CBD oil, a cannabis plant-derivative, has become hugely popular among the health crowd. Its analgesic and mood-lifting qualities have solid scientific evidence behind them, and there’s growing interest in CBD’s ability to help women deal with period-related problems.
Using CBD oil won’t give you that mind-altering high associated with cannabis. That’s because it contains only extremely small quantities – if any at all – of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). So with its ability to relieve pain, lift the mood and without getting you high, CBD shows promise as an effective and natural remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a syndrome that moderately to severely affects around 30% of women. This article provides a guide on how CBD oil could help PMS sufferers.
What is PMS?
Lots of women experience psychological, behavioural and physical changes during the days before menstruation. When these changes occur month after month and are distressing enough to affect a woman’s daily life, they become a chronic condition known as premenstrual syndrome or PMS.
PMS happens during the menstrual cycle’s luteal phase (from ovulation to the start of menstruating) and has often diminished by the end of a period. The menstrual cycle typically occurs each month during the female reproductive years, with the average cycle length lasting 28 days (from the first day of bleeding to the first day of the next period), although this can vary significantly between women. Menstruation is when the uterus lining thickens and begins to shed.
PMS Symptoms
Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal cramps
- Skin flare-ups
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Gastrointestinal issue
- Appetite changes
Psychological symptoms might include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor focus
- Libido changes
- Confusion/brain fog
Can CBD Help with PMS?
While painkillers and hot water bottles provide sufficient PMS relief for some, others seek out alternative natural and effective remedies. Many people turn to CBD for anxiety relief, pain relief and to enhance health in general, and now some women are discovering that using CBD can be a game changer for those debilitating PMS symptoms.
While it hasn’t studied PMS specifically, scientific research shows that CBD can have a significantly positive impact on many of the common emotional and physical symptoms of PMS. Cannabidiol has strong relaxation properties; reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, and improving sleep. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever which can assist with painful menstrual cramps, headaches and breast tenderness. If you suffer from hormonal skin flare-ups, CBD has even been shown to control sebum production, soothe the skin and potentially reduce acne.
Do You Have to Get High to Reap the Benefits?
No, using CBD oil for menstrual problems will not get you high. CBD oil contains none – or very little – THC, the psychoactive cannabis compound, and therefore cannot cause a mind-altering high. That’s the beauty of CBD – it provides many wellness benefits without the psychoactive properties of its THC counterpart.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
So, how does CBD work in the body to potentially reduce PMS symptoms? Cannabidiol works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids (endogenous lipids) and their receptors. The ECS plays a role in many physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, fertility, and stress management.
When we take CBD oil, it interacts with the receptors of the ECS (essentially, mimicking the activity of our endocannabinoids). This provides a boost to the ECS, helping the system to function more effectively and reducing stress and inflammation throughout the body as a result.
Best CBD Oil for PMS and Menstrual Pain
Choosing a CBD product to help with PMS needn’t be a bewildering experience, despite the myriad of products for sale on the shelves of health stores both online and on the high street. Types of CBD-enriched products include CBD oils, gummies, capsules, topicals and bath bombs. For fast PMS and menstrual pain relief, we recommend using CBD oil sublingually. Mission C Relief + CBD Oil is the perfect pick-me-up during the dreaded premenstrual cycle and contains a broad spectrum CBD and additional natural ingredients such as Black Pepper and Turmeric to boost its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Shop Relief + CBD Oil
For an extra treat on those days when you are bloated, anxious, stressed and sore, run a hot bath and add Lavender + CBD Bath Bomb. The soothing infusion will calm the mind and the body, preparing you for a good night’s sleep.
Shop Lavender + CBD Bath Bomb
How to Take CBD Oil for PMS
For individuals who suffer from severe pain or headaches during the premenstrual phase, sublingual CBD oil is advised. Use a dropper to be sure you have the proper dose and drop the oil under the tongue. To allow it to enter the circulation rapidly and provide swift impact, hold it for roughly 60 seconds before swallowing. You may also add CBD oil to your favourite drinks or meals, but administering the oil sublingually will be more effective.
What to Look Out For
When it comes to choosing a CBD brand, doing your research is imperative. A good CBD manufacturer that is reputable and transparent will be able to provide third-party lab reports to guarantee the purity, quality and consistency of the product. The CBD-infused product should contain no more than the UK legal limit of 0.2% THC. Some products will contain additional ingredients, so it’s always worth checking the product label before purchasing.
Can CBD Help Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms?
During perimenopause, many women experience a change in their menstrual cycle, which may become shorter, longer, more erratic, heavier or lighter, for instance. Once menopause is reached, periods will stop completely. PMS symptoms may begin to decline during the menopause years, but many women suffer from different symptoms associated with declining oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, such as hot flushes, night sweats, low sex drive and problem skin during this time. Based on preclinical research and anecdotal reports, CBD may also help with many symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause.
Final Thoughts
Early-stage scientific research, while not directly concentrated on PMS symptoms, indicates that if you’re seeking a natural and useful method to provide relief from common premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, abdominal pain, headaches and fatigue, CBD oil is worth trying. Further studies are required, but as the research continues to evolve, results are often supportive of the positive anecdotal reports of regular CBD users.
Source: https://www.missionc.com/blogs/news/cbd-oil-for-pms-a-natural-remedy
