We know that the connection between the ECS and endocrine system is strong, but before you start taking CBD oil for hormone imbalance, it’s good to know the specific ways in which CBD can help. So, does CBD help balance hormones? And if yes, which ones? What specific issues can be tackled with CBD? Let’s find out.
CBD and the Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation is a normal periodical reproductive process that nevertheless can cause extreme pain to many women. There are many reasons why a period can be debilitating to certain people, including extreme cramps, excessive bleeding, and diarrhea. One of the primary causes of the above is the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. While these chemicals aren’t bad guys per se, a lot of the trouble women face during their period could be attributed to prostaglandins. Recent research suggests that CBD can actually block prostaglandin producing enzymes leading to a reduction in pain.
HOW DOES CBD AFFECT FEMALE HORMONES?
As with any diet plan or workout routine, new supplements can have an impact on your cycle too. You may be wondering – does CBD affect the menstrual cycle? The short answer is – we don’t know yet, but there is no evidence to suggest it. There is some evidence that chronic exposure to THC (the compound in cannabis that gets you ‘high’) can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle, primarily by blocking ovulation-inducing hormones. [18] If you’re taking CBD oil for menstruation, make sure to choose one that is THC-free.
CBD AND PMS
The premenstrual or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can cause mood swings, irritability, pain and bloating. This has been attributed to the increase in the hormone progesterone and the depletion of estrogen. There is some evidence of a connection between CBD and estrogen and CBD and progesterone. CBD and other cannabinoids may be able to balance these hormones leading to less severe PMS.
CBD Oil for Menopause
CBD use has skyrocketed among women experiencing menopause. If you didn’t already know, menopause is the process wherein a woman’s estrogen levels plummet, usually around her 40s. While CBD can’t do much to delay or slow menopause, it can provide relief in some of the discomforts of the process. While there hasn’t been much research on CBD and hot flashes, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may work – possibly because of the endocannabinoid system’s effect on temperature regulation. CBD could also help with sleep disturbances during menopause, as well as mood swings.
CBD and Cortisol
Cortisol is one of the primary stress hormones along with adrenaline. While this hormone usually gets a bad rep, it’s actually vital for memory processing and metabolism too. It’s only when cortisol levels are high for a prolonged period of time, that it can affect overall mood, health and even weight. Studies have shown that CBD and cortisol levels are connected, and CBD may be able to cause a reduction in cortisol production.
CBD and Thyroid
Due to legal and regulatory restrictions, there hasn’t been much research on CBD and thyroid related problems. While we don’t necessarily know that CBD can get to the root of the problem, it is an anti-inflammatory agent and may therefore (like in the case of menopause) relieve some discomfort.
CBD and Testosterone
A lot of men planning to take CBD for workout recovery or to supplement their fitness routine may be wondering: does CBD lower testosterone? CBD tends to have a balancing effect on testosterone. There hasn’t been much research on just CBD and testosterone, but cannabinoids seem to have the ability to slow down testosterone production, while also slowing the breakdown of testosterone in the liver. Moreover, cortisol and testosterone are inversely connected. High cortisol = low testosterone and vice versa. Since CBD has been linked to lower cortisol levels, it suggests that it may support healthy levels of testosterone. There has also been some interest in the use of CBD for erectile dysfunction. There isn’t much evidence to support this, and studies have given contradictory results.
This is an excerpt from a longer, more in depth article called The CBD Hormone Guide. Read the whole article over at HempPure, one of the fantastic sponsors of the Hormone and Wellness Summit.
