CBD And Menstrual Pain: Can CBD Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps And Pain?

Cannabidiol is a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. People use CBD products for different reasons. CBD is used as a synonym for pain reliever because CBD products reduce physical pain, such as neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain. Some clinical studies have shown that Cbd helps to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. Research is still ongoing based on the pain-relieving effects of CBD. The article discusses the relationship between CBD and menstrual pain and how CBD works to relieve menstrual cramps, etc. 

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is the regular discharge of blood that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. The process is also termed menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menses, or period. Menstrual blood, which is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of the uterus, flows through the cervix and comes out of your body through the vagina.

The menstrual cycle occurs due to the rise and fall of hormones, and it is triggered y falling progesterone levels. The first period usually begins between the ages of 12 and 15 and continues until menopause at about age 51. 

What is menstrual pain?

Menstrual pain is a type of cramping or throbbing in the lower abdomen. Many women have been facing period cramps just before and during their menstruation. People with severe pain may experience several symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, headaches, lower back pain, etc. Many people misunderstand that menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome(PMS) are the same. Menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome are different because it causes different symptoms, including bloating, weight gain, irritability, and fatigue. PMS begins one week before menstruation starts. 

A brief Introduction to CBD

The cannabis sativa plant is remarkable for the compound called Cannabidiol. It contains a good amount of CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC). THC is the active chemical compound extracted from the marijuana plant. The two compounds in the cannabis plant bring different benefits to the body. CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana derived from the hemp plant. There are hundreds of components that can be seen in marijuana.

Unlike other components, it does not cause a ‘high’ by itself. It does not contain any psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Scientists say that CBD can be used as medicine to cure both nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. They are still learning about the benefits of CBD. 

What are the potential benefits of CBD?

CBD products have been provided for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of CBD in treating some of the epilepsy syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Animal studies and some of the research on humans suggest CBD may also help with certain conditions. They are,

• Relieve pain

Cannabis is used to treat physical pain, such as nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. It has been used since 2900 B.C. recent studies found that CBD can help to reduce chronic pain, and it has pain-relieving effects. Taking CBD supplements reduces nerve pain and back pain. Several studies found that CBD and THC are more effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis.  An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD is used in several countries to treat MS. 

• Reduce symptoms of mental health disorders

Mental health disorders affect the overall health and well-being of a person. CBD has a vital role in treating mental health disorders. The drugs that are used to treat mental health disorders often have several side effects, such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, headaches, agitation, and drowsiness. CBD is effective to treat anxiety disorders. A Brazilian study has shown that visible changes happened in 57 men who used CBD products to reduce anxiety problems.  

• Contains neuroprotective properties

Researchers mostly studied the use of CBD in treating neurological disorders such as MS and epilepsy. There are limited results available in this field and some of them have shown promising results. As aforementioned, Sativex is effective to treat muscle spasticity in people with MS. Several studies that are involved with CBD products show that CBD may improve sleeping quality as well as the quality of life. 

• Support heart health

CBD is linked with several benefits for heart health. The main benefit is that CBD is closely associated with blood pressure. Some research has found that using CBD products may reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure develops the risk of several health conditions, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, and heart attack. Therefore, people with high blood pressure can consume CBD supplements to reduce the high number. Some studies found that CBD is effective to reduce arterial stiffness and improve blood flow through the arteries. 

• Reduce some of the cancer-related symptoms

CBD helps manage some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment, such as vomiting, nausea, and pain. It is used as a complementary therapy to different types of cancer. Researchers found that using CBD along with THC can reduce some symptoms related to bladder cancer, breast cancer, etc.

Is CBD effective to treat period pain?

Yes. CBD is an effective medicine to treat period pain. Using CBD is a natural alternative for dealing with period cramps. A 2019 research revealed that CBD oil is effective to reduce pain caused by endometriosis compared with other physical interventions, such as stretching, yoga, etc. There is little evidence available to prove the efficacy of CBD in menstrual cramps. But some studies found that CBD contains certain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation. Another study that was experimented on rats proved that CBD is effective to reduce joint inflammation and pain without any side effects. Most research supports that CBD along with THC can relieve period cramps. In short, CBD has a potential role in pain management.    

 How can you use CBD for menstrual cramp relief?

CBD can reduce some of the period-related symptoms, such as anxiety, cramping, nausea, etc. You can use CBD products in several ways. CBD products are available in several forms, including capsules, patches, vapes, extracts, oils, etc. so you can choose the best product of CBD and use it at your convenience. For example, You can use CBD oil by adding drops to your drink or it can be infused with white bathing. You can decide the best way to use CBD oil to get rid of the pain. Here are some of the effective ways to use CBD for menstrual cramps.

• Add a few drops of CBD oil in a warm bath

A CBD-infused bath can help to reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation to the womb. Choose some of the best quality CBD oil with a fine aroma and add a few drops while bathing. It can moisturize and heal the skin.

• Eat CBD-infused chocolate brownies

Everyone loves to eat sweets, especially chocolates. Eating chocolates during menstruation helps to reduce period cramps. Adding CBD-infused chocolates to your cravings can double up the results. Mouth Watering chocolates, such as omega-3-rich hemp protein brownies and hemp brownie balls can decrease the level of pain. 

• Use CBD-infused tampons

 CBD tampons are an excellent option for period pain relief. It activates the cannabinoid receptors in the vagina and reduces inflammation which is a part of your menstruation. CBD-infused tampons give the right dose of CBD where you need it. 

• Use a vape pen

If you want to get rid of severe period pain, using a vape pen will be a better option. In this method, the CBD is absorbed into the body while exhaling. The exhaling process is beneficial to get the right amount of CBD in all parts of the body. The stress and anxiety relieving properties help to reduce the symptoms related to period pain. 

What are the risks and side effects of using CBD for menstrual cramps?

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause high side effects. However, it has limited side effects including fatigue, appetite, diarrhea, weight changes, etc. People who are allergic to supplements should take extra care while using any CBD products because all types of CBD supplements may not good for your health. In rare cases, regular use of CBD products can damage the liver and make your blood thinning.

When comes to the safety concerns of CBD, it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not used as a medicine. FDA does not approve any other CBD products except Epidiolex. So you can not be sure about the dosage of each ingredient used in the supplement. If you are considering CBD products, it’s better to seek advice from your medical advisor.

Conclusion

CBD products are good for relieving inflammation and pain. But when it comes to menstrual cramps, CBD oil is not a guaranteed product to get rid of your menstrual cramps. Some research shows that they are effective, while others say that CBD products do not show any positive results in menstrual pain. More research is needed to understand the relationship between CBD and pain relief. If you are planning to use any CBD products for relieving period cramps, talk with your doctor before you use them.