How Cannabis Can Ease Symptoms of Perimenopause
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Research into using cannabis to aid the easing of symptoms in a wide array of ailments is advancing in leaps and bounds. This is particularly true with the symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and more. The drastic change in a woman’s hormonal balance is unpleasant and very stressful for her, and those around her who don’t understand exactly what is happening. But, there is hope for natural relief of symptoms and cannabis can be combined with other therapies to amplify that relief.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (so named for the links to the compounds found in cannabis) interacts with the naturally produced cannabinoids that our bodies form and metabolize every day. There are 113 different cannabinoids, and each one individually or combined in various ways has a different effect on our bodies. In-depth studies into this network of receptors have proven that this system is a crucial part of our central and peripheral nervous systems and peripheral organs. It is this system that allows us to experience the therapeutic benefits associated with cannabis use. Estrogen levels have a clear link to the endocannabinoid system, and when estrogen levels rise, so do endocannabinoid levels. The reverse is also true. Researchers are currently exploring the potential for a link between early onset of menopause and low levels of endocannabinoids. It is this theory that gives us a potential promising insight into the efficacy of cannabis use as an alternative supplement to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT).
How Various Cannabinoids Affect Symptoms
Hot Flashes
One particular cannabinoid, known as Anandamide, is very similar to THC, and our bodies produce it naturally. It aids in regulating body temperature, and when kicked into overdrive like in periods of strenuous exercise, it gives us a “high” (Runner’s high sound familiar?). So, THC in cannabis has a “cooling” effect on the body and can help alleviate hot flashes.
Weight Gain
Many things affect how our bodies gain weight. For those who are experiencing or concerned about gaining weight during menopause, it is important to note that while THC is notoriously known for giving people “The Munchies”, other compounds in cannabis can actually cause us to have an easier time reducing or maintaining weight.
Bone Loss
It may surprise you to learn that estrogen also plays a significant role in maintaining bone density. While consumers often see supplements aimed at providing calcium to keep women’s bone strong, those supplements are useless if the body is not utilizing it properly due to low estrogen levels. The cannabinoids known as CBG, CBD, CBC, and THCV are being closely studied to prove the hypothesis that these compounds, combined with other therapies will help keep osteoporosis from forming or worsening.
Mood Swings
Estrogen plays a big role in stabilizing mood and emotional responses. The combination of THC and CBD can boost efficiency in the body metabolization of estrogen and combat mood swings, anxiety and depression in perimenopausal women.
Low Libido
The efficacy of cannabis in the treatment of low libido is still being studied and debated, but several polls and studies have been done which successfully show a strong link between cannabis use and increased libido for women in all stages of menopause. However, similar to the effects of cannabis on insomnia, it is important to find a strain that has a good combination of THC and CBD to get maximum enjoyment.
Insomnia
In various dosages, THC affects our energy levels in different ways. Small doses have a sedating effect, moderate doses have a stimulating effect and large doses have a psychedelic effect. Pure THC can produce feelings of anxiety, so it is important to find a strain with a proper balance of THC and CBD to achieve the maximum benefits.
Are you looking to explore options and find the right cannabis strain to help alleviate menopausal symptoms? We can help!! Browse our Symptom Search function to browse different strains that help ease the symptoms. Questions about strains? Contact us to learn more about each one and how they can help you!
