CBD and Menopause – Hamppumaa

Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, which usually begins in middle age. It brings with it many physical and emotional changes, as well as symptoms that may increase the challenge in everyday life. One interesting option related to the relief of menopause symptoms is cannabidiol, i.e CBD. In this article, we will explore how CBD can help with menopause symptoms, especially fatigue relief, and share our experiences with its use.

Menopause symptoms and their impact on life

Menopause, also known as menopause, is the period when a woman’s periods and regular bleeding stop, and ovarian function and fertility decline. This natural biological change is associated with many physical and psychological symptoms that can significantly affect the quality of life of an aging woman.

Typically, menopause symptoms include:

Hot flashes: Sudden flashes of heat and sweating can be very uncomfortable.

Insomnia: Many women suffer from insomnia, difficulty falling asleep and sleep disturbances during menopause.

Fatigue: Constant tiredness and exhaustion can affect the ability to function on a daily basis.

Memory and concentration problems: Many women experience brain fog

Mood swings: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, anxiety and depression.

Changes in sex life: Hormonal changes can affect vaginal dryness and sexual desire.

Bone and joint problems: Menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to these, other common symptoms are abdominal swelling, lower abdominal pain and nausea. (1)

CBD in the treatment of menopause symptoms

CBD, i.e. cannabidiol, is one cannabinoid found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). CBD is not a psychoactive substance like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and therefore does not cause a narcotic effect. Instead, CBD has many potential therapeutic effects that may be useful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Although the effect of CBD directly on menopause has not been studied yet, the symptoms associated with it can often be treated with the help of CBD. For example, according to a research review conducted in 2020, CBD can help e.g. to reduce pain , insomnia and inflammation of the body (2). In addition to these, it has been shown to have positive effects on other menopause-related symptoms, which will be explained in more detail in the following paragraphs.

Fatigue relief

Fatigue is one of the most common menopausal symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. CBD can have relaxing and stress-relieving effects that can help you better cope with the challenges of fatigue (3). Although research on CBD’s effects on fatigue is still in its infancy, many users have reported improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue with CBD.

CBD affects e.g. to the production of adenosine, which is a natural hormone in the body that affects the state of alertness. Normally, adenosine levels would rise in the evenings, causing a feeling of fatigue.

Joint and muscle pain

CBD and other substances found in hemp can also help with osteoporosis in trust. CBD may help e.g. in the strengthening of bones, the formation of new bones and the healing process of a broken bone. (4)

In addition, the prevention of bone loss can be influenced by e.g. by exercising and eating enough nutritious food. It is therefore advisable to add minerals such as calcium and magnesium that act as bone building materials to the diet. Other minerals, trace elements and vitamins can also be helpful, such as vitamin D, copper and vitamin K2. Avoiding smoking is also considered good. (5)

Nausea

Research shows that cannabinoids such as CBD and CBD-A can significantly relieve nausea. Cannabinoids help prevent nausea, e.g. by affecting the function of CB1 and 5-HT receptors. (6)

CBD increases the concentration of anandamide in the brain, which in turn affects the activity of its disintegrating molecule, producing antiemetic, i.e. nausea-reducing, effects. In addition to relieving nausea, CBD has an anti-vomiting effect. In comparison, both are found to be effective, of which CBD-A has been found to be somewhat more effective. (7)

Symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue and hot flashes are typically experienced during menopause.

Other menopausal symptoms

The effects of CBD on other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased sexual desire, are still being studied and require further research. However, some users have reported positive experiences in alleviating these symptoms with CBD. It is important to note that each person is unique and CBD can work in different ways for different people.

 

Experiences of using CBD during menopause

 

One of the best ways to learn about the effects of CBD on menopause symptoms is to listen to those who have already tried it. Many women have shared their own experiences of using CBD during menopause on various forums and discussion groups. Experiences vary greatly, with some finding great relief from symptoms, while others have not noticed a significant effect. The experiences are influenced by the individual characteristics of the user and the quality, strength and dosage of the CBD product used.

It is important to remember that CBD is not a panacea and its effects on menopause symptoms may vary from person to person. Before you start using CBD, it is recommended to talk to your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying medical conditions.

 

Other natural products and menopause

 

There are several other natural products that are recommended for treating menopause symptoms. For example, for sweating and hot flashes, sage can be taken internally as a herbal tea or extract. Swelling can be helped by herbs such as red clover, white clover, nettle, birch leaves, goldenrod, wort, St. John’s wort, honeysuckle and dandelion. You can try relieving depression and irritability with horsetail, oat sprouts and lemon balm. Osteoporosis and weakening of the bones are avoided by taking care of the well-being of the kidneys, e.g. by eating nettles and field bark in the form of green powder or purées. (Raipala-Cormier, 2019, p.124-125)

In addition to natural products, personal attitude can also affect the intensity of symptoms. Menopause should not be seen as the end of femininity and life, but rather as a deeper change. (Raipala-Cormier, 2019, p.124)

 

Summary

 

Menopause is a period associated with middle age, when usually a woman’s hormonal activity changes and menstruation stops. Menopause is associated with certain symptoms that can be challenging and significantly affect the quality of life. CBD is one option that many are considering for symptom relief. Although research on the effects of CBD on menopause symptoms is still in its early stages, many users have found it to be a useful addition to their menopause treatment. Studies support that CBD is helpful, e.g. insomnia, mood, pain and joint problems.

As always, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting a new treatment, and to closely monitor the development of symptoms. Menopause is a unique experience, and each woman needs an individual treatment plan that best suits her needs. CBD may be one tool for managing menopause, but it is not a solution to all symptoms. In addition to CBD, you can try various natural products such as herbs for the treatment and prevention of menopause-related symptoms.

More articles closely related to the topic can be found in e.g. CBD and PMS symptoms and CBD and menstruation .

Sources

 

1. Tiitinen A. 2022. Duodecim. Menopause. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00179. Referenced 09/20/2023.
2. DA Argueta et al. 2020. Front Pharmacol. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/. Referenced 09/20/2023.
3. Shannon S., Lewis N., Lee H., and Hughes S.. 2019. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/ . Referenced 09/20/2023.
4. Idris AI. 2010. Cannabinoid Receptors as Targets for Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Tale of Two Therapies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001217/ . Referred to 2.1.202
5. Rheumatism Association. Osteoporosis. https://www.reumaliitto.fi/fi/reuma-aapinen/reumataudit/osteoporosis . Referenced 01/02/2023.
6. Taylor B, Mueller M and Sauls RS. 2021. Cannaboinoid Antiemetic Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535430/ . Referred on 08/01/2022.
7. Rock EM and Parker L.. 2016. Frontiers. Cannabinoids As Potential Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00221/full. Referred to on 30/09/2022.
8. Raipala-Cormier V. 2019. Frantsila Luonno’s home pharmacy. WSOY.
9. Hamppumaa 2024. CBD and osteoporosis. https://hamppumaa.fi/cbd-osteoporoosi/. Referenced 09/20/2023.