Cushing's disease is a disorder of the endocrine system of the body. The disease is also called hypercortisolism hyperadrenocorticism.
It causes excess production of a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands when the body faces a stressful situation, such as an external threat or an internal problem.
Cortisol also helps with the control of the weight and amount of sugar present in the blood. In normal conditions, the hormone adjusts a body's metabolism and immune system to cope up with the stress.
However, when the body produces excessive amounts of Cortisol, it can cause several health problems and affect the muscles, skin, bones, and vital organs.
It also opens the doors for other medical complications like diabetes, weight gain, and mood swings.
The disease can affect humans as well as animals like dogs and cats. Cushing's disease can be caused by a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary glands, or an overuse of steroid laden medicines.
The treatment of the disease can be complicated and expensive. The medications can also cause side effects which are worse than the symptoms of the disease.
Medications for Cushing's disease also require regular blood work for the rest of the life to make sure that the medicines are working as desired.
That is why many doctors, patients, and pet parents are exploring alternative medications for ailments, such as Cushing's disease.
CBD oil or Cannabidiol is creating a lot of waves in the healthcare industry these days. Experts claim that CBD oil can be used to treat or subdue many complicated diseases without the nasty side effects of regular medicines.
Although the healthcare experts are divided in their opinions about the certainty of treatment, CBD oil is gaining popularity as human as well as animal medications.
In this article, we are going to discuss if there are scientific benefits of using Cannabis-based medicines to provide relief to human patients and pets.
Cannabinoid Reception on the Endocrine System
Cushing's The effects of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, are dependent on the link between the endocannabinoid system and the endocrine system.
Experts have shown proof that there are cannabinoid receptor cells present all over the endocrine system.
The receptors play a vital role in the response to stress and changes in the hypothalamic and pituitary glands. Activating these receptors with the aid of CBD or THC can have a significant improvement for the hormonal balance in the body.
Adrenal support provided by cannabis-based medication can reduce the production of aldosterone on the outer levels of the adrenal glands. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps the body in balancing the levels of electrolytes.
Adrenal support can also control the overproduction of sex hormones like estrogen or testosterone from the inner layers of the adrenal glands.
Cannabis-based medicines have shown clear indications of affecting the body’s response to stress, their sleep cycle, metabolism, and regulation of hormones.
The adrenal support for dogs, cats, and humans can also reduce the chances of tumor formation on the glands.
Research has shown that Cannabidiol and THC can have direct influences on the creation of Cortisol in the body.
The Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research conducted studies on the effects of cannabinoids on the production of enzymes and hormones (growth and Cortisol) in 1993.
The research suggested that although there were negligible effects on the growth hormones, the Cortisol levels were significantly affected.
CBD affected the receptors in the pancreas, which regulated the insulin levels, which can be useful to treat diabetes caused by Cushing's disease.
Cannabidiol Reduces Stress
We are all aware of the effects of THC on the human body and its ability to reduce anxiety. CBD can have similar effects on a pet's stress levels too.
It impacts the 5-HT1a receptors that are responsible for increasing the signals of serotonin generation in the brain.
The increase of serotonin in the body can induce happy feelings and reduce stress, and the production of Cortisol in the body.
CBD, if administered at night, can help in regulating the natural body clock by stimulating particular cells of the pineal gland and increasing the melatonin levels in the body.
CBD can increase the signals to other neurotransmitters, such as Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) that can cause calming effects on a body.
Cannabidiol also increases the levels of anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that can have a calming effect and create a feeling of bliss.
All these hormones and neurotransmitters are directly related to the secretion of Cortisol, and the reduction of stress can cause effects of relief in the body.
These researches can be indicators of the positive effects of administering CBD medications to humans and pets suffering from Cushing's disease.
Do Patients and Pet Parents Use CBD Medications for Cushing's Disease?
As we mentioned before, the healthcare experts are divided in their research and affirmation of the positive effects of CBD on a human or a pet suffering from Cushing's disease.
However, many patients and pet parents have tried CBD medicines and seen positive results.
Both humans and pets have responded well to the medication with a significant increase in appetite, energy, and stamina. In many cases, pets’ skin and fur have shown notable improvement.
The pets have shown a much better response to CBD medications than regular medicines, without any side effects.
There are numerous testimonials by pet parents on the websites selling CBD medication for Cushing’s disease.
Common ways of curing Cushing's illness
The traditional therapy of dealing with Cushing’s illness is surgery to eliminate all tumors. On the other hand, doctors might even prescribe other therapies.
However, surgery might be risky, particularly for older pets. Moreover, medications could lead to extra bad impacts.
Besides, some natural choices could offer a lovely dog some comfort without worrying about any stress and liver-ruining medications.
Other researchers claimed that CBD could inhibit the dangerous cells’ development in mice for bladder cancer.
Moreover, it can avoid other tumors in the future. The outcome of this research recognized that CBD might be a feasible choice to tackle a lot of tumors for either pets or people.
Besides, CBD could operate to deal with the imbalance that might be leading to different tumors in the initial area. On the other hand, the CBD could adjust the hormonal imbalance for Cushing’s adrenal.
Another research carried out by Illinois University proved that cannabinoid exposure might get some profound impacts on the stress axis’s function. Also, the seed oil consists of the fatty acids’ balance.
Last but not least, the most crucial solution to deal with Cushing’s illness is through oral tincture for a lot of active CBD.