Is CBD a remedy for menopause?

Menopause is a natural and inevitable process that all women must face at some point in their lives.

It typically begins between the ages of 48 and 52 and can be confirmed 12 months after the last menstrual cycle, marking the end of a woman’s fertile years.

This is a phase in which unpleasant and annoying symptoms emerge, which, if not kept under control, can potentially negatively affect a woman’s quality of life. We are talking about irritability, anxiety, sadness, hot flushes and many others that we will analyse in this article.

You read that right: the symptoms of menopause can and should be kept at bay.

The most common treatment is undoubtedly hormone therapy, but in recent years, many women have become increasingly interested in less invasive natural remedies. These include CBD, in the form of oils, sleep oils or capsules.

Contrary to scepticism, cannabis for menopause can truly be a natural and alternative aid to traditional medications.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

During this period, you may experience a range of symptoms related to hormonal changes. These symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:

• Hot flushes: Hot flushes are episodes of sudden intense heat, accompanied by sweating and sometimes reddening of the skin. These episodes are caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, which affect the body’s thermoregulation.
• Decreased sex drive: During menopause, many women experience a decrease in libido. This can be caused by a decrease in oestrogen, which can affect vaginal lubrication and interest in sexual activity.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping, including difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, is common during menopause. These disorders are often related to the reduction in oestrogen and its influence on sleep cycles.
• Vaginal dryness: Oestrogen deficiency can lead to vaginal dryness, making sexual intercourse painful and causing irritation. This symptom can also increase the risk of vaginal infections.
• Mood disorders: Hormonal fluctuations can cause anxiety, irritability and even depressive symptoms. Menopause is often associated with a general feeling of emotional instability, with frequent mood swings.
• Memory and concentration problems: So-called “brain fog” is another common symptom. Women going through menopause may experience difficulty concentrating or with short-term memory, phenomena that appear to be related to hormonal changes.
• Muscle and joint pain: Many women during menopause complain of muscle and joint pain. These symptoms are often the result of reduced oestrogen, which can affect bone density and joint lubrication.
• Weight gain: Weight gain is another physical change that can occur during menopause. Metabolic and hormonal changes can lead to an increased tendency to accumulate fat, especially around the abdominal area.
• Mood swings: Mood swings, including irritability and sadness, are very common. Hormonal fluctuations can affect the emotional stability and psychological well-being of women going through menopause.

Unfortunately, these symptoms are an inevitable part of the physical and hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

But don’t panic! They can be managed with appropriate therapies and lifestyle changes.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the main chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause mental alterations or feelings of “getting high”. CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, a complex biological system that regulates multiple vital functions, including sleep, mood, pain and inflammation.

This natural compound is used in numerous products, such as oils, capsules, cosmetics and foods, and is valued for its potential therapeutic properties. Preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may be useful in alleviating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation and skin problems, as well as supporting general well-being.

Although research on CBD is still in its infancy, the results so far are promising, attracting the attention of both the scientific community and consumers.

CBD and menopause: the benefits

Although specific studies on CBD and menopause are still limited, research on the general effects of CBD on the body is extensive and promising.

Among the studies conducted on this topic, the research paper ‘Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: a Large Case Series’ published in 2019 on PubMed showed that CBD can be useful in treating insomnia and anxiety, thanks to its interaction with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

Another more recent and noteworthy study is ‘Cannabidiol Decreases Intestinal Inflammation in the Ovariectomized Murine Model of Postmenopause’, published in 2022 on NCBI, which effectively demonstrated its anxiolytic and anti-stress properties during menopause.

CBD in menopause can be useful for:

• Relieve insomnia: Thanks to its sedative properties, CBD can promote deeper and more regular sleep.
• Reducing anxiety and stress: The anxiolytic properties of CBD can help manage emotional changes and hormonal fluctuations, which are common during menopause.
• Controlling hot flushes: CBD can help balance body temperature, reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.
• Improving mood and emotional swings: Its calming properties help improve psychological well-being and reduce irritability and depression.
• Relieving muscle and joint pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can reduce physical pain caused by bone density loss or joint inflammation.

Although the data is still preliminary, the use of CBD in managing menopause symptoms appears promising, with more and more research supporting these benefits.

What are the contraindications of CBD?

Although CBD is generally safe, it may have some contraindications, especially in certain cases or when taken in high doses. Here is a list of possible side effects and situations to consider:

• Common side effects: Fatigue, diarrhoea, dry mouth and changes in appetite or body weight.
• Drug interactions: CBD may interfere with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants and antiepileptics, due to its effect on liver enzymes (particularly cytochrome P450).
• Cardiovascular effects: It can lower blood pressure, posing a risk to those suffering from hypotension or taking specific medications.
• Sedation: In some cases, CBD can induce mild drowsiness, which could interfere with activities that require attention, such as driving.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of CBD is not recommended during these stages, as there are insufficient studies on its safety for the foetus or newborn.
• Product quality: The use of CBD contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or other uncontrolled additives may pose health risks.

Despite these potential side effects, which are rare, CBD is a valuable resource for improving well-being and managing many conditions. With the support of a doctor and the use of high-quality products, it is possible to enjoy its benefits safely and responsibly.

How should CBD be taken during menopause?

CBD can be a valuable aid in dealing with the symptoms of menopause thanks to its properties. 

Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD oils are the most popular options: the former includes all the natural compounds of the plant, including minimal levels of THC (less than 0.6%), while the latter offers the same benefits without containing THC. You can choose between different concentrations depending on the severity of your symptoms:

• 5-10% CBD oil: recommended for mild symptoms, such as mood swings and mild fatigue.

• 15-20% CBD oil: ideal for dealing with frequent hot flushes, anxiety and moderate pain.

• 25-30% CBD oil: recommended for more intense symptoms, such as chronic pain or severe insomnia.

Other useful options include sleep oil, designed to promote deep rest thanks to the addition of natural relaxing ingredients, and CBD capsules, perfect for those looking for a practical and easily transportable solution.

We recommend starting with a low dosage of 5-10 mg of CBD per day, gradually increasing until you find the ideal amount to relieve your symptoms.

Visit our Maria CBD Oil website to discover all our products!