The use of CBD for menstrual pain was very popular in China some centuries ago. Nowadays, thanks to the rise of cannabinoids, it has gained relevance again to treat the different conditions that arise during menstruation and premenstrual syndrome.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is an active ingredient found in the cannabis sativa plant. It has a wide variety of uses and applications due to its properties; anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, antioxidant, among others.
Cannabis may sound like marijuana to you, but it is necessary to clarify that there are several species of the same plant, where hemp stands out, from where CBD is extracted. Another well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is responsible for getting people high due to its psychoactive effects. In contrast, CBD lacks this effect and is not addictive.
To understand the efficacy of CBD in treating menstrual pain, we must cite the well-known endocannabinoid receptors. Distributed throughout our anatomy, they are responsible for regulating the activity of organs and systems to maintain homeostasis. That is to say, the balance.
There are mainly two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2. The first can be found in the uterus, while the second is distributed throughout the intestine and its surroundings. In other words, CBD acts on these receptors to regulate their activity and promote an improvement of menstrual symptoms.
Benefits of CBD for menstrual pain
The benefits of CBD for menstruation have been the subject of study for the last few years, as the taboo on cannabinoids has been broken, people have become more receptive to their therapeutic properties, making it possible to try them to treat all kinds of ailments.
Based on the main anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing effects of CBD, we can improve and alleviate a wide variety of symptoms typical of menstruation and premenstrual syndrome.
Anti-inflammatory
CBD for period pain has been very effective, it has been shown that it can inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Dysmenorrhea occurs when there is inflammation and uterine contractions occur, this facilitates the expulsion of menstrual blood, but generates pain.
Prostaglandins are pro-inflammatory mediators, their presence only aggravates these processes. This is where CBD acts, reducing inflammation of the uterus and other areas such as the breasts.
Analgesic
CBD for menstrual cramping pain is very effective. On the one hand, we have the inhibition of prostaglandin production, while stimulating TRPV receptors, responsible for pain modulation. This allows the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to be maximized.
Breast tension
It is a very frequent symptom during menstruation, it is usually annoying and painful. The active participation of prostaglandins and the hormonal action of estrogens favor this condition. CBD acts on cyclooxygenase, inhibiting prostaglandins, relieving breast pain during menstruation.
Irritability
During menstruation the mood usually varies a lot, emotions are overwhelmed, experiencing fear, anxiety, anguish, disgust or sadness. Thanks to the anxiolytic properties of CBD, CB1 receptors located in the amygdala and limbic system, responsible for regulating emotions, are stimulated.
There is also a modulation of the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, helping to reduce the emotional symptoms experienced during menstruation.
Headache
Headaches and migraines are common during menstruation. It has been proven that they are triggered by problems in the endocannabinoid system, so administering CBD would help regulate them, thus relieving such ailment.
Acne
Acne outbreaks are often a common symptom during premenstrual syndrome, although it is a multifactorial disease, it can be favored by hormonal factors. CBD performs a very effective task at this level, as it reduces sebum production, inflammation and pain in the skin. This improves its appearance and speeds recovery.
Sleep and rest
One of the benefits of CBD for the ruler is to reduce stress and control anxiety, which are the main causes of insomnia. This improves the quality of sleep and allows you to have a restful rest.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. This generates profuse bleeding and very intense pain. It has been proven that both the use of cannabis and CBD had a good efficacy in patients with this disease.
How to take CBD oil to overcome menstruation?
If you want to start taking CBD for period pain, there are several considerations to take into account, the first one is the route of administration.
Sublingual: It presents a fast absorption, its effect is continuous and maintained, since it passes directly to the circulation without having to pass through the liver.
Inhaled: Ideal to treat acute pain, vaporizers are usually used to facilitate its administration. Its effect is immediate and reaches its peak quickly.
Topical: It is preferred to treat local ailments, to relieve pain and inflammation. It is ideal for acne, headache and breast pain.
The next point to take into account when using cbd for menstrual pain is the presentation of the product.
CBD oil 10%: Perfect for treating mild menstrual pain, one drop is equivalent to 5 mg of CBD.
20% CBD Oil: Recommended for more severe cases, such as endometriosis or where the pain is more intense or chronic. 1 drop is equivalent to 10 mg of CBD.
Regarding the doses of cbd for menstrual pain, we must have two clear points, the intensity of the pain and the response to the treatment. In mild cases, where there is menstrual and premenstrual pain, you can start with a dose of 30 mg daily. There are cases where it is possible to start with a lower dose. There are schemes that contemplate 3 intakes per day, for a total of 90 mg, but this increase is given progressively.