Anecdotal evidence shows that CBD along with other cannabinoids is responsible for providing anxiety and stress relief but most importantly, pain management and women are banking on CBD’s efficacy to manage their PMS symptoms. But before we start looking for treatment options, we need to understand what PMS is and how CBD can help anyone that is suffering from it.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual symptoms or PMS are uncomfortable symptoms that 90% of menstruating women experience about 2 weeks before the actual menstruation. This condition is considered to be a part of being a woman since most of them suffer from this every month.
Scientists believe that PMS symptoms may be related to 2 different chemicals in the brain: estrogen and serotonin.
Estrogen is a hormone that is very valuable in the body but so much more in females as it controls female characteristics.
Serotonin on the other hand is another hormone that is responsible for our mood and feelings and it is also responsible for helping us sleep better, among other things.
What Causes PMS?
Hormones are responsible for the women’s menstrual cycle. Progesterone and estrogen go up and down during this cycle. After ovulation, the level of estrogen goes up (Luteal Phase). If the egg in the fallopian tube is not fertilized, estrogen together with progesterone levels will go down to and the cell lining of the uterus will go through apoptosis and the actual menstruation will occur.
The rising of estrogen is believed to bring the physical symptoms of PMS like breast tenderness. Serotonin is aligned with estrogen so if the estrogen falls, serotonin follows. Since serotonin is the hormone that controls our feelings, decreased serotonin levels are associated with the psychological effects of PMS like anxiety, and unfortunately many more.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Psychological
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Emotional outbursts
- Sadness
- Food cravings
Physical
- Breast soreness
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Constipation
- Acne
- Headaches
- Muscle and Joint pain
Can CBD help with PMS?
Cannabidiol is just one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp. Recent studies point out CBD’s effectiveness to manage and potentially treat PMS symptoms. But how can CBD help with it?
Pain Management.
Analgesic property is one of CBD’s benefits. This can potentially help women suffering from muscle and joint pains associated with PMS.
Anxiety Relief.
Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN contribute to improving our stress levels and help us find anxiety relief. Cannabinoids interact with the ECS to modulate our body to find homeostasis.
Appetite control.
When PMS occurs, women normally have sudden food cravings – especially for sweets. One of CBD’s potential benefits is reducing appetite. This can help women to somehow control eating unnecessary food.
Mood regulation.
CBD is known to help maintain a good mood for people suffering from PMS symptoms. CBD is known as an agonist of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Anxiolytic effects are the result of the activation of this receptor.
May remedy skin disorders.
An article published last 2020 shows the potential therapeutic benefits to improve and maintain skin homeostasis and prevent the proliferation of acne and other skin disorders.
Choosing your CBD for PMS partner
The FDA still does not regulate CBD so there are a few points that you need to remember in choosing the right company and product for you.
Choose a transparent company.
CBD is not the end-all-be-all answer to your PMS symptoms and it is still not widely accepted as medicine aside from “Epidiolex”. A lot of research is needed for it to be considered as medicine.
Lab tests.
A company that provides lab tests is a company that has nothing to hide. Support companies that are true to you.
Choose a product that will work best with you.
There are a ton of CBD products available out there with varying dosages. From gummies to topicals, to oils and candies, CBD comes in different forms. Choose a product that will work for your taste and your schedule.
Conclusion
CBD offers a way so that PMS should not be part of women’s everyday lives. It may not be the complete answer to PMS. But CBD and PMS are a great match and it should not hinder anyone from giving it a try.
All information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being
