Can Cannabis Help With Menopause?

In the world of CBD use there seems to be an endless array of uses. One use not often associated with CBD is to help alleviate the the bothersome symptoms attributed to perimenopause and menopause in women. This makes more sense when you break down many many menopause symptoms. Numerous physiological systems are thought to be influenced by the endocannabinoid system, which is activated by cannabinoids like CBD and THC. 

These systems include:
• pain perception
• body temperature
• memory
• mood
• hunger
• stress
• sleep
• metabolism
• reproduction

The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system responsible for partial regulation of cognitive and emotional processes in the human central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system is also prevalent throughout the peripheral nervous system and human body and its receptors and signaling pathways.

More women are turning to medical cannabis to seek relief from menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Hot flashes and sleep or mood changes are well-known, troublesome symptoms that may occur during perimenopause and menopause. Now, one survey suggests nearly 80% of midlife women use cannabis to ease certain symptoms, such as mood issues and trouble sleeping.

Estrogen is important to the endocannabinoid system because it regulates fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down certain endocannabinoids. So, if there are lower (or fluctuating) levels of estrogen in your body, this can affect your endocannabinoid system, which in turn may partly explain some of the effects of perimenopause such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, lower libido, and difficulty sleeping.This would suggest that doses of cannabinoids would help out with those symptoms however more research is still being done and although many midlife women are turning to CBD and THC for relief there are still many scientific test needed to increase our knowledge.

 Please reach out to your health care provider to see if CBD or THC is right for you to help relieve your symptoms associated with menapause.