CBD for Menopause Relief: Exploring Benefits

Going through “The Change?” While natural, menopause is a universal pain in the *** for anyone with a X chromosome and ovaries.

Why must we suffer from the many symptoms associated with losing our body’s hormones, like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and so many more?? And, what can we do to help ourselves?

Many women are finding meonpause relief with CBD!! Lets dig in!

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, usually starting around age 51, when menstrual periods stop. The end result is a decline in the natural estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.

Fun Fact: The average of menopause is 52; however, it can happen at any age. About 5% of women will experience EARLY menopause between 40 & 45 years of age.

Phases of Menopause

• Perimenopause – comes before menopause and involves hormonal changes, causing irregular periods and symptoms like hot flashes.
• Menopause – confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
• Postmenopause – Menopause symptoms may continue but typically become less intense over time.

Symptoms of Menopause

As hormone levels fluctuate during menopause, so do the symptoms.

Current Treatment Options For Menopause

Traditional relief to help with symptoms of Menopause are targeted at alleviating the symptoms above. These include.

Hormone Therapy (HT): For women experiencing severe symptoms, especially hot flashes and vaginal dryness, HT may be prescribed to supplement declining hormone levels.

Non-Hormonal Medications: Certain medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are prescribed to alleviate mood swings and hot flashes.

Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep can help alleviate symptoms.

Neurosurgeon Tip: Regular exercise can help you feel better mentally and physically, help promote sleep, and prevent osteoporosis.

Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief through acupuncture, yoga, or mindfulness techniques.

Vaginal Lubricants and Moisturizers: For vaginal dryness and discomfort, over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers can provide relief.

Educational Support: Education about menopause and its symptoms, along with support groups, can help women cope better with the physical and emotional changes during this life stage.

Neurosurgeon Tip: To maintain good health long-term, educate yourself on the chronic health issues caused by menopause and actively work towards preventing them.

What is CBD?

CBD, cannabidiol, is a hemp- based, natural compound with many health benefits.

It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to both help regulate and balance our physiological systems.

As people continue to search for alternative treatments, CBD and it’s acknowledged health benefits are becoming more well known.

For more on CBD, read my article CBD: Benefits, Uses and What to Know

CBD & Menopause: What the Research Says

CBD shows promise in helping to treating menopause symptoms.

Research indicates that CBD interacts with the body’s natural systems in ways that may reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

CBD has been shown to provide relief of menopause mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression, comparable to pharmaceutical medications. Study link here.

Fun Fact: It is estimated that 20-40% of women will experience depression around menopause.

Furthermore, CBD oil has been shown to provide better sleep and improved anxiety in multiple studies.

Rutgers published a study in 2022 suggesting the therapeutic role of CBD in treating active menopause symptoms and improving the chronic diseases associated with post-menopause later in life. These include osteoporosis and anxiety/depression.

While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, early evidence and personal accounts suggest that CBD oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, may help manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes and improve sleep quality.

Benefits of CBD for Menopause Symptoms

CBD has shown to help with menopause symptoms. Lets explore this interaction more:

1. Hot flashes and night sweats: CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system may help regulate body temperature and reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes.
2. Mood swings: often exacerbated by hormonal changes. CBD has calming effects, promoting a more stable emotional state.
3. Sleep disturbances (insomnia) – the number 1 reason people use CBD, by market analysis, is sleep disturbance.
4. Vaginal dryness – CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief from vaginal dryness by potentially reducing inflammation in the vaginal tissues.
5. Decreased libido – While studies on libido specifically are limited, individual accounts promote CBD’s potential to enhance sexual satisfaction by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
6. Fatigue – the improved sleep experienced with CBD helps promote less daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
7. Memory problems – CBD has been shown to promote cognitive function and is brain-protective.
8. Weight gain – CBD can help regulate appetite and metabolism.

Fun Fact: Hot flashes can last up to 14 years after menopause.

How to Use CBD for Menopause

CBD comes in many forms: oil, capsule, gummy, cream, vape, and sometimes skin patches. Deciding on the best route of administration can be tricky and does have some personal preference.

Dosage recommendations vary on the size of a person, metabolism, type and severity of symptom. In general, I recommend starting with a low to medium dose and working up/down from there.

The most efficient way to optimize your menopause relief is to use a trained professional for guidance. Contact me so I can help get you started.

Safety and Considerations

In general, CBD is safe and with rare side-effects.

There can be some interaction with other medications, so it is best to find someone who has knowlege of CBD prior to starting your journey down Menopause treatment.

Testimonials

Women across the US are experiencing significant relief of their menopause symptoms with CBD use.

Wrap Up

Like it or not, most of us women will experience the suffering of life’s change – MENOPAUSE

Whether you are peri-menopause or actually in the depths of it, CBD can help alleviate the symptoms

Whatever you may wish – better sleep, better mood, better energy, or less hot flashes, YOU deserve to feel better during this inevitable time.

Contact me for personalized guidance on using CBD for your menopause relief.