CBD and women: conditions, pain and sexual effects

CBD is a substance you have surely heard of, which has become very popular in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits.

But how does it specifically affect women? From common conditions such as anxiety and depression, to chronic pain such as menstrual pain or pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, CBD may offer natural relief.

Also, CBD may also be useful in terms of female sexual well-being, with many women reporting positive effects on intimity.

But before we look at how CBD can affect women’s health, it is necessary to understand what this substance consists of.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it does not cause mental or euphoric alterations. 

It is known for its therapeutic properties and is used in various products, such as oils, creams, capsules and food products, to promote physical and mental well-being.

Numerous studies suggest that CBD can be useful in treating conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and skin-related disorders. Thanks to its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD can positively affect many physiological processes without causing serious side effects.

CBD products for women

The most popular and prized product is definitely CBD oil, available in several concentrations, ranging from 5% to 30%, and in two main versions: Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum. The difference between the two lies in their composition: Full Spectrum oil includes all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant, including a minimum amount of THC (less than 0.6%), while Broad Spectrum contains cannabinoids and terpenes but is completely THC-free.

In case you’re wondering which concentration is best suited to your needs, here is a guide to help you choose:

• CBD oil 5%-10%: Ideal for those who are new to CBD or for treating mild disorders. It is perfect for relieving premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, mild abdominal pain and bloating. It is also useful for reducing anxiety and stress related to menstrual cycle or early menopause.

• CBD oil 15-20%: Suitable for medium-intensity problems, such as moderate menstrual pain or muscle tension related to endometriosis. It is effective in addressing menopausal symptoms, such as insomnia, irritability and hot flushes. This dosage is also recommended to support the psychological and physical management of postpartum depression after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• CBD oil 25-30%: Designed for more intense and chronic disorders. It is recommended for severe pain due to endometriosis or vulvodynia for managing the debilitating menopause symptoms and reducing persistent inflammation, such as that caused by vaginitis. This high-concentration oil can be used as part of ongoing therapy to improve quality of life in more complex conditions.

CBD and gynaecological disorders

Gynaecological disorders such as endometriosis, vaginitis and vulvodynia are often overlooked but have a significant impact on women’s health. CBD can play an important role in improving the symptoms associated with these conditions. Here is a brief overview of each of them:

• Endometriosis: A chronic disease that affects approximately 1.5 million women in the U.K., in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, causing intense pain, irregular cycles and infertility. CBD can help control pain, muscle tension, inflammation and anxiety, supporting ongoing therapy, not only during painful phases.
• Vaginitis: A vaginal infection that can be caused by bacteria, harsh soaps or perfumes. The use of cannabinoids in lipogel form can be useful in reducing inflammation and discomfort, helping to restore the balance of the vaginal bacterial flora.
• Vulvodynia: A condition characterised by chronic pain in the vulvar area, which has no known cause but affects women of all ages. Taking cannabinoids before sexual intercourse can help reduce pain and improve the quality of the sexual experience, offering temporary relief for those suffering from this condition.

Although these conditions always require professional advice, CBD can be a valid therapeutic complementary option, improving well-being and quality of life.

CBD and menstruation

CBD can offer valuable support during the menstrual cycle, acting on both a physical and psychological level. It is particularly useful in the following phase:

• Pre-menstrual (Premenstrual Syndrome): During the pre-menstrual phase, many women suffer from symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, bloating and fatigue. CBD, with its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, can help manage these discomforts, reducing anxiety, tension and pain associated with PMS.
• Menstrual (painful period): During the menstrual cycle, CBD can relieve pain and muscle tension, reducing the frequency and intensity of spasms. It can also help fight inflammation, relieving stomach ache and cramps.

CBD can therefore be a valuable ally in dealing with the physical and psychological symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, helping to improve overall well-being during the pre-menstrual and menstrual phases. Thanks to its soothing, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, it can support women in managing the discomfort that often accompanies these phases in a natural and less invasive way.

CBD and postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a disorder that can affect many women after the birth of a child. It manifests itself with symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, deep sadness, fear, loss of interest in daily activities, poor appetite, anxiety, panic and a general loss of energy. These symptoms can be debilitating and affect the quality of life, making it hard to cope with everyday challenges after birth.

Although CBD should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it can be a useful aid once this period is over. Thanks to its relaxing and anxiolytic properties, CBD can help improve mood and relieve the symptoms of postpartum depression, such as anxiety, stress and insomnia. Used as part of a comprehensive therapy, it can help promote the mental and physical well-being of new mothers.

CBD and menopause

Menopause, which generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is a natural stage in every woman’s life characterised by significant changes in the body. Common symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, vaginal dryness and reduced bone density. These changes can greatly affect quality of life, requiring an integrated approach to address them. 

CBD is a natural remedy for alleviating many of these symptoms. Thanks to its calming and regulating properties, it can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep and manage mood swings. In addition, CBD is useful for maintaining balanced oestrogen levels, helping to reduce discomfort associated with hormonal imbalances.

Equally important, CBD may play a role in preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis by supporting skeletal health during and after menopause.

CBD: sexual effects in women

As we have already explored in our article Sexual effects of CBD: how it affects the body, CBD can have a positive impact on a woman’s sex life. 

In particular, many women find CBD to be a natural ally in dealing with certain obstacles that can compromise intimate well-being, such as stress, pain and dryness. Thanks to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can significantly improve the quality of sexual experiences, promoting both pleasure and emotional connection.

Here are its main benefits:

• Reduction of anxiety and stress: helps overcome the main obstacles to sexual pleasure.
• Muscle relaxation: improves comfort during intercourse and relieves pain associated with conditions such as vulvodynia.
• Increased blood flow: promotes greater sensitivity in the pelvic area and intensifies pleasure.
• Natural hydration: CBD-based lubricants can relieve vaginal dryness.
• Increased libido: thanks to its relaxing effect, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, two factors that often compromise sexual desire.

Conclusion

CBD offers natural and promising support for women’s well-being, intervening in various areas of life, from managing pain related to gynaecological conditions and menstruation to improving quality of life during menopause and intimate relationships.

Although it is essential to always consult a specialist before starting a new therapy, CBD proves to be an interesting resource for addressing many challenges related to women’s health and sexuality in a more informed way.

Visit our Maria CBD Oil store to discover all the CBD products that are right for you!