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Women have suffered from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) since the beginning of time. PMS affects 75% of menstruating women, and – to be honest – it 100% sucks. In full transparency, science hasn’t been able to pinpoint the cause of PMS, but every woman can vouch for its existence. So far, women turn to home remedies that range from hot compresses to hot tea, and meditation. But, have women found a solution to PMS woes. Is there beneficial connection between CBD oil and pms?
Cannabidiol research is still in its infancy stage, but with promising results adding to its growing health benefits list, relief from PMS is hoping to make the cut.
How Is PMS Treated Today?
Since PMS is not considered a disease, it can’t technically be treated or cured. There are as many as 150 different PMS symptoms, and the way they’re experienced really depends on each person. Some women respond to hormonal birth control to reduce the severity of PMS associated with ovulation, for example. Some women experience mood swings or depression, and on some occasions, they turn to anti-depressants as a treatment plan. Other women turn to alternative medicine like acupuncture to control their PMS symptoms.
There’s no right or wrong situation here, as there isn’t a perfect approach to treat a specific PMS symptom. It’s all about trying different methods – with the help of a medical professional – to pinpoint what’s best for each body.
How Can CBD Help with PMS?
In the spirit of trying different things, women are looking into the CBD world for answers and treatment plans. However, even with CBD, it boils down to the various symptoms and the ways our body reacts to certain things.
Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) and internal cannabis receptors. These receptors are placed throughout the body to regulate certain bodily functions, including inflammation control, pain receptors, and more. CBD promotes the body’s internal receptors to function more effectively, therefore reducing stress, inflammation, pain, and more. And, while more research is still needed, there might be ways CBD can help with PMS.
For starters, in 2014, research summarized evidence that supported the use of CBD for depression, which could potentially be helpful for women experiencing mood swings during the days leading up to menstruation. Researchers found that CBD appears to have an antidepressant-like effect, but so far these studies have been conducted on animals. Human studies are still needed to confirm these findings.
Another common PMS symptom has to deal with sleeping problems. From turning, tossing, waking up fatigued, or straight up not sleeping, women who suffer from PMS are all too familiar with these sleeping patterns. In 2013, a study found there was an increase in the total percentage of sleep when taking CBD. Similar to other studies, the research was done on rats, and further research needs to be done to test the results in humans.
Vomiting and nausea can be extreme PMS symptoms that no one enjoys. It seems CBD can also help with that. According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD can help manipulate the endocannabinoid system to achieve relief from the vomiting and nausea.
Last, but not least, CBD skincare products can potentially help women with another annoying PMS symptom – breakouts. Studies in Experimental Dermatology, are looking at the link between the anti-inflammatory properties CBD offers and assisting women with breakouts through CBD-infused products.
However, before moving on, it’s important to note that the benefits of CBD for women’s health are still quite controversial. Research and trial-studies are still needed to prove or disapprove the potential benefits of CBD for women’s health disorders, including PMS.
What about Intake Options?
You’re probably familiar with some of the popular CBD intake options, including oils, gummies, and capsules. But, when it comes to CBD oil and pms, intake options take on a whole new shape. We’re talking about CBD patches for PMS, bath soaks for menstrual relief, and yes, even vaginal suppositories that allegedly help with period pain.
The best intake option will vary – you guessed it – per your symptoms and body’s needs. Oral supplements may be helpful with cramps and overall pain, while lotions and suppositories can help with localized pain relief. Once again, more research is needed to confirm what the best way to approach this treatment plan is.
A Word from GR8NESS
While everyone is experimenting with different CBD products in the market, some gynecologists are abstaining from trying products at this time. As doctors, they don’t have adequate data to give them support and the right guidelines to prescribe CBD for conditions like PMS. But, with so much interest in the topic, researchers and laboratories are quickly stepping up to investigate more and more about the effects and the benefits cbd oil and pms could potentially have for women’s health.
Keep an eye out for the latest research and always discuss with your doctor if these products are right for you before you try them.
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