Menstrual Pain: Cannabis and Herbs That May Help
According to current statistics, 75% of women under 25 experience menstrual pain, and 25-50% of women suffer from it from age 25 until menopause. Repeated and frequent use of common painkillers can have negative health consequences, including damage to intestinal microflora. Can medical cannabis help with menstrual pain?
Let's explore the effects medical cannabis can offer women with menstrual pain...
What Causes Menstrual Pain?
The menstrual cycle typically lasts 28 days and is determined by interactions between female hormones (estrogens and progestogens) and various hormones (gonadotropins) from the brain. Female sex hormones are produced in the ovaries, and gonadotropins are produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
After sexual hormones are released into the bloodstream, they automatically reach the ovaries, where they stimulate egg production. Hormones also ensure that ovulation occurs midway through the cycle.
During a new cycle, estrogen and progestin hormones ensure the uterine lining is well-perfused and dense. This creates optimal conditions for pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the ovaries produce fewer hormones. In the first half of the cycle, the lining separates from the uterus and is subsequently expelled during menstruation.
At this point, the PMS - premenstrual syndrome typically occurs. Already during PMS and subsequently during menstruation, many women suffer from dysmenorrhea - pain and cramps in the lower abdomen, groin, and back. There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
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Primary dysmenorrhea: The most common type of menstrual pain not caused by another condition. It is triggered by prostaglandins that cause uterine muscle contractions and the separation of the uterine lining from the uterine wall. Pain usually begins at a very young age and often disappears after the first childbirth - though this is not always the case.
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Secondary dysmenorrhea: Usually in women over 30 and caused by conditions such as endometriosis. The problem is late diagnosis of endometriosis. Many women with severe pain struggle since puberty - yet are diagnosed around age 30.
A huge number of women suffer from pain before and during menstruation regardless of age
Can Cannabis Help Reduce Menstrual Pain?
Several studies have shown that cannabinoids at the right dosage reduce pain by interacting with receptors of the endocannabinoid system in our body. Some scientists believe cannabis may provide relief especially from primary and secondary dysmenorrhea pain.
According to studies, there appears to be a clear connection between cannabis use and significant reduction of menstrual pain, partially due to high concentration of endocannabinoid receptors in the uterus and its surrounding tissues.
CBD Oil for Menstrual Pain and PMS
Cannabis oils, especially CBD oil, are now used by many patients for pain relief. Unlike THC, the CBD cannabinoid has no psychoactive effects, and therefore its legal purchase is possible in many countries, including the Czech Republic.
For treating PMS and menstrual pain, CBD can be a real game-changer. CBD has antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, anti-restlessness, and anti-insomnia effects.
Thanks to these amazing properties, it is ideal for use in various phases of the menstrual cycle. It helps alleviate typical PMS symptoms like restlessness, tension, and breast pain. But it also benefits you during menstruation.
CBD oil naturally fights menstrual pain and abdominal cramps. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, CBD is also suitable for treating PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome.
CBD oil naturally relieves pain and cramps in the lower abdomen.
CBD Oil Usage and Dosage
CBD oil is applied by drops. Either drop it directly on your tongue or mix it into food or drink. It has a strong herbal taste, although some oils are flavored with natural fruit aromas.
The dosage suitable for menstrual pain is entirely individual and depends on many factors. Try microdosing or calculate your ideal dose using the CBD calculator.
What Other Plants Can Help Reduce Menstrual Pain?
Cannabis is not the only plant with pain-relieving effects that helps with menstrual pain. Special women's teas are mixed from some herbs. From others, oil is extracted with many active ingredients - subsequently available in capsules. If you struggle with menstrual pain every month, these plants might help:
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Mugwort
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Sage
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White willow
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Evening primrose
Today we've introduced several natural alternatives to pain medications for menstrual cramps. If you want to fight your symptoms naturally, try one of our CBD oils!