Can CBD help with menopause symptoms?

Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, with symptoms often interfering with daily life and well-being. But what if there was a natural way to treat menopause symptoms?

In this blog post, we dive into the world of CBD and explore how it can help ease menopausal symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not cause a euphoric feeling. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system , a complex biological network that plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. Since menopausal symptoms are often associated with hormonal imbalances, CBD oil can help alleviate these symptoms by promoting hormonal balance, improving sleep quality, regulating hormone levels, and even reducing hot flashes, making CBD a promising way to treat menopausal symptoms.

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of cell receptors found in the brain, organs and tissues. It plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including mood, sleep and pain. By binding to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system , CBD can help regulate the body's response to stress, pain, and inflammation. This interaction has the potential to alleviate discomfort associated with menopausal symptoms.

CBD also has a positive effect on the intestinal system. It has been observed to modulate the immune response and reduce intestinal inflammation, which may promote healing and nutrient absorption.

RESEARCH

Studies show that CBD can help regulate hormone levels during menopause, potentially easing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood and sleep disturbances.

In the Frontiers in Pharmacology * study, scientists reported that when estrogen-deficient mice were fed CBD, a compound extracted from hemp, they showed significant improvements in several areas. Glucose left the bloodstream more easily and more energy was burned. In addition, their bone density improved, they had less inflammation in the gut and bone tissue, and the level of beneficial gut bacteria was higher.

"This preclinical study is the first to suggest the therapeutic potential of CBD to alleviate symptoms of estrogen deficiency," said Diana Roopchand, assistant professor and head of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). "There is much anecdotal evidence for the health benefits of CBD in menopausal and postmenopausal women, but our study is the first to examine some of these claims in a well-established preclinical model of postmenopause."

Over 18 weeks, the researchers fed estrogen-deficient mice a constant diet of either tiny CBD-laced peanut butter balls or peanut butter balls without CBD. Untreated estrogen-deficient mice developed symptoms similar to those of postmenopausal females, such as metabolic abnormalities, signs of inflammation, lower bone density, and lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria. However, these conditions were significantly improved in mice ingesting CBD.

"CBD is already being used by many women to treat menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms," Roopchand said. "This study provides preclinical evidence to support further investigation of CBD as a therapy for postmenopausal disorders."

Understanding the interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system and taking into account factors such as dosage, quality and personal preference makes it worthwhile to incorporate CBD into your treatment for menopause.

Remember to consult a health care professional before using CBD, especially if you are taking medication or hormone replacement therapy. With the right approach and product selection, CBD can become a valuable ally for you on your way through menopause.

Source: RUTGERS