Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound found in all cannabis plants, including both hemp and marijuana. Many studies show immense promise in using CBD extract to treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms, including those associated with dreaded menopause. Although scientists study other plants for treating this stage of life, none proves consistently effective. However, CBD does.
Over recent years, interest in CBD for therapeutic use has skyrocketed. Back in June 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its first CBD extract, called Epidiolex, specifically for treating two types of childhood epilepsy. However, science shows it with a myriad of other medicinal properties too, from pain relief to treating anxiety, depression, and yes, the symptoms of menopause too.
Cannabis plants contain an abundance of cannabinoids with medicinal properties, not only CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is even more famous for its psychoactive “high.” Unlike its notorious counterpart, CBD Oil is non-psychoactive, so it will give you that stoned feeling typically associated with marijuana use. This is why some countries permit its sale and use, and some states in the U.S. too.
The symptoms of menopause can be debilitating. CBD affects the body in different ways, enabling it to treat almost every one of them. Specifically, CBD interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoid receptors, most notably CB1 and CB2, to support the endocannabinoid system and help it to rebalance the body and all of its various functions, from pain perception to sleep imbalances, even memory.
The endocannabinoid system is incredibly complex, consisting of a collection of specific cell receptors that have the job of keeping the body healthy and functioning. These receptors exist throughout the body, in the brain, the immune system, organs, and even cell tissues. It works by interacting with chemical transmitters, called endocannabinoids, of which CBD shares many similarities.
Scientists believe the endocannabinoid system essential for nearly all aspects of human health, playing a crucial role in enhancing mood, improving immune function, lowering pain perception, balancing sleep cycles, boosting memory, regulating temperature, and even heightening fertility. A weak endocannabinoid system leads to all of these imbalances. Supporting it with CBD effectively treats them.
The aging curse of menopause disrupts the endocannabinoid system, making it less effective, as age does to all bodily systems eventually. The female reproductive system also contains these endocannabinoid receptors that bind to cannabinoids like CBD, making it an ideal treatment for reducing most of the symptoms associated with this stage of life. These include:
Mood fluctuations are a common symptom of menopause. Changes in emotional state yo-yo up and down almost constantly. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD has antidepressant properties that bind to receptors in the brain, improving mood and decreasing all symptoms of the blues. In fact, scientists call it the mood stabilizer.
Insomnia afflicts millions worldwide, but it is extremely common among those going through menopause. Lack of sleep can have a hugely detrimental effect on both daily life and its quality. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD oil notably reduced anxiety and sleep issues in participants with post-traumatic stress disorder, proving it an undeniable sleeping aid.
Low bone density makes the likelihood of bruises and fractures incredibly high. It is paramount that folks treat it or risk severe injury. According to Molecular Pharmacology, CBD influences the endocannabinoid receptor responsible for causing loss of bone density. Since bone density weakens during menopause, this means that CBD has the properties required to slow this process down.
Menopause causes a variety of hormonal changes, which can lead to a myriad of painful issues, including migraines, joint pain, even muscle aches. So many studies prove conclusively that CBD contains powerful analgesic properties, as well as the ability to “numb” pain by lowering your perception of it. Millions of people just in the United States use hemp oil for pain effectively, and anecdotal evidence is widespread.
Currently, despite a lack of clinical trials in humans, sufficient evidence exists to suggest that CBD extract works wonders in treating menopausal symptoms. Science is only now discovering just how the endocannabinoid system functions, as well as its role in different medical conditions. Research is proving very promising in testing how CBD affects menopause and its symptoms, but it is still underway.
For now, you can find hemp oil for pain and other menopausal symptoms at any dispensary in California. You can also treat associated joint issues with topical oil for pain. Because CBD does not make you “high,” it is safe to use in any way you please, just make sure you conduct extensive research before buying, and discuss your plans with your doctor, as well, especially if you are taking other medications.
