Menopause and cannabis

A normal and inevitable part of aging, menopause is a period of transition during which menstruation ceases. Menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which vary from woman to woman. Most often occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, this transition generally lasts around seven years.

During menopause, estrogen levels drop dramatically, causing many symptoms. However, research is beginning to suggest that cannabis and the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) could help counter some of these effects without the possible dangers of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Notably, a combination of HRT and estrogen-only treatment have been shown to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Even a short-term HRT combination can increase breast cancer risk to an alarming 75%.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a key area of interest, offering potential low-risk treatment options for menopausal symptoms. Women of all ages have experienced CBD-related relief in relation to other female-specific hormonal conditions and symptoms, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as reported in a 2017 article published in the journal Addiction Research & Theory.

CBD and menopause: what does the research say?

Although studies on CBD and menopause are limited, there is evidence that high-quality CBD products can help combat associated symptoms. This is especially true when CBD is combined with other treatment options.

According to a magazine of literature published in 2019 in the Journal of Ovarian Research, ECS has an impact on female reproductive tissues and processes, playing an essential role in regulating temperature, sleep, pain, mood, memory and immune function.

Several studies have reported the positive effects of CBD and CBD-rich cannabis oil on mood swings, joint pain and sleep problems, all generally associated with hormonal changes during menopause. Although the studies don't look specifically at menopause, the results indicate that CBD could relieve these symptoms, whatever their cause.

In addition, numerous studies have identified the potential impact of CBD on mood, including its inherent anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. A study 2018 published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that cannabis significantly reduced perceptions of depression, anxiety and stress in both women and men. The researchers also reported that women experienced greater reductions in anxiety compared to men, and that low THC/high CBD strains were better at reducing depressive symptoms.

Joint aches and pains frequently occur after menopause, as reduced estrogen levels tend to produce higher levels of inflammation. Fortunately, CBD has been shown to relieve both pain and inflammation.’inflammation, as reported in a 2015 literature review published in the journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry.

In addition, a study 2016 published in the European Journal of Pain examined the efficacy of transdermal CBD for pain and inflammation in rats. Researchers found that topical CBD can help reduce swelling as well as other signs of inflammation. The study concluded that CBD offers potential therapeutic relief when aimed at treating arthritis pain, as well as inflammation, without any apparent side effects.

Sleep disorders are also a concern among menopausal and postmenopausal women, with 61% reporting symptoms of insomnia. In a 2019 study published in the Journal Permanente, researchers investigated whether CBD would improve the sleep and anxiety in a clinical population. After providing CBD treatment to 72 adults, researchers found that anxiety scores decreased in 79% of patients within the first month, and sleep scores improved in 67% of patients within the first month.