We know how that there is a massive list of conditions and ailments that CBD, or Cannabidiol, may help to settle. This includes nausea, depression, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, pain and inflammation, eczema, MS and more. This may lead you to be wondering whether you could use CBD for period pain.
Unfortunately, 90% of us ladies will suffer from dysmenorrhea. This is the technical name for the dull aches and pains that cause you to need to curl up on the sofa with a hot water bottle and packet of paracetamol. Therefore you’ll be glad to hear that Cannabidiol has been found to be an alternative medicine to help relieve symptoms of period pain. It is even said to have been used by Queen Victoria for the same reasons.
If you are the 1 in 10 who suffers from Endometriosis then you will be glad to learn that CBD shows promise to help with this condition too. A condition that really can get in the way of work, social situations and living your best life.
In this blog, we will share some thoughts on whether CBD works for period pain as well as how it can help PMS symptoms too.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
Chances are, you know what CBD is now. You know that it comes from the cannabis plant but will not get you high. We’re guessing you even know that it doesn’t contain THC and instead offers therapeutic benefits.
CBD has been seen as a natural, alternative remedy for thousands of years. Due to its natural properties, it is often desirable to women looking to combat period pain. During your period hormones and chemical, balances will be shifted. You might not want to add another chemical to your body causing further imbalances.
Can CBD actually stop period pain?
CBD can’t stop period pain from happening. However, it can help to relieve and manage the pain and symptoms that you might be suffering with. These symptoms include nausea, aches in the legs and back, cramps in the lower abdomen and depression.
Here are the ways in which CBD helps period pain.
Relaxes Muscle Tissue
CBD has been found to relax smooth muscle tissue, which is the muscle tissue found in the uterus. Therefore when you use CBD during the time of the month it will aid in relaxing this muscle tissue, increasing blood flow and relieving the tissues which have been starved of oxygen.
Relaxes you
CBD can help you to relax, chill out and get to sleep. You might be feeling hot and bothered during this time, finding yourself unable to sleep. When you use CBD you will be helped to chill out and get a decent kip, whatever your pain levels. Read our blog on CBD and sleep.
Relieves Pain
You might find that some months periods are more painful than others. But if you are not into taking ibuprofen or paracetamol you’ll be glad to know that CBD can help to reduce pain sensations. It does this by interacting with the pain receptors and reduce pain as a result. CBD is used by those suffering from chronic pain and inflammation, so if it works for that it will surely help with period pains too.
What is the best way to take CBD for period pain?
CBD can be taken a number of different ways, depending on how you feel comfortable taking it. You can vape it, bake with it (try the CBD brownies), use drops on your tongue, use capsules, special tea, bath bombs or gummies. However, the best way to take CBD for period pain is always the way you enjoy it most.
A great way to take CBD is to ingest it in baked goods, such as CBD cupcakes. This lasts a little longer and has a slow and steady release of the cannabinoid.
A nice hot bath can also help ease period pains. Mix this with CBD and you’ve got a dream combination. Try a CBD bath bomb and you’ll enjoy a deep warm bath whilst experiencing all of CBD’s benefits.
What else might CBD help us women with?
Throughout the month our hormones change. We’re complicated beings, us ladies! These hormone changes can lead to mood swings, acne, stress, poor sleep and even anxiety. CBD may help with these conditions too, which are all related to hormone shifts during the month.
Improve your skin
Inflammation and acne is a common symptom either before or during your period. Having poor skin can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Using natural, pesticide-free CBD skincare products may help with your skin conditions.
CBD is known for its various benefits including help with inflammation. CBD can have an effect on the receptors found in the immune system which, in turn, helps to decrease skin inflammation.
A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD oil helped to prevent activity in the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are responsible for providing sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that hydrates a person’s skin. An excess of this can cause acne.
Beat stress, mood swings and anxiety
During the month our hormones fluctuate. You might find that you feel super confident in the first half of your cycle, then anxious and moody for the second half.
CBD can help with serotonin which is typically associated with happiness. Serotonin has at least 14 different receptors and CBD specifically binds to the 5-HT1A. 5-HT1A is thought to have the strongest role in anxiety disorders. As a result, it may help to promote feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Your body naturally produces cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are used throughout the body in the endocannabinoid system. When a person is under stress, this system can become dysregulated. However, CBD can help to restore your bodies natural balance by preventing overstimulation of your CB1 receptors and helps to boost your body’s production of natural endocannabinoids, helping to stabilize your mood.
Sleep better
Have you noticed that before or during your period you struggle to sleep? CBD may be able to help you relax enough to fall asleep and stay asleep. Hopefully, it will relieve any of your anxieties, leaving you to catch some Z’s.
Find out more about period insomnia and how CBD may help on this blog from Our Remedy>
How to use CBD oil for period pain
We suggest that you use your CBD oil every day, not just during your period. This allows it to build in your system. To use the oil you simply squeeze the contents of the dropper under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. The oil then makes its way into your bloodstream to help you tackle those period pains.
What is the best CBD oil for menstrual pain?
We particularly like a brand called Our Remedy which is designed by women, for women. It is the brainchild of two women, one who suffers from painful periods. CBD has changed both of their lives in some way and they want to share with other females who are suffering. Our Remedy is broad-spectrum. This means that it also contains terpenes which can help with various other ailments.
Another CBD oil which could be good for period pains is CBD Eaze 3000mg. This is a high strength, full-spectrum CBD oil. This could be ideal if you have a high tolerance to CBD and want to feel the effects.
Other ways to take CBD
There are many ways to enjoy CBD. You may wish to bake flowers into brownies or top brownies with already vaped bud. Or you could chew gummies, vape it or ingest it in a capsule.