CAN CBD BE USED FOR MENOPAUSE?

Like many other aspects of women’s reproductive health, menopause, unfortunately, remains a pretty taboo topic – despite it being an entirely natural, midlife process faced by females. 

Few know what to expect from menopause, or what causes its uncomfortable characteristic symptoms. And even fewer know about one of the more promising natural remedies that could benefit those going through menopause: CBD.

Menopause is a major hormonal event. Oestrogen and progesterone levels fall, causing periods to gradually stop. Accompanying this, however, are often uncomfortable symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, low libido, and hot flushes.  

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process that usually occurs between the age of 45 and 55, but that does not mean there is nothing that can be done to help ease symptoms. 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment for menopause symptoms. By replacing the lost hormones, HRT subsequently eases hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. 

That said, there are some associated risks, such as the increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots and stroke, that have led many women to become reluctant to try HRT.

Instead, many are turning to more natural methods to relieve symptoms – such as CBD.

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a natural cannabinoid found in the hemp variety of the cannabis plant.

The supposed health benefits of CBD are touted far and wide. As a result, it’s recently taken the health and wellness scene by storm. You’d be hard-pressed to find a UK health or beauty retailer that doesn’t stock CBD – both online and in-store. Take a look here to see which UK stores you can find Goodrays CBD. 

There is now growing evidence to suggest CBD can alter the release of some crucial hormones through its interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is, therefore, speculated that CBD can help to contribute to hormonal balance, supporting both our mental and physical wellbeing. 

So, could CBD help with menopause symptoms, and – most importantly – can it really do what many claim it to?

Oestrogen and progesterone are heavily involved in the signalling of serotonin – our “happy hormone”. When their levels fluctuate, as they do throughout menopause, this can impact levels of serotonin in the brain and, in turn, affect your mood. 

Numerous studies have shown that CBD can interact with serotonin receptors, which may influence serotonin levels. What’s more, there is mounting evidence to support the idea that CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

CBD is, therefore, proving hugely popular as a means to reduce stress and calm mood disturbances linked with menopause. Our CBD drinks are a particularly great way to kick back and unwind after a stressful day.

Night sweats and anxious thoughts aren’t conducive to a good night’s sleep, so it comes as no surprise that up to 61% of menopausal women experience insomnia.

Whilst the jury’s still out on whether or not CBD can directly improve sleep, there is considerable evidence to suggest that its anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties could help us to sleep better and longer. 

Whether you’re going through menopause or not, if something’s keeping you up at night why not try Goodrays’ CBD oil for sleep, designed to relax your body and unwind your mind?

Although less commonly known symptoms, some people experience headaches or migraines during menopause, as well as pain and stiffness of the joints. 

CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is used by many as a natural relief for several painful health conditions. For this reason, a daily dose of Goodrays CBD could help to fight the aches and pains that accompany menopause.

As women experience a drop in oestrogen levels during menopause, they become more vulnerable to some diseases and health conditions. One of which is osteoporosis, which is characterised by a weakening of the bones that renders them more vulnerable to fractures and breaks. 

There is even some research, using animal models, to show that CBD could help to promote the growth and healing of bones. It may, therefore, be that CBD could help to sustain bone density both during and after menopause.