CBD for Menopause
Obviously, the idea that women are “delicate” came from a man. Because every woman who has ever had a period, given birth, or gone through menopause knows that physical strength comes in many forms—and we women have it in spades. (That same dude also probably invented the rules for women’s hockey. But we digress.)
Consider this: Our bodies have the capability to bring life into this world, and that comes at no small cost. We suffer cramps, periods, mood swings, and cravings for Cheetos every month. Not to mention the total transformation our bodies go through if we do grow and carry a child. And the pain of childbirth? Suffice it to say that if the tables were turned, we humans certainly would not have to strive for zero population growth. Then come middle age, when we can finally stop budgeting tampons into our grocery bill, we pay dearly for it with joint pain, hot flashes, moodiness, bone-density loss, sleeplessness, lack of focus, stress, memory loss, and depression. And the worst part? We hardly ever talk about it, either in mainstream media or around the kitchen table. We women endure it all in silence.
But when it comes to menopause, maybe we don’t have to be so strong. While hormone replacement therapy is, um, hotly debated due to some risks associated with cancer, there may be a natural solution that has only positive side-effects. The research is still ongoing, but so far the studies are promising: CBD may not only help ease women through this trying time, but help them celebrate it instead.
Though CBD is still not yet approved by the FDA, research suggests that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a collection of cell receptors that are responsible for regulating the body’s natural processes. The ECS receptors are involved in processes such as sleep, mood, immunity, temperature regulation, fertility, and memory—all processes affected by menopause—so it stands to reason that CBD may be able to play a role in alleviating these symptoms. Here are some specifics.
Bone Density Loss
Roughly one in four women experience bone density loss after menopause due to the drop in estrogen production, which helps maintain density. There are notable studies that suggest CBD may help combat this: A study done in 2010 demonstrated that CBD effectively blocks GRP55, the receptor on the cells responsible for degrading bone. When they are blocked, the activity of these cells is dramatically reduced, thus tipping the scales in favor of the cells that build bone. Furthermore, research has also suggested that CBD helps heal fractures faster in animals, and that it enhances bone volume after spinal cord injury.
Mood
Hormone changes during menopause can wreak havoc on your mood, which can mean everything from massive mood swings to full-blown depression. Through many promising studies, CBD is beginning to become more accepted as a mood stabilizer that could help women who, unlike sulky teenagers suffering the same phenomenon, can’t just lock themselves in the basement and binge TikTok all day.
The key to how CBD may help boost mood, lower anxiety, and ease stress is tied to serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body linked to mood. (Studies have shown serotonin improves mood, and that low levels of the stuff are linked to depression.) According to CBD Clinicals and a 2014 review in Pubmed, CBD interacts with 5-HT1A receptors, one of the locations in the brain that controls serotonin in the body, and may help these receptors to function more effectively. In other words, CBD may increase the production and/or effectiveness of serotonin, which in turn may help menopausal women to weather the emotional storm.
Sleep Loss
It’s estimated that 60% of women experience sleep loss due to menopause. Decline in the sleep-inducing hormone progesterone and hot flashes play a large role. But CBD may be able to help menopausal women fall asleep naturally. Endocannabinoids have been shown to play a role in the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s sleep cycle, therefore CBD is thought to have an effect on sleep. In a recent study published in 2021, 40% of CBD users who took on online survey said that the substance helps them sleep better. In another 2019 study, 67% of participants’ sleep scores improved within the first month of taking the supplement. CBD may also help with anxiety and pain, both of which inhibit sleep. While more research is needed, cannabidiol may offer a safe and non-habit-forming solution.
Joint Pain
It’s well known that the decline in estrogen levels can increase inflammation, which can then increase joint pain or menopause-related arthritis. There’s evidence that suggests that CBD may help calm inflammation and therefore ease pain. A 2015 study in animals found that topical CBD reduced inflammation and pain-related behaviors, leading the authors to conclude that topical CBD has therapeutic potential for arthritis-related pain without any side effects.
So, after this deep-dive into how CBD might be able to help you during your change of life, what products might be best to try? We know, we’re biased, but we believe our CBD to be the best on the planet. We grow it all on our USDA-certified organic hemp farm in Boulder, Colorado. We feed it only pure snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains and fertilizer from our farm’s adorable (and unruly) alpaca herd. Here are some of our recommendations:
Hemp Infusions Sparkling Beverage
We recommend this for people who are making their first foray into CBD. Each flavor—Yuzu Chamomile, Tuscan Blood Orange, Berry Hibiscus, and Peach Ginger—is delicious, with very little “hempy” taste. It’s also hydrating and packed full of functional ingredients like collagen, ashwagandha, and amino acids, all with just a few calories.
Our soft-gels of organic full-spectrum CBD are great for folks who want to take their CBD on the go. There’s no dosing involved, so you get the same amount every time. They’re odorless and tasteless, too. They also come in a +Sleep option, which contains melatonin to help you fall and stay asleep.
Our organic, full-spectrum tincture is pure and clean, and it’s the fastest-acting, too. Just put it under your tongue, and it gets absorbed into your bloodstream almost instantly.
Our soothing balm is made from virgin shea butter, extra virgin coconut oil, arnica, and full-spectrum organic CBD. Rub it liberally on aching joints and muscles, and feel the recovery soak in.
Nothing eases your body and mind like a hot bath—especially one fizzing with full-spectrum CBD. The compound enters your body through you body’s biggest organ, your skin, and offers all of its benefits while you relax and restore.
Try some today, and let Miraflora help you be your best, naturally.
