Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance generated from the cannabis plant that has medical use. CBD oil may be beneficial in alleviating some of the symptoms of menopause.
CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, which contains more than 100 different cannabinoids. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a more well-known cannabinoid, CBD does not generate a euphoric high like THC.
CBD is psychoactive, which means that it can have an effect on a person’s mood, but it is non-toxic and non-impairing.
Menopause, like any other natural transition, can bring about unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings, among other things. Several herbal and natural therapies for these symptoms have been investigated, with varying degrees of success reported by the researchers.
Recently, there has been considerable interest in the potential advantages of cannabidiol (CBD), and some study suggests that it may be able to alleviate specific symptoms associated with menopause.
However, this application of CBD has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since its approval in June 2018, the only approved uses have been for the prevention and treatment of two uncommon kinds of epilepsy.
In spite of the fact that CBD has become a popular alternative medicine and that some women may find it useful for menopause symptoms, there is presently no scientific evidence to support this use.
Is Cannabidiol (CBD) legal? CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed under federal law, but they are still banned under several state regulations. CBD-derived products manufactured from cannabis, on the other hand, are prohibited under federal law but allowed under some state regulations. When travelling, especially in foreign countries, always sure to check local legislation. It’s also important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be labelled incorrectly.
CBD oil and menopause
The endocannabinoid system, also known as the cannabinoid receptor system, is a collection of cell receptors found in the brain, other organs, and tissues throughout the body.
This system plays a significant role in the process of menopause, and cannabis and CBD have an effect on how well it functions. It is possible that cannabis and CBD could have an impact on the consequences of menopause on the body, according to this notion.
Cannabinoid receptors are engaged in the following processes:
- mood regulation
- the functioning of the immune system
- pain
- sleep
- memory
- fertility and reproduction
- temperature regulation
It has been hypothesised that a poorly functioning endocannabinoid system can result in a variety of health problems. Chemicals such as CBD, which influence the activity of the endocannabinoid system, may be useful in the treatment of certain disorders.
There are cannabinoid receptors throughout the female reproductive system, and menopause appears to cause a disruption in the endocannabinoid system, according to research. In light of these considerations, it is likely that CBD oil could help to relieve some of the symptoms of menopause.
Which menopause symptoms may it treat?
There have been no research conducted specifically on the effects of CBD on women going through menopause. This means that researchers are unsure whether it works or whether it is a safe alternative.
Many research, on the other hand, have looked at the impact of CBD on specific symptoms in various other populations.
For example, according to a 2020 review, CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain, the improvement of sleep, and the reduction of inflammation. These impacts, on the other hand, were identified in people who had specific health conditions, not in women going through menopause.
There is no evidence that CBD oil helps alleviate all of the symptoms of menopause, although it may be beneficial for the following:
Mood changes
The risk of sadness and anxiety increases around the time of menopause, and this may be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, other menopause symptoms, or a combination of the two.
Animal studies, including a 2014 review of relevant research in mice, have discovered that CBD can help to alleviate the symptoms of sadness and anxiety.
The authors of a 2020 review point out that there has only been extremely limited linked study in people, which they believe is a cause for concern.
A small number of case studies have been conducted in which individual persons with a history of depression have reported improvements after using CBD, according to the researchers.
It is also included in the material that is included on the package of an FDA-approved CBD product called Epidiolex, which mentions depression and suicidal ideation as potential adverse effects.
Sleep disturbances
It is common for women going through menopause to have difficulties getting quality sleep, and this can have a substantial influence on their everyday lives.
According to the 2020 review described above, endocannabinoids play a role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and other bodily functions. This shows that CBD may have an impact on sleep.
The researchers draw attention to the fact that there have only been a few, restricted human investigations on CBD and sleep. In conclusion, greater doses of CBD appear to cause sedative effects in certain people.
So it’s possible that CBD oil can aid with sleep difficulties associated with menopause – but there isn’t any conclusive data to support this claim.
Bone density loss
Following menopause, people begin to experience bone mass loss. Osteoporosis affects one in every four females over the age of 65.
Because low bone density can increase the risk of fractures, it is critical to get treatment as soon as possible.
According to the findings of a 2008 animal study, CBD interacts with a cannabinoid receptor that may be involved in bone density reduction in humans. Because of this, CBD may be able to slow the rate of bone density loss that might occur during menopause, which is beneficial.
However, this has not been proved in humans – no research has shown that CBD can help to reduce bone density loss associated with menopause or other conditions.
Legality
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products with a THC concentration of less than 0.3 percent are allowed to possess and use.
The legal status of CBD and other cannabinoids, on the other hand, differs from state to state. If a person in the United States is considering using CBD, they may find out more about the legislation in their area here.
Safety and potential dangers
CBD is generally well tolerated by most people, while it might induce adverse effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and drowsiness in some individuals.
When CBD is combined with certain drugs and supplements, particularly those that interact with grapefruit, it can have harmful consequences.
Furthermore, it has the potential to interfere with the way the body metabolises or breaks down drugs.
CBD products are available for purchase over-the-counter. These goods, on the other hand, have not been approved by the FDA and are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner that pharmaceuticals are.
As a result, it is impossible to determine whether or not the product is safe to use. Many over-the-counter products that are not governed by this form of regulation do not include the components that are listed on the labels of the items.
Other strategies and treatments
According to the Office of Women’s Health, remaining active, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and finding strategies to minimise stress can all assist to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
Meanwhile, hormone replacement therapy can especially assist in the relief of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings that may occur.
Anyone who is feeling sadness or anxiety may find it beneficial to consult with a doctor or a mental health expert for assistance.
Many women seek relief from menopause symptoms through natural therapies, which include:
- black cohosh
- red clover
- soy
However, while some women report that these cures provide relief, they are not FDA-approved menopausal medications, and research into their efficacy has yielded conflicting results.
Conclusion
At this time, there is very little credible evidence that CBD oil can be used to alleviate the symptoms of menopausal discomfort.
In the early stages of research, scientists are only beginning to grasp how the endocannabinoid system functions and the roles that it may play in a variety of health-related conditions.
More research will be required to test the theories about the effect of CBD in the menopause. Until then, doctors will not know whether CBD oil has any beneficial effects on women going through the menopause.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322078
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
- https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm611046.htm
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix
- https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0034
- http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/73/2/441.long
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7331870/
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/osteoporosis
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J175v02n03_02
- http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
