Medical cannabis is leading the race of treatments for numerous complaints like chronic pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, and cancer symptoms (in some cases). It is not a recent discovery. Ancient healers have always been supporting the medicinal properties of the herb to treat the above and several other health concerns.
But what is in it for women? Treating physical conditions occurring among women with the help of cannabis has again been the most primitive process. The only difference today is there is precise evidence both science-backed and anecdotal that can prove that it works.
Read out article on the differences between men and women using cannabis.
Menopause is one health concern women are waking up to more than the previous generations. That is now demanding for herbal remedy instead of the prescribed medications for the cure. For instance, using a dab pen for vaping offers mobility to treat the symptoms and showcases the desirability of cannabis. Let’s understand how the herb can help women win over menopause symptoms.
Menopause Symptoms
There are three stages of menopause– perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The first stage is where your body will produce fewer estrogen hormones. It can last for a year or two until you reach the second stage, which is menopause. The second stage is the official beginning, where a woman stops menstruating for over a year. Postmenopause indicates the end of menopause, but certain symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats remain for a few years.
The symptoms in each stage are similar, yet the severity differs. Some of these are:
- Night Sweats
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vaginal Dryness
- Irritability/Mood Swings
- Sleeplessness
- Weight Gain
- Osteoporosis
- Loss of Memory
- Decreased Libido
How Can Cannabis Help With Menopause?
Cannabis is an herb having more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with different properties having a unique way to interact with the human body. These compounds mimic the naturally occurring cannabinoids in our body that forms the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Now the ECS is responsible for regulating several physiological and psychological conditions like mood, immunity, digestion, pain, sleep, fertility, and temperature. Insufficiency to perform the best leads to several health concerns. Cannabis works as a supporting element to maintain wellbeing.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD or cannabidiol gains more attention for their pain-relieving, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammation effects. CBD does not have psychotic properties, and hence, cannot make you high. THC is the one responsible for causing euphoric effects after use. Nonetheless, cannabis enthusiasts consider CBD for inflammation and anxiety, CBN (another compound) for sleep, while THC for pain relief.
Symptoms of Menopause That Cannabis Can Treat
We will collectively explore how the herb can treat some of the above symptoms.
Mood Swings and Depression
The imbalances in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are to blame. One function of estrogen is to influence the parts of the brain that regulates emotional processing. As the level goes down, it simultaneously affects the serotonin receptors in the brain, which are also popular as the happy chemical.
Cannabis can work as antidepressants by stimulating the serotonin receptors and inhibit stress-causing hormones. Studies support CBD has potential anxiolytic effects that can treat depression. The similar effects can soothe severe mood swings. Find a strain that can deliver the best results. For instance, the Chocolate Kush strain has a sweet aroma that can instantly boost your mood. Read more about chocolate kush and other similar strains to treat the condition.
Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis is an herbal alternative for pain management. The synergistic effects of all the plant’s compounds can work together to combat pain, the prominent ones being CBD and THC. An animal study shows that topical application of CBD can reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. A similar study shows that it can curb inflammation and decrease neuropathic pain.
Osteoporosis
Another effect of menopause will be the loss of bone density that will lead to osteoporosis. In the perimenopause stage, the bones are likely to lose its concreteness rather than adding some. The condition makes our bones week resulting in the increased risk of fractures.
Cannabis can be a viable treatment for osteoporosis. A study confirms that treating rats with a dose of CBD, THC, and CBG helped reduce bone resorption and increase healing. It further showed that the treated bone became 50% stronger than the untreated.
Weight Gain
Once women start producing less estrogen, they tend to put on weight. And the body’s capacity to burn calories will decrease. It also develops the risk of diabetes. Cannabis can lower insulin levels and improve metabolism. Since it lowers blood sugar levels, the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease also reduces. A study shows that CBD can activate proteins and genes to breakdown excess fat and increase the capacity of the body to burn calories.
Insomnia and Anxiety
The menopausal stage will include some sleepless nights that trigger fatigue and other health issues. Cannabis can help you overcome sleep disturbances and anxiety. Users state that ingesting the herb a few hours before sleep can calm down the body and help them sleep well. Research also suggests that CBD can control anxiety-related disorders and induce sleep. It can also reduce blood pressure, ease muscles, and treat anxiety disorders to help you sleep. Inhaling high-dosage CBD vape oil can be a great idea to get anti-anxiety benefits quickly.
Vaginal Dryness and Bladder Control
In normal estrogen levels, the blood flow to the pelvic areas continues distributing oxygen to the female reproductive organs and urinary tissues. The normalcy keeps the organs elastic, while reduction will lead to vaginal dryness. You can use topical cannabis products to help increase blood flow, keeping the tissues healthy and moisturized.
Methods of Intake
How to administer cannabis? You can inhale, orally consume, or topically apply it. Inhalation (smoking and vaping) will give you immediate effects as it will enter the lungs and reach the bloodstream rapidly.
Oral intake (edible, tincture, capsules) will take some time as your body will need to metabolize the compounds and then carry them to the target areas. But its effects will last longer. While topical balms will help ease the pain. Try out a patch test before applying.
Conclusion
Witnessing the change in our body can be disturbing. To stay positive, you can only find ways to deal with this natural process and make it less painful. Before incorporating cannabis, make sure you consult a medical professional to check on any underlying conditions.
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