CBD products are beginning to be used more and more for their potential health benefits, including the management of hormones. Managing hormones plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, regulating mood, metabolism, reproduction, etc. When people have a hormonal imbalance, it can lead to many problems such as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. Have you ever given thought to CBD and hormones management, though?
While there are many conventional treatments available for hormone imbalance, CBD is a natural alternative that is becoming increasingly popular. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating many processes, including hormone production. Studies have shown that CBD can help to improve hormonal imbalance and reduce symptoms of hormone-related conditions such as PMS and menopause.
TL;DR – While there is still more to learn, our endocannabinoid system can manage hormones within us. CBD products can indirectly stimulate this bodily symptom, which could indirectly manage hormones.
Hormones, the Endocrine System, And How it All Works
Hormones are microscopic molecules that act as messengers in the human body. The endocrine glands make up a critical system, including six glands: Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands, Pituitary gland, Hypothalamus, Adrenal glands, Pancreatic, and Ovaries/Testicles.
All these various organs produce varying amounts of each type throughout the bloodstream.
Hormones are chemical communicators that move from endocrine glands to receptors via the bloodstream. They interact with the body’s various tissues and cells, where changes occur. In layman’s terms, they are potent chemicals that cause visible bodily changes. A tiny amount of over-or underproduction may significantly impact general health.
Natural causes of hormonal changes in women include puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. They are sometimes linked to diabetes, hypothyroidism, and other long-term illnesses. Hormones regulate bodily functions concerned with: emotions, human growth, sexual functioning, metabolism, body temperature, and blood pressure.
CBD for Hormones: How Does it Work?
The idea behind using cannabidiol (CBD) to manage hormones all revolves around a recently discovered bodily system. This system is known as the endocannabinoid system, and serves several different functions for us.
One of these functions is to maintain an overall state of homeostasis, which involves managing hormones, like cortisol.
Related: Can You Drive on CBD?
The Endocannabinoid System and Hormones
The human endocannabinoid system, which includes enzymes, CB1 and CB2 receptors, aids in the maintenance of complicated physical activities. The activation of brain receptors by human Endocannabinoids activates endocrine processes via the stimulation of endocrine glands.
The endocannabinoid system goes through homeostasis to ensure the body’s normal functioning. It keeps the body in balance and indirectly aids major hormones regulation via CBD interactions.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The endocrine system is the body’s network of hormone-producing glands that release hormones into the circulation, which function like tiny chemical messengers that travel through our bodies to notify our bodies what to do: develop, eat, burn energy, and reproduce.
The thyroid, pineal gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland ovaries, testes, and pancreas are all glands that function in tandem and produce hormones to regulate biological rhythms. Under normal circumstances, they create hormones at a slow, regular rate.
On the other hand, your body may have too much or insufficient cortisol due to hereditary reasons, age, or external circumstances, resulting in physical manifestations all over the body. Physical manifestations are referred to as a hormonal imbalance.
Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include weight gain, menstrual irregularity, skin problems/acne, hair loss, and vaginal atrophy.
The Negative Effects of Hormone Imbalances
Hormone imbalances can have a profound effect on both physical and mental health. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
In some cases, hormone imbalances can also lead to hair loss, irregular periods, and fertility problems.
While hormone imbalances can occur naturally as part of the aging process, they can also be caused by stress, poor diet, and certain medical conditions. Treating hormone imbalances typically involves making lifestyle changes and taking medication to restore balance. When hormones are out of balance, they can result in various physical and psychological problems.
Incorrect Hormone Levels May Cause Health Conditions
Although CBD has been shown to help with several hormone-related issues, numerous studies show that it may also aid in the treatment of these problems. CBD does not just keep hormonal equilibrium in the body; it also helps to alleviate each symptom on its own, including:
Mood swings
CBD can help balance mood swings by influencing the limbic system, which controls emotions.
Cramps
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested to help with menstrual cramps. There’s some evidence that CBD can provide moderate relief from cramps, especially when taken before or during a woman’s period.
Breast tenderness
CBD oil is beneficial in treating the discomfort of swollen and painful breasts by reducing pain and lowering inflammation through interacting with the vanilloid receptor in our brains— responsible for how we feel pain.
Related article: The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBD
Anxiety, Stress, and Cravings
CBD oil has been found to lower cortisol production (the stress hormone) in the body, suggesting that it may help to reduce stress or anxiety. However, when one’s hormonal balance levels change, this can also impact one’s ability to control appetites.
Bloating/Weight Gain
CBD oil can assist with pain and discomfort by enhancing digestive functions, reducing inflammation, alleviating nausea and vomiting, and managing the body’s perception of pain and discomfort.
CBD oil can aid in relief from painful gas, cramps, and bloating by improving digestion functions, reducing inflammation, and alleviating nausea and vomiting. It is also capable of assisting with hunger management via the regulation of insulin (which lowers sugar cravings) and melatonin (which helps people sleep).
Tiredness or Fatigue
CBD has a growing following as a sleep aid, both in terms of helping you fall asleep and improving your sleep quality (or at the very least alleviating other symptoms without disrupting your sleep cycle like other medicines can).
Intestinal symptoms
Some women get constipated on their period, while others have diarrhea; however, CBD oil can assist with both by affecting the regulation of our bowels, reducing inflammation in the digestive system, and decreasing nausea.
Related article: Using CBD to Help IBS
Does CBD Help With Female Hormones
Hormones are essential in a woman’s life, with puberty-related, monthly menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause being examples of temporary, expected hormone imbalances. CBD oil is shifting people’s perceptions of hormone therapy—particularly for women—with new research proving that it may help reduce PMS symptoms.
CBD appears to help with some of the distinctive symptoms associated with women’s monthly hormone cycles, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS may include stress, weight gain, sleeplessness, mood swings, anxiety, and severe bodily discomfort such as cramps, bloating, intestinal issues, and headaches that appear for up to a week to a few days or even during a week woman’s period.
Hormonal Imbalance and Birth Control Medication
There are many different types of birth control pills, and each one contains a different combination of synthetic hormones. These hormones are designed to mimic the effects of the natural hormones produced by the body.
However, because they are synthetic, there is always the potential for them to bind to the wrong receptors. The deficient receptors can cause a hormone imbalance, leading to various side effects. These may include sexual function, headaches, and irregular periods.
While not all women experience these problems, they can be pretty miserable for those who do. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it is essential to speak with your doctor to see if switching to a different type of birth control pill is an option.
Can Hormonal Fluctuations Affect the Central Nervous System?
While it’s well known that hormone fluctuations can cause various physical symptoms, such as fatigue and hot flashes, it’s less well known that these same fluctuations can also affect the central nervous system.
Hormonal imbalances, such as excessively high or low cortisol levels, can cause brain fog by disrupting neurological function and memory. Other hormonal imbalances can have a negative influence on mood and energy levels.
Omega Fatty Acids Helps with Hormonal Imbalance
Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid that is essential for human health. They can be found in fish, nuts, and hemp seeds, and they play an essential role in supporting the body’s inflammatory response. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help to reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
Omega-3s have been found to aid blood sugar equilibrium, which is particularly important because hormone imbalances are usually caused by blood sugar fluctuation. As such, by ensuring that your body has adequate levels of omega-3s, you can help reduce inflammation and maintain hormone balance.
Can You Take CBD With Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Increasing evidence suggests that CBD products may work well together if you decide to take HRT. According to studies, the pain-reducing capabilities of CBD appear to be more effective in females than males, although you aren’t required to choose between one or the other. Consider a personalized strategy. There is no wrong way or right way; whatever works best for you is the only correct solution.
There’s a special connection between CBD and widening the time window in which HRT is effective. In addition, CBD might help with various conditions, which may have prompted you to try HRT in the first place.
There is minor communication between CBD and the HRT hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
Several CBD studies suggest how it may assist menopausal symptoms if you can’t take HRT, but it isn’t a direct substitute for HRT since it doesn’t contain hormones.
How to Treat Hormone-Related Discomforts with CBD Oil
Increasing amounts of research are being conducted on CBD oil for its potential to help people with a hormonal imbalance. The endocrine system regulates the body’s hormone levels, and an imbalance can cause a wide range of symptoms.
CBD oil may be able to aid in the return of homeostasis by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps to regulate many functions in the body.
By helping to restore balance to the endocannabinoid system, CBD oil may be able to reduce the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. However, further study is needed to confirm these potential advantages.
Check with your doctor or a cannabis specialist to ensure that CBD is the best option for you because CBD oil has been found to interfere with certain medications. Also, be patient while experimenting with dosages, choosing small amounts, and gradually increasing.
What Type of CBD Is Best for Menopause Symptoms?
The best CBD for you will determine the menopause symptom you want to alleviate. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures and edibles.
CBD oils: CBD oils, also known as CBD tinctures, are taken sublingually or beneath the tongue for total body comfort. If you’re having trouble sleeping or have anxiety, these are an excellent choice.
CBD capsules: Products that are chewed and digested enter the stomach. Capsules also provide full-body comfort, with effects taking longer to manifest than with sublingual preparations. For sleep problems or anxiety, capsules are an excellent alternative.
CBD topicals: Topicals are medications placed directly on the skin for localized relief. Topicals are the best remedy for joint discomfort. Bath salts and bath bombs are also available, which can be soothing and relaxing for dried skin.
CBD edibles: Gummies, tablets, and drops are all taken. They’re another excellent option for treating sleeplessness or anxiety symptoms.
You can also find suppositories and personal lubricants meant to enhance sex drive and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, these are untested therapies with no clinical evidence to support their value.
How to Use CBD Oil for Hormone Related Issues
CBD oil may be able to aid in the restoration of homeostasis if you have a hormonal imbalance.
Because CBD oil has been found to interact with various medicines, always consult with your doctor or a specialist cannabis doctor before taking it. Also, allow for ample time to test dosage and gradually increase it.
As a good starting point, a dose of 25 mg of CBD should be taken twice a day, progressively increasing until you reach your desired results (there’s a very, very small risk of overdose), but safe doses can achieved this way. As with anything else, always take the lowest effective dose to feel effects, and work your way up from there – as needed.
Summary
CBD oil has become a popular treatment for hormonal imbalance-related issues like PMS and menopause. Though more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, many women report feeling relief from symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irritability after using CBD.
CBD is believed to operate by affecting the endocannabinoid system in the body which helps to regulate mood, pain, and inflammation. In addition to managing hormonal fluctuations, CBD oil is also used to treat other conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep disorders. If you’re considering using CBD oil to manage your hormonal balance levels, talk to your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.
References
Alcohol Health and Research World: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761896/
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6813821/
Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hormones-and-the-endocrine-system
