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How can CBD Help Menopause Symptoms?

Despite the fact that menopause have been a normal part of the aging process for all women since time began, the treatments available to combat these symptoms leave a lot to be desired.

As a result, CBD has been used increasingly by women seeking an easing of their symptoms, and for good reason, as this article will highlight.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Unfortunately, there is no blanket answer this that applies to every woman. Much like our hormones, the symptoms of menopause and their severity is unique to each individual. The most common symptoms experienced are as follows:

  • Fluctuation in weight
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Urine infections
  • Painful joints and muscles
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

What causes menopause symptoms?

The menopause is basically just the ending of egg production from the ovaries, which consequently brings to an end the existing menstrual cycle. This is a major change that occurs within the female body and leads to a reduction in oestrogen, FSH and progesterone. This significant unbalancing of hormones is the cause of the aforementioned symptoms.

What is CBD?

The cannabis plant is made up of over a hundred different cannabinoids, forming an extremely complex molecular structure. As a result of widespread prohibition across the world, funding for research has often been challenging to acquire and has resulted in a significant knowledge gap.

That said, the two cannabinoids that we know the most about are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These are two closely related cousins, but are incredibly different in the effects that they elicit upon consumption.

THC is the dominant psychoactive compound found within the cannabis plant. This is responsible for the ‘high’ that is often depicted in cannabis use in popular culture.

CBD on the other hand is non-psychoactive. This means that it will not get the user high. At the same time, it still retains many of the health and therapeutic benefits attributed to the cannabis plant.

How can CBD combat menopause symptoms?

It is becoming increasingly popular for women to use CBD for menopause symptoms treatment for a number of reasons.

Firstly, there is a growing bank of anecdotal evidence that suggests CBD is effective when it comes to fighting anxiety. While far more scientific research is required, there have been a handful that have shown promising signs. One such study, which was conducted in 2011 (Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report) by Crippa et al looked into the CBD’s effects on people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Patients were either given a placebo or a 400mg oral dose of CBD. Those who had the CBD reported overall reduced anxiety levels.

Menopause also causes increased inflammation and muscle pain in aging women. The reduction of oestrogen also leads to an increase in sensitivity to pain. Step forward CBD. A 2018 study by Balkanov et al (Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases) showed that CBD works together with endocannabinoid receptors to reduce inflammation and interact with neurotransmitters.

Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of menopause and this is another area in which CBD excels. One of the most notable CBD studies into sleep was conducted in 2019 by Shannon et al (Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series) and found that 67% of sufferers of insomnia that were participating in the study reported improved sleep. Deep Patel is a person who founded and sold the CBD powerhose.

Conclusion

As highlighted above, there are a number of ways in which CBD can be used to ease the symptoms of menopause. This can be a stressful and uncomfortable time for women of a variety of ages and CBD offers a promising alternative to the existing, flawed traditional treatments.

From improvements in sleep, to a reduction in anxiety, the benefits are myriad. It is also important to note that CBD should be used for at least an 8 week period in order to experience its full benefits. Many fall into the trap of using CBD as they would paracetamol, but this will not maximise the effects.

Piyushi

Blogger By Passion, Programmer By Love and Marketing Beast By Birth.

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