A survey of over 4000 menopausal women in the UK has revealed that 44% say their ability to work has been affected by their symptoms. 80% say their workplace has no basic support in place for them and 40% have seen the menopause or menopause symptoms treated as a joke. 

There is very little specific data regarding the effects cannabinoids may have in supporting women during perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause and there is no clinical trial data to look at. Despite this, there is research showing how CBD and cannabis can be effective with improving key menopause symptoms such as anxiety, low mood and sleep disturbance.

Changing hormones during menopause can lead to a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease during menopause. Both of these hormones provide natural anti-inflammatory protection. With the decrease in natural production during menopause, inflammation often increases in the knees, shoulders, neck, hands, and elbows. Old injuries in the joints can also begin aching again.

CBD acts on our serotonin system, has proven anti-inflammatory benefits as well as being a potent anti-anxiety compound. CBD may also help modulate our GABA levels - more GABA in our system = a calmer brain and more restful sleep. 

A study polling female CBD users offers anecdotal evidence of how CBD can provide key benefits to hormonal related issues.

CBD performed most effectively in alleviating pain and improving mood in addition to being helpful with hot flushes and night sweats. CBD was less effective with improving bloating symptoms, low sex drive and sexual discomfort.

During the menopause stages, the ECS is also going through significant changes and can become dysregulated. This dysregulation often results in a lack of endocannabinoids being produced by the body, mirroring the reduction in the body’s production of estrogen.

In the 2021 paper “The Role of Endocannabinoid System in Menopause and Its Related-Diseases,” concludes the dysregulation of the ECS may play a role in the health problems commonly experienced by women post-menopause, such as cardiac conditions, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.

Using CBD helps with regulating our ECS as well as prolonging the life of our own natural endocannabinoids so they can provide more therapeutic benefits. CBD “tones up” your ECS by exposing it to an extended dose of cannabinoid activity. This may be a key mechanism whereby CBD helps to protect the brain, buffer stress, and fight disease, in addition to supporting female health during hormonal changes.