Throughout the female lifecycle, we as women experience a variety of unique challenges—premenstural syndrome (PMS), menstrual periods, and menopause, to name a few. While an inevitable and natural part of life, these changes and challenges can cause physical and emotional distress in many women.
In the last several years, more and more women have turned to cannabidiol (CBD) to find their relief. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD and women, including how CBD works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote balance and the potential benefits of CBD for women.
CBD and Women: Potential Benefits and Uses
Period cramps, headaches, back pain, stress, anxiousness, mood swings, hormone imbalance, acne, sleeping troubles, achy feet—we’ve all been there.
While a normal part of the female lifecycle, women experience a range of unique physical and mental challenges throughout their life—many of which stem from fluctuations and irregularities. This includes fluctuations in hormones, mood, and sleep patterns, among others.
When consumed, cannabinoids like CBD interact with the 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 performs a variety of tasks at different locations in the body but always with the same goal: homeostasis, or balance. Through several interactions and modulation of this system, CBD may help keep our bodies in balance. CBD may provide relief from aches and pains, regulate and enhance mood, and alleviate sleep troubles.
Relief From Everyday Aches and Pains
From menstrual cramps and lower back pain to headaches and tender breasts, women experience a wide range of aches and pains. The good news is CBD products, such as CBD gummies, oils and tinctures, and mints may help kick those pesky aches.
While CBD can’t directly alleviate these pains, it can work with the ECS to regulate the feelings of pain and promote a normal inflammatory response. CBD also interacts with non-ECS receptors, such as TRPV1 and TRPA1 which are receptors linked to the perception of pain.
Mood Regulation and Enhancement
Mood irregularities and anxiousness are common issues for women of all ages. As more research is conducted, CBD has been increasingly recognized as a promising natural remedy for mild anxiety and other mood disturbances.
While anecdotal evidence demonstrates CBD’s potential in easing common anxiety, the exact mechanism isn’t yet clear. One potential mechanism for the potential anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, benefits of CBD is through CBD’s ability to activate the brain receptor for serotonin, 5-HT1A, which is linked to anxiety and depression.
Another possibility is that CBD increases the level of a particular endocannabinoid called anandamide, or the "bliss chemical". Anandamide signaling is associated with a positive mood and a sense of calm.
Relief From Sleeping Troubles
Sleep is yet another reason women are using CBD. From younger woman experiencing PMS to older woman going through menopause, many of us experience sleeping troubles in our lifetime.
In addition to interacting with receptors in the ECS, CBD may also influence the body’s cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating a wide range of important 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, suggesting that CBD may act as a sedative through its impact on the release of cortisol.
Regulation of Hormone Levels
Hormones are chemical "messengers" that impact the way our cells and organs function. Everyone can experience hormonal changes and imbalance; however, women are more likely to be affected by fluctuating hormones. During puberty, premenstration, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, hormone fluctuations are normal. However, hormonal imbalance can cause a breadth of issues, such as irregular periods, sleep problems, acne, changes in appetite and weight, gastrointestinal issues, mood swings, and depression.
The ECS is closely linked to the endocrine system, a network of glands and organs that uses hormones to control mood, energy level, reproduction, and more. While research is still limited, preliminary research suggests that CBD may help regulate hormone levels in the body. More specifically, it could be used as an influencer of major hormones, such as cortisol, insulin, and melatonin.
Feals: A Better Way to Feel Better
At Feals, we’re committed to each and every one of your health and wellness journeys. We’re not only dedicated to providing you with the highest quality CBD products possible, but also providing education, guidance, and support along the way. You deserve a better way to feel better and we’re here to help you find that.
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 for women—or just need a bit of guidance on your wellness journey—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.
