Can CBD Treat PMS?
It’s 2020, and if you haven’t heard of cannabidiol (CBD), you’ve either been locked in prison, living on a deserted island or hiding under a rock.
Even dogs are using CBD!
But when it comes to that time of the month, can CBD really provide relief?
In all honesty, the jury is still out on this one.
However, CBD can reduce the pain associated with inflammation and headaches.
Plus, it may also help with difficulty sleeping and other PMS-related symptoms.
The bottom line is, that although scientists still haven’t conducted any studies specifically about CBD and PMS, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a try.
You deserve to feel comfortable and at ease, no matter what time of the month it is, and CBD might be able to help.
Will CBD Make You High?
No!
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that although it reduces anxiety, it will not make you high.
But choose carefully...
Some CBD products are formulated with small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to aid absorption.
THC is the active compound in cannabis that gets you high, and even small amounts can cause you to fail a drug test.
With that said, regular CBD tinctures, like Batch CBD, are safe and sound.
Can CBD Relieve Pain?
When it’s that time of the month, you’ll do anything to relieve the pain.
Between the brain-splitting headaches, cramps, fatigue, irritability, and restless nights, it can be enough to make you curl up on the couch and call it a day.
PMS affects roughly 80-90 percent of women, but fortunately, CBD may help treat some of the worst symptoms. (1)
In fact, CBD can be especially effective at treating hard-to-manage pain.
Here’s what the research has to say about CBD and pain management:
- One 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD can suppress chronic neuropathic pain and pain from inflammation. (2)
- A 2017 review in the journal Anesthesia and Analgesia concluded that cannabinoids can reduce pain. (3)
- Another 2017 study in the Journal of Pain Research observed that CBD can improve chronic pain over the course of 12 months. (4)
However, all of these studies admit that larger studies with better controls are needed before CBD can be recommended as a primary treatment for pain.
CBD for Headaches
PMS can cause pounding, mind-crushing headaches.
But fortunately, early research shows that CBD may relieve the pain from migraines.
Point and case:
A 2018 study found that “Cannabinoids – due to their anti-convulsive, analgesic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects – present a promising class of compounds for both acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine pain.” (5)
What is it that makes CBD so effective?
Once again, it comes down to fighting inflammation.
Migraines are strongly linked to inflammation, and CBD shows inflammation who’s boss.
CBD for Insomnia
When you’re on your period, deep, restful sleep can be hard to come by, but luckily CBD is proven to help you hit the hay.
For instance, one 2019 study found that “Many of the reviewed studies suggested that cannabinoids could improve sleep quality, decrease sleep disturbances, and decrease sleep onset latency.” (6)
However, at the same time, other studies have found that CBD has no acute effects on the sleep-wake cycle. (7)
Although it might not work for everyone, CBD is still worth a shot if you’re tossing and turning at night.
CBD for Irritability, Anxiety, and Stress
It’s your period, and stress levels can run high.
Fortunately, CBD is there to help.
Studies show that it can reduce stress and anxiety.
In one 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, researchers found that “CBD appears to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications. Furthermore, CBD displays promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations.” (8)
Other studies also show that CBD can take the edge off of anxiety, like this 2015 meta-analysis:
“Overall, current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.” (9)
Is CBD Worth Taking for Women’s Health and PMS?
Yes!
The CBD industry is booming, and that’s because it’s a natural remedy for stress, insomnia, inflammation, and pain.
And guess what? All of these symptoms are associated with PMS.
By 2022, $22 billion is expected to be spent in the CBD industry, and that’s because the entire U.S. is embracing this natural healing compound.
Oils, tinctures, topicals, and candies made from CBD can be used to relieve pain.
Although it may or may not help with cramps, research demonstrates that CBD can reduce several symptoms associated with inflammation.
So if PMS is driving you nuts, and you don’t want to rely on synthetic medications with harmful side effects, then CBD is worth a try.
Just make sure to stick with a brand that’s all organic and third-party tested.
The CBD industry is still brand-spanking new, and that means there are still tons of questionable companies out there.
Beware of brands that market CBD as a savior for PMS symptoms.
Although early research is promising, there still isn’t any concrete evidence about CBD and PMS, so any brand that tells you otherwise is being dishonest.
With that said, the future looks bright…
Chances are, it won’t be long before researchers establish a strong link between CBD and PMS.
Until then, CBD remains a safe, alternative treatment for pain, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and headaches.
References:
Reference 1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279045/
Reference 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/
Reference 4: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6134407/
Reference 5: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928495/#__ffn_sectitle
Reference 6: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31120284
Reference 7: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
Reference 8: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
Reference 9: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/