CBD and women’s health
There are many health issues that are specific to women. Learn how CBD could be used to offer relief from the most common women-only conditions.
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years; but only recently is the full potential of this amazing plant being thoroughly investigated.
Research is being conducted across the globe to shed more light on just how many conditions could benefit from treatment with cannabinoids. This new knowledge led to the full legalisation of CBD from hemp in the UK; and the popularity of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid is growing rapidly.
Cannabinoids affect each of us slightly differently. We are unique, and so is our experience with cannabis. So, it should be no surprise to realise that, given our differences in body chemistry, the reaction to CBD by men and women would also differ.
Bearing this in mind, we wanted to explore the potential benefits of CBD on some of the more common health concerns that are specific to women. If any of these conditions affect you, maybe CBD would be worth a try.
CBD for PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) isn’t a whole lot of fun. Intense cramping, bloating, mood swings, insomnia; the symptoms of PMS cause monthly misery for millions of women. A 2011 study showed that 80% of pre-menopausal women suffer from at least one PMS symptom every month - be it physical, psychological, behavioural, or all of the above.
Fortunately, research into CBD shows that it can offer women the respite they are looking for from pesky PMS. It has been shown to provide effective pain relief, stabilise hormone levels, improve sleep and appetite, and lift your mood.
Back in 2016, Whoopi Goldberg launched her own range of marijuana based products targeted specifically at menstrual cramps. Since then, we’ve learned so much more about the myriad benefits on offer to women for their torturous time-of-the-month.
CBD for menopause
The menopause brings its own range of conditions - from mildly bothersome, to seriously debilitating. Achy joints, hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, irritability, mental health concerns; the list of menopause related symptoms is seemingly endless!
However, help could be on hand in the form of CBD. Many perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are reporting serious relief from this powerful plant-based remedy.
Studies show that CBD promotes better sleep; it lessens anxiety; it provides effective respite from joint and muscle pains; it can stabilise fluctuations in hormone levels; it can even promote bone growth, which is great news for anyone at risk of osteoporosis.
CBD for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that typically affects pre-menopausal women. It is most often characterised by irregular/absent periods, excessive hair growth, cyst formation on ovaries, and acne. It manifests when the reproductive hormones are imbalanced and, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of other health complications.
CBD has been shown to alleviate the daily discomforts of PCOS. The exact cause of PCOS is still not known; however, research shows that the production of insulin plays an important role.
The overaction of the body’s endocannabinoid system (particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors) can lead to insulin resistance that contributes to the hormone imbalance that is seen in PCOS sufferers.
Luckily, CBD may provide help for PCOS patients to find relief. Cannabinoids such as CBD can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors to ensure proper regulation. Insulin, and other key hormones undergo a balancing effect, alleviating many of the side effects caused by PCOS.
CBD for endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause crippling pain levels for sufferers. Many women that endure endometriosis can only get through life by taking copious amounts of pain medication during a flare up.
However, as we well know, strong pain medication such as ibuprofen plays havoc with your stomach lining and should be used sparingly. Although, you may be prepared to take the risk if it’s the only way to cope with normal day-to-day activities - such as work!
Thankfully, help could be at hand in the form of CBD. Cannabidiol is excellent at reducing the intensity of pain. It has the numbing effect that is most associated with cannabis, but without the stoned effect, allowing you to carry on your daily duties. It can also help with the anxiety that many women suffering from endometriosis experience. Vaping CBD during a bout of endometriosis could substantially reduce your need for other medication - great news!
CBD for fibromyalgia
Although not strictly a women-only health issue, it is condition that predominantly affects women. In fact, only roughly 10% of all fibromyalgia sufferers globally are men, so we felt justified in including the disorder in this guide.
Fibromyalgia can cause widespread, chronic pain, fatigue and stiffness. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia will usually be prescribed pain medication to alleviate their symptoms. However, as we’ve discussed above, that can cause its own complications.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has direct effects on the brain to reduce the perception of pain, relieve anxiety, improve mood, and promote solid REM sleep.
CBD during pregnancy
This is a complex and controversial topic. Although the anti-nausea effects of CBD oil may alleviate the debilitating symptoms of morning sickness, as well as other pregnancy related issues, there is still limited research into adverse neonatal outcomes.
For that reason, we’re going to keep a close eye on the ongoing research into the use of CBD during pregnancy, and update this guide as and when there is more conclusive results.
CBD for women - summary
Women, in particular, are susceptible to many of the conditions which CBD is showing great results in aiding. With an ever growing list of benefits, we’re starting to wonder if there’s anything that CBD can’t do.
Plus, as CBD is completely free from the psychotropic THC element of cannabis, it can be used at anytime of the day - perfect when dealing with the unpredictability of symptoms of these conditions.
CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This guide is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace care by a qualified healthcare professional. If you’re on prescribed medication for any of these conditions, you may want to double check with your doctor that there are no known contraindications.
If you’ve found relief with CBD for any of these conditions, we’d love to hear from you. If you still have reservations about using CBD, please get in touch to see if we can alleviate any of your concerns.