Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and other CBD-based goods are being marketed as a natural, organic treatment for a wide range of female health conditions. Many claims are made by sellers of these products: CBD has relaxing effects on sleep, mood, and anxiety; reduces hot flashes and improves bone density by alleviating hormonal changes during menopause; and has anti-inflammatory benefits that alleviate skin problems, cure acne, and soothe rosacea. It’s advertised to treat PMS symptoms like bloating and mood swings. And CBD lubricants claim to enhance sexual arousal and pleasure. So, how much of it is true?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants (like hemp and marijuana). It comes in a variety of strengths and configurations, including CBD oil, pills, and powders. It may be absorbed through the skin, taken, or breathed.
Unlike marijuana, pure CBD does not cause intoxication. THC is a component in cannabis that makes people feel high.
Are CBD Products Safe?
The long answer is that, in general, pure CBD appears to be safe for the most people. However, we don’t have extensive research and long-term data to show whether a wide range of CBD products are safe for everyone. There’s no evidence suggesting that CBD is okay during pregnancy or while nursing, or for individuals who are immunocompromised.
There is a lot of variation in quality and, perhaps, safety when it comes to CBD products because they are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medicines are. In 2017–2018, fakes were discovered in Utah that contained synthetic cannabinoids and caused a poisoning epidemic.
Many items, according to testing, are not pure or contain the wrong amount of CBD. One study found that just over a third of the products investigated had the quantity of CBD indicated on the label. Another study of 84 CBD goods purchased online found that nearly a quarter contained less CBD than claimed. Furthermore, THC (the component that gives you a high) was discovered in 18 different products.
Does CBD Cause Side Effects?
CBD can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, decreased appetite, and nausea. It can also react with several medications, including blood thinners and antiseizure medicines. If you’re thinking about using CBD products, it’s recommended that you first consult with your doctor.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Women:
Hormonal Imbalance
CBD can have the ability to help women suffering from hormonal imbalances. CBD was found in a small-scale study to aid cortisol control, suggesting that it may help regulate one of our stress-inducing hormones. Cortisol levels that are too high can disrupt hormone balance by affecting other hormone levels, such as thyroid-stimulating hormones and sex hormones. Any cortisol lowering activities will assist with hormone equilibrium. Furthermore, hemp-based CBD products contain omega fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid, which might support hormone health.
Beauty
CBD skincare has been one of the most significant beauty trends throughout 2020 and 2021. CBD is thought to provide cosmetic advantages such as improving skin appearance and health, reducing the visibility of dark spots, and promoting hair follicle growth. CBD has also shown promise in treating acne by regulating sebum production and inflammation reduction, with topical CBD application for skin rashes, eczema, and psoriasis being used as well.
Menopause
Cannabidiol (CBD) may help to balance mood swings, minimize sleep problems, and slow the rate of bone density loss that occurs during menopause. The endocannabinoid system is a group of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body’s organs and tissues. This mechanism is essential in menopausal disorders.
There are cannabinoid receptors in the female reproductive system, with menopause disrupting the endocannabinoid system. This may help to explain some of the symptoms of menopause, such as anxiety, sadness, mood swings, and decreased sexual desire.
CBD has been shown to help with menopause-related symptoms, according to a recent small-scale study. CBD was found in a trial to help relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation and improve sleep, all problems that can occur during menopause.
Pain Relief
Women must endure a variety of problems throughout their lives, ranging from premenstrual syndrome to childbirth, and research suggests that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to decrease inflammation and communicate with neurotransmitters to alleviate pain.
CBD has shown promise in the treatment of chronic pain, such as headaches, cramps, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
Anxiety And Depression
CBD has been shown in studies to decrease stress and anxiety. CBD oil is sometimes used by alternative medicine practitioners for people with OCD and social anxiety. CBD activates receptors in the brain that generate large amounts of dopamine, making it possible for it to help relax the mind and body, possibly reducing anxiety levels.
Gut Health
Almost 72 percent of women have experienced digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the previous year, according to studies. CBD has been found to help with digestive problems including stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea by reducing their symptoms in a study.