Menopause is like a rollercoaster ride - except instead of screaming and laughing, you're sweating and fanning yourself like crazy! It's a wild ride, full of surprises, but at least you don't have to worry about losing your lunch. Just your cool, thanks to those pesky hot flashes.
Fortunately, there is a natural alternative that could provide relief…
In this blog post, we will explore how CBD can help, we’ll delve into the science behind a bit and why it has become a popular choice for menopausal women.
We hope that by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how CBD can be a natural and effective solution for dealing with the discomforts of menopause.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly is Menopause?
- What Causes Hot Flashes During Menopause
- How Can CBD Help with Hot Flashes?
- Prescription Medications Commonly Used for Hot Flashes
- Other Natural Remedies for Menopause
- Is CBD Safe?
- How to Use CBD for Menopause Symptoms?
- Conclusion
1. What Exactly is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural and normal part of a woman's life journey. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier or even later for some women.
While it can come with its own set of challenges, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Menopause may mark the end of your reproductive years, but it also signals the start of a whole new chapter in your life.
During menopause, the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flashes ( also referred to as hot flushes) and night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Decreased sex drive
Not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
It's important to remember that menopause is a natural process and not a disease. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life, but it is something all women go through, and there are many options available to help manage its symptoms.
2. What Causes Hot Flashes During Menopause
Experiencing hot flashes is a common symptom of menopause that many women experience, caused by the hormonal changes that occur during this time.
When women go through menopause, their levels of estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle) start to decrease.
This can cause the body's temperature regulation system to go haywire, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats.
In simpler terms, it's like your body's thermostat is malfunctioning and causing you to feel hot and sweaty for no apparent reason.
Hot flashes can also be triggered by other factors like stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking. So, it's important to be mindful of your lifestyle habits and make changes if necessary to help alleviate hot flashes during menopause.
3. How Can CBD Help with Hot Flashes?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant and before we get into how it can help with hot flashes we have to get this out of the way…
Even though CBD comes from the cannabis plant it's important to note that CBD will not make you high...that right is fully reserved by THC - the other popular compound found in the cannabis plant, most full-spectrum CBD products only contain trace amounts of THC, not enough to impact you at all.
OK, so how can CBD help with hot flashes?
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various bodily functions, including temperature regulation.
When CBD interacts with the ECS, it can help to balance the body's temperature and reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats that are common during menopause. (Click to tweet)
And what's more…
In addition to regulating body temperature, CBD may also have potential benefits for other menopause symptoms, such as
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Inflammation: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Mood swings and anxiety: CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and may help to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
-
Sleep disturbances: CBD may help to improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Vaginal dryness: CBD may help to increase blood flow to the vaginal area, which can improve lubrication and reduce discomfort during sex.
Overall, CBD may be a promising natural remedy for managing menopause symptoms, including regulating body temperature and reducing inflammation. (Click to tweet)
Related: CBD For Menopause: A Natural Way To Deal With The Symptoms
4. Prescription Medications Commonly Used for Hot Flashes
While there are prescription treatments available to help deal with the symptoms of menopause, like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) these often come with their own set of risks. Let's take a quick look at these…
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A common treatment for hot flashes is HRT, which involves taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Although HRT is effective in reducing hot flashes, there are some risks involved, such as an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. Additionally, it may worsen medical conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): One treatment for hot flashes is with a type of antidepressant medication called SSRIs. These medications can help reduce hot flashes by regulating body temperature through increasing serotonin levels in the brain. However, SSRIs may cause side effects like nausea, dry mouth, headache, and sexual dysfunction.
While we know that many opt for the above treatment and we are by no means saying that they do not work, there are many women out there who do not respond well to these options and need an alternative...this is where natural options like CBD come into play.
With minimal risks involved and low costs in comparison with some of these treatments, it's worth a shot to see if CBD can help you feel better.
Related: Why Women Love CBD Products
5. Other Natural Remedies for Menopause
In addition to CBD you could also look into other more natural ways to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health, some of these include:
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause bones to weaken, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are linked to good bone health, so it’s important to get enough of these nutrients in your diet.
- Maintain a moderate weight: Unfortunately, it’s common to gain weight during menopause. Gaining excess body fat, especially around the waist, increases the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, body weight may affect menopause symptoms.
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables: Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, among other nutrients, may provide relief from menopause symptoms.
- Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods may trigger hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings in some people. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are spicy or high in sugar.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, and boost mood. Yoga and meditation are two well-known practices that can be used to help manage menopause symptoms. They help to reduce stress, which can help improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Drink enough water: Drinking water can help reduce bloating and dryness associated with menopause.
- Reduce refined sugar and processed foods: Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can increase the risk of depression and mood swings during menopause.
6. Is CBD Safe?
CBD (cannabidiol) is generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. Some people may experience dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in appetite or mood.
CBD can also interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to your doctor before using it if you are taking any prescription medications.
Additionally, the quality and purity of CBD products can vary, so it's important to buy from a reputable source and follow dosing instructions carefully.
If you have any concerns about using CBD, it's best to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Related: CBD Is Safe. Here’s The Data...
7. How to Use CBD for Menopause Symptoms?
There are a variety of ways to use CBD to alleviate menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. Here are some of the more popular ways:
- Taking it under the tongue (sublingual): CBD oil can be taken sublingually by placing a few drops under the tongue and holding it there for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. This method allows for fast absorption into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
- Mixing it into your drinks: Some forms of CBD such as Liposomal CBD are water soluble and can be mixed into your juice or water.
- Applying it to your skin topically: CBD can be applied directly to the skin in the form of creams, balms, or lotions. This method is best for targeting specific areas of the body.
- Ingesting it using edibles: CBD can be ingested in the form of edibles such as gummies, or capsules.
8. Conclusion
Menopause can be a challenging time for women, but it is our hope that women start to look more to natural remedies like CBD.
With the ability to regulate body temperature and promote relaxation, CBD can be a game-changer for women experiencing menopause.
As with any natural remedy, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your treatment regimen.
We hope this article has provided valuable information on how CBD can help alleviate menopause symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Sources:
(1) 11 Natural Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Menopause - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-natural-menopause-tips.
(2) Natural Treatments for Menopause and Hot Flashes - Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-menopause-that-actually-work-2322658.
(3) Menopause Relief: 6 Natural Remedies – Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-menopause-remedies/.
