Interesting fact……..Queen Victoria herself used to eat hash cakes to ease menstrual cramps! CBD-derived products have always benefited women but now the biggest demographic for CBD is perimenopausal and menopausal women. CBD is demonstrating anecdotally and in the media supportive properties for total holistic health and wellness. Why CBD and menopause is such a good fit? Can we explore some evidence-based answers?
Generation Menopause
The generation of women now entering menopause are healthier, looking a decade younger than their years and certainly leading more active lives and careers than their mother’s generation. Generation menopause wants to evaluate and treat the symptoms that come with ‘the change’.
They want a plethora of a la carte options that best suits their ailments. They want to continue living a fab life and refuse to go down without a fight! To put it into context Angelina Jolie is menopausal as is Kylie Minogue and Madonna – do you see them putting on their slippers and retiring into the background?! The ageless Jennifer Aniston attributes CBD oil for her carefree, even-keel relaxed vibe and has said: “it has all the benefits of marijuana without the high.” These women and thousands more prefer having an alternative to the medications and hormones recommended.
Menopause signifies the end of a menstrual cycle and therefore fertility. A cataclysmic event in a woman's life and a shift in the reproductive system that results in a few not so nice debilitating inconveniences, for want of a better word. Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, fatigue and loss of libido are the main gripes documented. Conventional treatments are sometimes problematic and a growing number of women are searching for alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Could CBD be your ally?
CBD is Meg’s Wonderwall
Britpop icon Meg Mathews (Noel Gallagher’s ex-wife) launched a website called, megsmenopause to open up the conversation about the Menopause. With 13 million women going through the menopause at any one time in the UK this website is proving a great hit for women who want to offload and share their experiences. She credits water, weight training and CBD oil as 3 of the most important ways to stay strong during the menopause. She said to the metro.co.uk
“Not long after taking the CBD oil, I noticed that I was feeling much calmer and less anxious.”
She also credits it for helping her insomnia and relieving her joint pain. So impressed was this former party girl that she began creating her own CBD range which she sells through her own website. The M blend is a range of CBD products developed specifically for women experiencing menopause. All of her CBD oils have been triple filtered to meet the ‘golden CBD’ standard (the highest standard) She is an avid advocate of CBD and talks passionately about it on her blog and Instagram account. If CBD combined with a healthy lifestyle makes you look this good at 52 then the ‘health guru’ accolade trumps the ‘party girl’ persona every time!
The role of the Endocannabinoid system
Menopause is very personal for everyone. Some women have mild discomfort while others struggle with emotional lows and fluctuations in metabolism. As a woman’s natural cycle starts to slow down there are serious changes in their endocannabinoid production.
This is a network of cell receptors whose role is to maintain hormonal balance in the body. This balanced state is called homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood and everyday vibe.
Menopause triggers changes to anandamide management. Changes being, low estrogen which is actually needed to activate the ECS and regulate emotional responses and relieve anxiety. This lack of endocannabinoid activity results in a poor ability to react to stress and anxiety.
The Science Bit
One of the primary endocannabinoids affected by shifts in oestrogen production is the ‘bliss molecule’ or anandamide CBD, when taken, interjects with the receptors – let’s just say, it gives them a jolt and acts as a mild antidepressant. It is because of the Endocannabinoid receptors that cannabis molecules like CBD interact with and create that nice equilibrium and calm that we all want. A poor endocannabinoid system leads to several health conditions – manipulating the chemicals involved in the system with CBD could be just the ticket to balance the equilibrium.
What is CBD oil and what form does it come in?
CBD is one of the many compounds, known as cannabinoids, in the cannabis plant. The concentrations and the uses of these oils vary. CBD comes in different forms; tinctures and oils and/or daily supplements. Oils and sublingual sprays are also other methods for localized CBD delivery. It can be taken in various forms that are much more comfortable than swallowing pills or injections. It is kinder on the liver and kidneys; the organs that break down toxins in the body. On an average 24 mg of CBD a day is effective for most people.
How to use CBD for Menopause
Having trouble sleeping?
A 2016 case study that you can read it here showed that CBD oil was able to reduce a restless sleep and curb anxiety.
Mood swings?
Try vaping CBD or ingesting it. Devour some delectable edibles they get it into your bloodstream quicker. Mix CBD with some food and drink.
Skin looking a bit grey and lifeless?
There are topical CBD creams and oils that can be applied directly to the skin to improve skin quality and stave off the ageing process. Fine lines begone.
Hot flashes, sweats
Out of nowhere profuse sweating and a torrent of heat sweep your body. Not cool. Literally and figuratively. CBD will drop your temperature when you take in increments, chill you out and make a menopausal woman feel super cool again.
Bone density
Osteoporosis – There is a direct link between the lack of estrogen after menopause and bone development. Early menopause (before 45), and when a woman has low hormone levels or infrequent periods can cause loss of bone mass. Low bone mass can increase the chance of fractures or bruises, so it's super important to treat. Research has found that CBD interacts with a cannabinoid receptor that may play a role in bone density loss. It can strengthen the tissues that connect broken bones. It has healing properties and triggers bone formation which is quite extraordinary.
Can you take CBD with HRT?
Yes. If you do decide to take HRT increasing research shows that taking CBD products can help protect against or at least reduce some of the risks of taking HRT such as breast cancer and blood clots. The female of the species are apparently more responsive to the pain-relieving effects of CBD but you don’t have to choose between one over the other. Consider a tailored approach. There is no right way or wrong way – whatever works for you.
What does the research say about CBD & Menopause?
A panacea for all hormonal bills? CBD treatment has received stellar testimonials from users. CBD is a great mood-boosting tool by all anecdotal accounts without the psychoactive or paranoia properties and all the euphoria.
There is no cure for menopause. It is a stage of life for every woman. Research seems to suggest CBD has a positive effect on sleep quantity and quality. It stabilizes blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. Look we’ve come a long way from hysteria to hysterical – we now refuse to bemoan our predicament but laugh at it – with west end productions such as ‘Menopause the Musical’ actually celebrating it.
Perimenopause and menopause should be treated as the rites of passage that they are. At least accepted and acknowledged. Megsmenopause.com has brought CBD into the public arena to deal with and manage menopause symptoms. With alternative treatment options, education and support available you can take control of this phase in your life and with CBD at your disposal improve your overall well-being and quality of life. Kick that menopausal stereotype to the curb! For the record, I have always been on team Aniston!
