Menopause marks the end of the female reproductive years. The fluctuations in sex hormones come with a list of symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and weight gain, which make this natural biological process difficult to navigate, significantly affecting one's quality of life.
While hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medication, and lifestyle changes are recommended to help manage menopause symptoms, natural CBD oil has come up in many conversations surrounding women's health.
It's important to note that there are no federally approved nonprescription CBD products for menopause. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support that high-quality CBD products may help to manage some menopause-related symptoms.
In this article, we'll take a look at how women are using CBD for menopause and investigate the potential benefits of CBD for women's health.
Key Takeaways:
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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally derived compound found in hemp plants used in a wide range of wellness products for its potential health benefits.
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While there's no FDA-approved CBD for menopause, many women have used CBD oil products to support symptoms of menopause and to maintain their overall health.
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CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many biological processes, including pain perception, metabolism, inflammation, stress, mood, and much more, which is why it may be helpful for sleep, pain, and mood — which tend to be negatively affected during menopause.
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CBD can affect individuals differently, so there's no one-size fits all approach to dosing or one product that will work better over others, so it may take some experimentation to find a product and dose that suits an individual's needs.
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While CBD is considered safe, you should consult with your healthcare professional before using CBD alongside prescription medication or underlying health conditions to avoid any negative experiences.
Benefits Of CBD For Menopause
We want to be transparent and say that no CBD oil or product is a cure for menopause.
Menopause is a natural biological process that can come with a long list of discomforts due to the changes in hormone levels, which may affect one's quality of life, but it's in no way a disease or a medical condition that can be avoided by taking CBD.
That being said, there have been plenty of personal accounts of people adding CBD products to their wellness routine to ease some of their symptoms of menopause.
Let's take a closer look at how CBD for menopause could work to manage symptoms.
CBD For Sleep
One of the most common complaints associated with premenopause and menopause is a reduced quality of sleep. This could be a result of anxious thoughts and hot flashes.
Among the many health benefits of CBD, a common reason people use CBD oil is to support sleep due to its calming effects on the mind and body, which may help with nervous thoughts that may cause sleep disturbance.
There's plenty of clinical data to support CBD's use for sleep with positive results and minimal side effects [2].
CBD For Mood
The menopausal years are often a time of change, both internally and externally, and these changes can significantly impact one's mood.
For many, CBD products offer a natural way to support mood by promoting a sense of calm and centered feel, especially during times of overwhelm. The ECS is believed to play an important role in regulating mood, anxiety, and stress response, and CBD may even help to elevate levels of the "bliss molecule" anandamide in the ECS to promote a more balanced and positive mood [3].
There are CBD menopause products available that include aromatherapy ingredients such as calming lavender or uplifting citrus to further support its mood-balancing effects.
CBD For Chronic Pain
In addition to joint and muscle pain due to aging, some women may experience headaches and migraines as a result of hormone fluctuation.
And as estrogen levels decline during menopause, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis, which is a form of arthritis caused by a loss of bone density that often results in stiffness and chronic pain [4].
In high doses, CBD has been shown to relieve chronic pain symptoms, and it's believed to work through multiple pathways that manage the perception of pain and the inflammatory response in the body [5]. Utilizing the best CBD oil for pain, which are highly regarded for their purity and efficacy, may potentially block this signaling pathway, thereby reducing the sensations of pain associated with joint pain and inflammation.
While there is clinical evidence to support CBD's use for pain, further research is needed in this space to fully understand the long-term effects of CBD for menopause symptoms. When it comes to joint pain, inflammation triggers the sensation of pain. Utilizing CBD for joint pain may potentially block this signaling pathway, thereby reducing the sensations of pain.
It's also worth noting that there aren't any FDA-approved CBD products for pain, but that hasn't stopped many people from benefitting from high-quality CBD oil in their daily life.
How to Use CBD for Menopause
CBD products may be helpful in supporting various menopause symptoms, but they shouldn't replace advice from your healthcare professional, who may recommend treatments that might be better suited for your situation, such as hormone replacement therapy, pain medications, and lifestyle changes.
On top of that, it's important that you shop for high-quality CBD products from a reputable source to ensure you're getting effective and safe CBD to support your endocannabinoid system.
Now let's get into how people are using CBD for menopause.
1. Choosing The Right CBD Menopause Product
CBD is a versatile ingredient that can come in many forms. Choosing the right product for menopause will depend on the type of experience you're looking for from you CBD.
Here are some considerations when shopping for CBD for menopause:
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Symptoms: What's causing you the most discomfort? If it's for sleep and mood, an internal CBD oil, capsule, or gummy may offer the best support. If you're looking for fast-acting relief from aches and pain, then a topical CBD rub could be a better choice.
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Ingredients: Look for products that contain natural ingredients that are safe and effective. Some ingredients listed could help to target the effects of CBD, such as melatonin for sleep disturbances or a low-sugar edible like gummies for weight loss.
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Dosage: CBD products come in a wide range of concentrations, listed in MG on the product label. Choose a product that provides the appropriate dosage for managing your concerns.
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Quality: Not all CBD brands have your best interest at heart. Shop with a trusted brand that has a reputation for quality. At Neurogan, we offer third-party lab reports that verify the contents of the product and a 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
2. Finding The Ideal CBD Dose For Menopause
Most of what we know about CBD for menopause comes from anecdotal reports, as more clinical studies are needed in this space to determine recommended dosages for therapeutic use.
This means that finding the ideal CBD dose for menopause will be a process of trial and error for many people. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Start low: If you're new to cannabinoids, it's best to introduce your endocannabinoid system to CBD oil gradually to avoid the risk of side effects. You can always increase your dosage with more experience.
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Follow the product instructions: For the best results, use the product's intended purpose. This can help make sure you're using the correct amount of CBD and are making the most of your product.
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Monitor your feelings: Keep track of your menopausal symptoms and how you respond to CBD in a journal (in your phone or a notebook). This can help you fine-tune your dosing concentrations and schedule.
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Be consistent: Most of the health benefits from CBD oil come with consistent use, so it's important that you be patient and persistent to allow your body to adjust to the supplemented cannabinoids if you're using CBD for menopause.
3. Experiment With Different Types Of CBD Products For Menopause
Trying out different types of hemp-derived CBD products for menopause is a good idea for helping you find the most effective wellness routine.
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CBD Oils: allow you to customize your dosage drop by drop and can be taken directly under the tongue or added to food or drinks.
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CBD Capsules: deliver consistent doses of CBD, often in high potencies. These CBD oil pills are a good option if you're averse to the natural flavors of CBD oils.
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CBD Gummies: these are another popular option for a tasty and convenient way to get your CBD for menopause. They deliver premeasured dosages, but you can always cut your CBD gummy in half for a milder dosage.
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CBD Topicals: CBD applied to the skin won't give you the same support for sleep or mood, but they work wonders for tense muscles and joints with fast-acting effects.
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CBD Smokables: smokables aren't for everyone, but they can deliver the most potent and fast-acting internal effects for CBD.
Different types of CBD products may have different rates of absorption and onset times, which may sway you in one direction over another in regard to what fits your lifestyle best.
The Body Through Menopause & The Female Reproductive System
Is CBD for menopause effective?
It's helpful to understand what exactly the female body goes through during menopause.
Menopause occurs between the ages of 45–55 — but it can sometimes come on earlier or later.
Menopause marks the end of the female reproductive years as the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and estrogen and progesterone hormone levels decline — These hormones play critical roles in the female reproductive system and are primarily produced by the ovaries.
What do these hormones do?
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone.
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise and fall, encouraging the uterine lining to thicken and then shed (if egg fertilization doesn't occur). The estrogen hormone also helps to maintain bone density, regulate cholesterol levels, and regulate mood and cognitive function.
Progesterone, on the other hand, stimulates ovulation and prepares the body for conception and pregnancy. If fertilization doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop, which encourages the uterine lining to shed.
The decline in these steroidal hormone levels causes a range of menopause symptoms, including:
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Hot flashes: The sudden feeling of heat in the upper body, often accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
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Night sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, often causing the person to wake up feeling hot and sweaty.
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Vaginal dryness: Reduced levels of estrogen can cause the vaginal tissues to become dry, thin, and less elastic, which can cause discomfort or pain during sex.
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Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, and depression.
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Sleep disturbances: Changes in hormone levels can also disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia or other irregular sleeping patterns.
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Changes in skin and hair: The decline in estrogen levels can cause changes in the skin and hair, including dryness, thinning, and loss of elasticity.
Frequently Asked Questions On CBD For Menopause Symptoms
1. What are the side effects of CBD for menopause?
Although uncommon, some of the side effects associated with CBD include:
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Stomach upset
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Nausea
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Drowsiness
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Diarrhea
It's also important to note that CBD can interact with some medications, so if you're on any prescription, it's best to consult your healthcare professional on CBD for menopause.
2. Does CBD for menopause cause weight gain?
Weight gain is common from menopause, as the fluctuation in hormones, aging, and lifestyle factors could contribute to weight gain. There's no specific research showing that CBD oil causes weight gain, but some people do use CBD to manage their weight.
3. Does CBD for menopause cause weight loss?
Some studies suggest that CBD's interaction with the endocannabinoid system may help to support appetite and metabolism regulation [6]. However, it's not a magic pill or oil that can help people lose weight.
To reach a healthy weight level, it's important that you factor in exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
4. Will CBD oil get me high?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and will not result in a high associated with marijuana. The compound responsible for those effects is THC, which is not present in even full spectrum CBD products in significant quantities.
High doses of CBD may result in a very relaxed state that may confuse people with a high, but it does not alter one's sense of perception or coordination.
5. Can I travel with CBD?
CBD from the hemp cannabis plant is legal within the United States, and the TSA will allow you to travel domestically with CBD products, provided they're accurately labeled. However, you should not travel outside the United States with legal CBD products, as they may not be legal in the country you're traveling to.
6. Can I use CBD for menopause?
There aren't any FDA-approved CBD products that are marketed to manage menopausal symptoms. However, there's much anecdotal evidence of people using high-quality CBD products to manage symptoms of pain, poor sleep quality, and mood.
CBD does work differently for everyone depending on the severity of symptoms, genetics, and lifestyle factors, so if you're curious about CBD for menopause, it's important that you do your research on products and gets advice from a trusted healthcare professional with knowledge on CBD and can provide you with personalized advice.
The Takeaway: CBD For Menopause Related Symptoms
The use of CBD products is on the rise.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oil could be an effective natural way to support symptoms of menopause, but more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and risks of using CBD for menopause.
When shopping for cannabis products, keep in mind that the FDA doesn't regulate CBD, so it's important that you do your research when it comes to the quality of the product, and consult with our health care professional for advice, especially if you're on any medication.
Resources:
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Piomelli, D., Giuffrida, A., Calignano, A., & de Fonseca, F. R. (2000). The endocannabinoid system as a target for therapeutic drugs. Trends in pharmacological sciences, 21(6), 218-224.
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Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383.
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Ashton, C. H., & Moore, P. B. (2011). Endocannabinoid system dysfunction in mood and related disorders. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 124(4), 250-261.
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Kanis, J. A. (1996). Estrogens, the menopause, and osteoporosis. Bone, 19(5), 185S-190S.
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Mlost, J., Bryk, M., & Starowicz, K. (2020). Cannabidiol for pain treatment: focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(22), 8870.
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Kirkham, T. C. (2009). Cannabinoids and appetite: food craving and food pleasure. International Review of Psychiatry, 21(2), 163-171.
