Naima Karp
Menopause is an inevitable chapter for all women, and it’s generally something we dread. But rather than seeing it as our femininity or womanhood dwindling, we should instead see it as an empowering new chapter – a token of strength and perseverance that we made it this far. CBD oil for menopause management is becoming a popular alternative.
CBD 101 for Menopause Management
As we’ve discussed in some of our other pieces, each body has an endocannabinoid system made of cell receptors. This helps maintain homeostasis, and the system responds to both naturally occurring cannabinoids in our bodies and external ones, which is where CBD comes in. Over 110 cannabinoids are found in cannabis, and they all offer various health benefits without getting you high.
What’s the Relationship Between CBD and Menopause?
Estrogen is essential to our endocannabinoid system. It regulates amide hydrolase (a fatty acid), which helps to break down other endocannabinoids in the body. During menopause, estrogen levels go haywire and fluctuate or decrease, which has a domino effect on the endocannabinoid system.
It’s part of the reason why both post-menopausal and perimenopausal women experience lower libido, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Introducing these outside cannabinoids with different CBD strains extracted in oil can help ease these symptoms to some extent.
CBD for Hot Flashes
Hormone Therapy is commonly accepted to treat hot flashes, but many doctors agree that cannabinoids can actually prevent the triggering of hot flashes. What causes a hot flash initially is stress- she gets sweaty quickly and starts to flash. While a high THC cannabis oil might better treat insomnia due to menopause, the stress and anxiety that brings on a hot flash are best suited for high CBD products or something with a 1:1 ratio.
Revving That Sex Drive Back Up
Another frustrating side effect of “the change” can be dryness and lack of arousal. Still, brands like Foria and Quim Rock have your back. Their product lines of locally applied topicals that work wonders for both vaginal health and intimacy. Both THC and CBD promote better blood flow to your pelvic region.
While topical oils can solve these issues and other physical pain like cramping, you’ll want to explore oral CBD tinctures and oils, which can reach the bloodstream for deeper symptoms like anxiety or mood swings.
How CBD Helps These Different Conditions
CBD measures up to pharmaceutical alternatives simply because of its effect on our serotonin system, just like anti-anxiety prescriptions. This helps everything from those pesky hot flashes to mental health struggles during menopause.
