Terri Ramsey Beavers By now, many people have heard of the potential health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD comes in many strengths and forms. Tinctures, oils, edibles, capsules, creams, Goli Gummies and a variety of other products may help symptoms without the potential side effects of over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions. CBD is natural, making it the preferable choice for many.
Cannabinoids such as CBD may help with a range of concerns, such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, and skin inflammations. Clinical research studies also suggest that CBD may help with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and seizures. But did you know that it may also help relieve symptoms specifically related to women’s health? Read below as we explore some of the health benefits of CBD for women.
What is CBD?
Before we look into the ways CBD may promote women’s health, let’s first gain insight into what CBD is. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound in cannabis (marijuana). Though it is derived from the hemp plant, it will not get you “high.” Hemp is comprised of two main active ingredients: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of the plant, unlike its cousin 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Your body already produces molecules similar to cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate sleep, mood, stress, chronic pain, inflammation, skin and nerve function, reproductive system function, sleep, as well as other processes. This interaction between CBD and the ECS may help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms. For women, this can mean much-needed relief from common symptoms associated with women’s health.
PMS and Menstrual Cramps
PMS and its related symptoms can interrupt daily life and cause continued discomfort. For any woman trying to function at her normal level, this can really disrupt daily routines. The majority of women suffer to some degree from PMS and related symptoms. Headaches, irritability, fatigue, digestion problems, bloating, and painful cramps are just a few of the symptoms that affect the average woman. For some, it may be mild discomfort, but for others, these symptoms can be debilitating.
Many women turn to anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Though these can offer temporary relief, taking too many NSAIDs can have long-term health complications. NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers and reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
CBD from Area 52 can provide similar relief without the possibly damaging side effects of over-the-counter drugs. CBD is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce painful cramps by relaxing the uterine muscles. This same anti-inflammatory property can reduce gastrointestinal inflammation that results in uncomfortable gas and bloating. CBD also works to restore serotonin levels that drop during PMS. If you struggle with irritability or mood swings during PMS, CBD may help promote the serotonin your body needs to regulate anxiety, depression, and mood.
Menopause
Menopause typically occurs after the age of 45 when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms of menopause often include hot flashes or night sweats, mood swings, reduced libido, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms occur because of this change in hormones.
Cannabinoids such as CBD can help with hormonal imbalance by supplementing the loss of estrogen. Hemp-based CBD products contain omega-6 fatty acids, which also have properties that can help balance hormones.
As mentioned, the endocannabinoid system helps to regulate many processes in the body. You can nurture the endocannabinoid system by increasing your anandamide levels. Anandamide is a brain lipid that binds to cannabinoid receptors and mimics the effects of cannabis. CBD can increase anandamide levels by inhibiting FAAH, a metabolic enzyme that breaks down anandamide.
Increased anandamide can help regulate mood and depression, insomnia, body temperature, sleep, and anxiety. If you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause, CBD for women may offer relief so you can maintain your lifestyle with less interruption and discomfort.
Cervical Cancer
According to cervical cancer statistics, cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in women and the eighth-most commonly occurring cancer overall. The American Cancer Society estimates that 14,480 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed in the upcoming years and about 4,920 women will die.
Though research is ongoing, early results seem to suggest there may be a link between cannabidiol and limiting cell growth associated with cervical cancer. According to the research, “Data suggest that cannabidiol rather than Cannabis sativa crude extracts prevent cell growth and induce cell death in cervical cancer cell lines.” If CBD can combat the spread of cervical cancer cells, this could help many women who may be at risk from cervical cancer.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects thousands of women and can elevate symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, appetite loss, and disconnection with their babies. Many pharmaceutical prescriptions for PPD aren’t recommended for women breastfeeding, as supplements and medications pass through the breast milk to the infant.
CBD may be included in a PPD treatment plan to help boost serotonin levels, appetite, and energy and promote sleep. If you’re struggling with PPD, your healthcare professional can help advise how it may be included with your treatment plan.
Anxiety
Some data suggest that women are twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder as men. An anxiety disorder may greatly affect your quality of life and can feel paralyzing. Studies show that CBD reduces anxiety in patients with generalized social anxiety disorder due to its effect on activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas. If you feel inhibited or overwhelmed by anxiety, CBD may ease the effects of stress and anxiety so you can live your best life.
If you’re looking for a CBD product to help you be the best version of yourself, Harmonic CBD was created by women to help women. Many CBD products don’t have to go through any official regulations, making the products uncertified and the benefits questionable. Our lab-tested, certified CBD formulas are specially crafted and provide results you can really feel.
With the right CBD formula, it’s possible that CBD supplementation can help you be the healthiest version of yourself.