Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cannabis

Between cramps, headaches, fatigue and restless nights, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) doesn't spare many women. 75% of menstruating women suffer from this syndrome. And while the exact cause of PMS has never been determined, scientists believe it has something to do with the way hormones change during this period of a woman's cycle.

Symptoms vary widely, with up to 150 different premenstrual symptoms reported. The most common symptoms are irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems and bloating, which are just the tip of the iceberg.

PMS lasts from five to 11 days before the start of your period. If you've found a way to manage the effects of your cycle, that's great, but those of us who suffer from severe PMS, heavy periods or poor response to birth control can start to feel desperate for a solution, and that's where CBD can help.

How is premenstrual syndrome treated?

PMS is not a disease in itself, but a set of symptoms to be managed. What works and what doesn't really depends on each person and their individual experience.

Conventional treatments include several options. For example, doctors may suggest hormonal contraception to stop ovulation in the hope of reducing the severity of PMS symptoms. Those experiencing intense mood swings are sometimes prescribed antidepressants. These two methods, which are only examples and must be carried out under a doctor's supervision, may work very well for some, but antidepressants can have side effects and contraceptives are not an option for women trying to conceive.

Can CBD help with PMS symptoms?

CBD could provide relief for women with mild to moderate PMS symptoms. Because of each woman's unique experience, the effectiveness of CBD really depends on the type of symptoms she faces each month.

Mood swings

The days leading up to menstruation can be full of anxiety, irritability and even depression. In 2014, a review of studies has summarized the evidence supporting the use of CBD for depression. What researchers have found is that CBD appears to have an antidepressant-like effect, but the research so far has been carried out on animals and human studies are needed to confirm these findings. A review of studies 2015 examined the possibility of using CBD oil for anxiety management and found convincing evidence that CBD could help manage anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive symptoms, social anxiety, public speaking, etc.

Sleep problems

Sleep problems are also a common part of PMS and the bane of my existence. This can consist of difficulty falling asleep, waking up tired or getting up without sleeping for more than a few hours during premenstrual days. CBD could bring relief to some women, with longer sleep times observed in rats receiving CBD oil.

Nausea and vomiting

If nausea and vomiting are part of your PMS experience, CBD could help too. According to research published in British Journal of Pharmacology in 2011, CBD can be used to influence the endocannabinoid system and, in turn, relieve vomiting and nausea.

Acne

Last but not least, many women's skin breaks out before and during their periods. CBD is becoming a popular addition to skincare due to its effect on inflammation and sebum production, as observed in a 2016 study published in Experimental Dermatology, which plays an important role in acne.

How to use CBD for PMS

CBD in all its forms can be used to relieve PMS symptoms:

• in oil for a diffuse and medium-term effect, to be taken 2 to 3 times a day for the required period
• in vape pen for a fast, macro-dosed effect
• in pearls or sublingual tablets for a rapid, micro-dosed effect
• cosmetics for local application to painful areas

Daily use of CBD for PMS is quite simple. Start with the dosage suggested on the products and increase slightly until you feel relief. If you start to feel tired or experience effects like diarrhea, you may be taking too much. Side effects will diminish with a lower dose.