A Woman’s Best Friend – CBD and Menstruation

Menstrual cramps and pain, mood swings and inflammation, stress and difficulty sleeping; just reading this list can be disheartening and intimidating, and yet, this list also illuminates one of those wonderful moments of absolute biological synergy — where evolution has provided both a lock and a perfectly fitted key. CBD and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in every woman’s body, are both literally and figuratively made for each other. The ECS is our homeostatic control center that keeps our body and mind in balance. As such that nightmarish list this article began with are all examples of your system in imbalance. CBD and its ancient relationship with your ECS is perfectly primed to naturally, safely, and gently support you in relieving these symptoms.

Around 80% of menstruators experience pain at various stages of their periods, some with pain so significant that it completely disrupts daily activities. CBD can diminish discomfort from period cramps and alleviate common PMS symptoms like mood fluctuation, nausea, and sleep issues.  Even though menstrual pain—medically known as dysmenorrhea—is a frustratingly common symptom, researchers aren’t entirely sure of its exact cause. What is known is that the percentage of women experiencing menstrual pain is so dramatically high, and that many current remedies aren’t completely effective at controlling it. That’s where CBD may have a role to play. One 2019 review found that, because of its demonstrated ability to help relieve inflammation, stress, and sleeplessness, CBD may be a viable treatment for many of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), of which menstrual cramps are a major component. Let’s delve a little deeper into the potential benefits of utilising CBD to help alleviate the symptoms of PMS.

How CBD can help alleviate Menstruation Cramps

You can dull the pain of menstrual cramps and other period-related symptoms like headaches and lower back pain with CBD oil. Proving effective in relaxing the uterine muscle where cramps occur, using CBD oil for cramps has become commonplace instead of reaching for a bottle of over-the-counter pain meds. Due to its interaction with your body’s endocannabinoid receptors, taking CBD during and before your menstrual cycle can help curb your pain and discomfort.

Reduces Inflammation

CBD includes natural whole-body anti-inflammatory properties that have evolved lock and key with ECS; your body knows how to use CBD to benefit your own homeostatic needs. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), made up of cannabinoid receptors, regulates functions such as pain and inflammation. The chief role of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis, meaning that it keeps and restores internal balance in your body like when you experience pain, inflammation, or stress. CBD binds to the endocannabinoid receptors providing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving results. 

Provides Pain Relief 

CBD can effect the sensation of pain on both a holistic and localized level — one of the reasons it is proving to be a more attractive option then the specified layering of pharmaceuticals most often prescribed for managing pain. CBD offers pain-relieving benefits for the whole body without the side effects that other medications can cause; not to mention the growing fear of addictive reactions to many prescribed painkillers. Due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD may reduce overall pain in the body by altering endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters that manage pain sensations in your body. 

Research has shown that CBD has analgesic properties and can alleviate menstrual pain and cramps. A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneacology Canada found that women who used CBD for menstrual cramps reported a significant reduction in pain severity compared to those who did not use CBD. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD was effective in reducing pain in patients with neuropathic pain.

Soothes Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Stress and anxiety can worsen menstrual discomfort, leading to muscle tension, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. CBD has the potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for women experiencing menstrual discomfort.

As we’ve learned, CBD interacts with the body’s ECS, which regulates stress and anxiety. By interacting with receptors in the brain involved in the stress response, such as the hypothalamus and amygdala, CBD can reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol; this promotes relaxation and a sense of calm.

CBD also promotes relaxation by reducing muscle tension. It has been shown to have muscle relaxant properties, which can help alleviate cramping and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. Incorporating CBD into a pain management routine may benefit women who experience menstrual cramps.

Regulates your Mood

PMS is caused by fluctuations in hormone levels leading up to and during the menstrual cycle. High estrogen and low progesterone are the typical hormonal imbalances that cause PMS symptoms such as mood swings. 

As we previously highlighted, CBD influences body’s endocannabinoid system along with neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for hormone and mood regulation. CBD may be able to alleviate mood swings associated with menstrual cramps. Research has shown that CBD impacts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety.

CBD interacts with the serotonin receptors in the brain, potentially increasing serotonin levels and improving mood. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD reduced anxiety and improved mood in individuals with social anxiety disorder.

Furthermore, CBD has a calming effect on the body and may help reduce stress and promote relaxation. This could be beneficial for women who experience mood swings or anxiety during their menstrual cycle.

Helps You Get the Rest You Need

Period cramping doesn’t just occur during office hours – it not only might ruin your day, but also your night. Help maintain healthy rest despite the pain by using CBD sleep gummies. The CBD can reduce menstruation aches and put you in a peaceful state of mind that assists with sleep, and accompanying ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, and GABA help users stay asleep with fewer nighttime interruptions. 

Sleep disturbances or insomnia are common during the menstrual cycle and can worsen other symptoms, including pain and mood changes. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration, making it a viable option for women experiencing menstrual-related sleep problems.

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates sleep. CBD increases the amount of time spent in the deep sleep stage, which is crucial for quality sleep and restoration. It may also reduce the amount of time spent in the REM stage of sleep, associated with dreaming and sleep disruptions.

Improved sleep quality may have additional advantages for women experiencing menstrual-related symptoms. Sleep is essential for physical and mental health, and poor sleep quality can worsen symptoms such as pain, mood changes, and fatigue. By enhancing sleep quality, CBD may help women better manage menstrual-related symptoms, thus improving their overall quality of life. CBD for menstrual cramps can help relieve pain and provide relaxation, leading to better sleep quality.