From dry skin and acne to fatigue and difficulty sleeping, many of us have experienced symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Experts estimate that approximately 80% of women suffer from hormonal imbalance. While some degree of fluctuation in hormone levels is normal, for both men and women, hormonal imbalance can cause a breadth of health problems.
While research is still very limited, preliminary research suggests cannabidiol (CBD) may regulate the secretion of several major hormones. Below, we take a closer look at the connection between CBD and hormones, providing an overview of hormones and hormonal imbalance and discussing CBD’s relationship with the endocrine system and hormones.
Understanding Hormones and Hormonal Imbalance
Before we jump into CBD and hormones, let’s take a quick look at the role of hormones in the body and the effects of imbalanced hormone levels.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical "messengers" produced by glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal) in the endocrine system that impact the way our cells and organs function. Hormones help coordinate various functions in the body, such as metabolism, energy levels, reproduction, sleep, growth and development, response to injury, mood, homeostasis (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, fluid and electrolyte, and body temperature), and stress. They do so by carrying the messages through your blood to the organs, muscles, skin, and other tissues.
So far, scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body. Here’s a few you’ve likely heard of:
- Insulin (regulates the amount of glucose in the blood)
- Cortisol (a stress hormone)
- Dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone)
- Melatonin (a sleep hormone)
- Progesterone and estrogen (female hormones)
- Testosterone (a male hormone)
What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances can occur when levels fluctuate from their optimal levels, meaning you have too much or too little of one or more hormones. Many conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, infertility, irregular menstruation, are caused by imbalanced hormone levels.
Because there are so many different hormones, each with unique roles, symptoms of hormonal imbalance can vary significantly depending on which hormone is out of whack. Symptoms also vary from males to females, as the male sex and female sex have different endocrine organs. Examples of potential symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- Tachycardia (slow or rapid heartbeat)
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Acne
- Irregular periods
- Depression or anxiety
- Dry skin and hair
- Elevated cholesterol levels
CBD and Hormones: What’s the Connection?
All humans have something called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling system of receptors that plays an important role in the regulation of various processes and functions in the body. This includes processes such as:
- Sleep
- Inflammatory response and sensations of pain
- Mood
- Memory
- Metabolism and appetite
- Reproduction and fertility
This system plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in the body and is closely linked to the endocrine system. The receptors in the ECS can be stimulated by the use of cannabinoids, such as CBD.
The topic of CBD and hormones has recently gained traction due to a study that demonstrated CBD’s potential to influence the secretion of a particular hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating a breadth of integral processes throughout the body, including sleep-wake cycles. In one study, researchers discovered that cortisol levels decreased significantly when subjects took large doses of CBD oil, suggesting that CBD may act as a sedative through its impact on the release of cortisol.
Researchers also believe that CBD can influence the synthesis and release of other hormones, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
So, can CBD help people with hormonal imbalance? Unfortunately, scientific and clinical research around CBD and hormones is still very limited, so we don’t have enough evidence to draw any definite conclusions yet. However, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest CBD may influence the secretion of at least some hormones in the body.
Feals: A Better Way to Feel Better
At Feals, we believe you deserve a better way to feel better. Our USDA Organic full-spectrum CBD oil and award-winning CBD mints are made with only the purest ingredients and are designed to help you find balance and feel your best.
If you still have questions about CBD and hormones—or have any other cannabinoid-related questions—our customer service team would love to help. Just give them a ring.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
