food allergies. Were they lupus induced ? I had no symptoms of lupus. I have no clue. But the hives are gone along with cake and cookies lol but I've also lost some much needed weight. It might be something you want to look into. But at a specialty lab like above mentioned. I had lupus labs done at a regular lab and I only showed .1 over the high on ONE test and they said they were absolutely certain I didn't have lupus. When sent to CA it came back "strongly positive" with a high number!!!! Also two mild environmental allergies. Might want to discuss with the doctor. I also have CLL leukemia (which can also present with a rash). Im glad I met this doctor. He was a godsend. Good luck to you !