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5 menopause symptoms medical cannabis can relieve

Menopause symptoms and medical cannabis, what’s the connection? We dive into exploring 5 common symptoms affecting those during perimenopause and menopause and how a natural option via cannabinoid treatment could be a saviour.

Back of women in bed suffering from menopause with grey hair

Menopause is defined as when a woman stops menstruating. It’s a natural part of the ageing process and typically occurs between 45 and 55 years old. Experiencing menopause can be disruptive both mentally and physically, with symptoms often lasting for 5 years or more.

For most women, the main treatment option for menopause offered by GPs is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which works to replace hormones. While HRT can be effective in alleviating menopause symptoms, it also carries certain risks and potential negative side effects.

For those looking for a natural alternative, medical cannabis treatment can be highly effective in managing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions.” Jon Robson, Managing Director

Hot flashes

One common symptom which is characteristic of menopause is the sudden change in body temperature and hot flashes. This experience can be described as the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest.

Whilst research is ongoing about how exactly THC found in cannabis can affect the body’s temperature regulation, one way suggests the THC binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus. This part of the brain regulates body temperature, and the addition of THC can support with increase or decrease of temperature.

In addition, THC is also useful in affecting the peripheral blood vessels, causing them to dilate or expand which can lead to head loss and fluctuations in body temperature.

Sleep disturbances

It is also not uncommon for women experiencing menopause to struggle with their sleep and experience insomnia. These complaints are often accompanied by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate poor sleep.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been studied and proven to help regulate the natural body clock and improve sleep quality and sleep regulation. CBD has been found to interact with receptors in the brain that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, such as the serotonin receptor, to promote relaxation and help individuals fall asleep faster.

4 tablets and a glass of water on grey table

Pain relief

Bodily pain such as joint and muscle pain, as well as stiffness, is to be expected in women going through menopause. Specifically estrogen and progesterone are hormones that help regulate pain perception in the body. Estrogen has been shown to have analgesic effects, meaning it can help reduce pain, while progesterone can help modulate pain signals in the nervous system.

As estrogen levels decline during menopause, there may be a decrease in the body’s ability to regulate pain, leading to an increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. This can result in conditions such as chronic pain, joint pain, and headaches becoming more severe or frequent during menopause.

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors such as age-related changes in the nervous system, lifestyle factors (such as lack of exercise or poor diet), and stress can also contribute to increased pain during menopause.

Studies have shown that cannabidiol can help the body manage pain. Both THC and CBD have analgesic properties that can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

Loss of libido

Loss of libido is frequently associated with menopause, interestingly, there currently is no pre-existing treatment at public health services.

The addition of medical cannabis treatment can also have the added bonus of aiding libido. It helps through  its vasodilatory properties which support an increase of blood flow to sexual organs in turn increasing sexual arousal and pleasure. Additionally, THC can help to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation and improve sexual confidence and interest in sexual activity. Studies have shown that cannabis triggers the part of the brain that controls sexual arousal meaning cannabis can increase sex drive and regulate libido in menopausal women.

Mood swings

Feelings of anxiety or swings of mood are expected with menopause as hormones fluctuate. Many remark of feelings of sadness or irritability as most common. These changes typically start from mid-40s and can last anywhere from a few months to several years.

Thankfully, CBD has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress and in turn, regulate mood swings by inducing calming effects – particularly common with the sativa strain. More details about Sativa can be found about this in our existing blog.

Grey haired women combing with brown comb

An important note…

A combination of both components of the cannabis plant, CBD and THC, can offer symptom relief for those suffering with menopause. Medical cannabis treatment should always be monitored by a specialist doctor to ensure safe and beneficial results.

To ensure that you are receiving the right doses and strains for your symptoms and condition, speak to a specialist doctor at our clinic. You can check your eligibility for treatment here.