Can CBD Help with Menopause Symptoms?

In recent years, CBD products have climbed in popularity and in sales in several industries— from wellness and beauty to mental health and pet supplements,¹ it’s been touted for its myriad of benefits. 

Now, recent research suggests CBD may be useful for yet another demographic— women in menopause. 

Here, we explain what CBD is, unravel the recent study’s findings, and explore whether CBD for menopause symptoms is a potential option for women navigating this inevitable midlife transition.

What is CBD?

From lotions and oils to gummies and powders, CBD products exist in many forms, but what exactly is it?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most active ingredient in cannabis— aka, marijuana.² It’s typically manufactured in a lab or derived from the hemp plant (which is a relative of marijuana).³ While it shares family ties with its psychoactive cousin, CBD doesn’t actually have inebriating effects or cause impairment.⁴ 

In 2018, the U.S. Congress legalized CBD made from hemp, but not marijuana, in all 50 states, so long as THC content is below a certain threshold.⁵ However, note that not all states have followed Congress’ lead.  Since then, sales of CBD products have boomed, with more than 60% of U.S. adults reporting usage of a CBD product in 2022— and half of those at the suggestion of a healthcare provider – with varying degrees of restriction.⁶ 

Now researchers are trying to uncover whether or not CBD may be useful for women navigating menopause symptoms.

CBD for Menopause Symptoms

Is CBD for menopause symptoms, like mood swings, a viable solution or simply a trendy illusion?

The research is ongoing, but it seems promising. 

A recent, pre-clinical study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology looked at the effects of CBD use among estrogen-deficient mice.⁷ Results found “marked improvement in several areas” including metabolic function, inflammation, and gut health.⁸ Other observations, not specifically tailored to women in menopause rather the more general population, demonstrated that CBD may help relieve chronic pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation— which can also all be associated with menopause.¹⁰ 

Some researchers point to CBD’s effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, a collection of cell receptors—called cannabinoid receptors— in the brain, other organs, and some tissues.¹¹ 

These cannabinoid receptors are involved in:¹²

•  Regulating Mood
• Immune System Functioning
• Pain
• Sleep
• Memory
• Fertility and Reproductio
• Regulating Body Temperature 

Because of CBD’s positive effects on cannabinoid receptors, scientists are continuing to explore whether or not women in menopause may experience more relief by trying CBD products.

Does CBD Help Menopausal Symptoms?

According to studies on CBD for the general population, CBD may help with the following symptoms that women commonly experience during menopause:^{13, 14, 15}

• Mood Changes
• Anxiety
• Sleep issues

As mentioned, however, more research needs to be conducted in the menopause-specific population to better understand CBD’s benefits for symptom management.

What You Should Know Before Trying CBD for Menopause

Thinking about trying CBD for your menopause symptoms? There are a few things to keep in mind.

Not All CBD is Created Equal

When it comes to browsing CBD products, not all are created equal. Experts recommend doing your own in-depth research to ensure any products you purchase are high-quality, are third-party tested for heavy metals, toxins, and contaminants, and come from a reputable company like a pharmacy, state-regulated dispensary, or trusted manufacturer⁶. It’s also important to vet all of the ingredients included in CBD products to ensure there are no THC components.¹⁷ 

Additionally, it’s important to look into the differences between CBD oil, CBD lotion, CBD edibles, and other CBD products before incorporating anything new into your routine.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

Women should always talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new medication or supplement, CBD included. A physician or another medical provider can take a look at your current health status and medications to see if trying CBD would be a safe option for managing your symptoms or not and to make sure there are no interactions.

CBD and Menopause | CBD For Menopause Symptoms | Bonafide

Resources

1. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231012035015/en/North-America-Leads-the-CBD-Boom-as-the-Largest-Market-Fueled-by-Favorable-Regulatory-Changes-and-Investments-in-Medicinal-CBD-Research---ResearchAndMarkets.com
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
3.  https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.html#
6. https://www.aamc.org/news/cbd-does-it-work-it-safe-it-legal
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.900667/full
8. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/cbd-shows-health-benefits-estrogen-deficient-mice-model-postmenopause
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322078#specific-benefits
10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
11. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322078#why-it-might-help
12. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322078#why-it-might-help
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7339067/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7331870/
16. https://www.goodrx.com/classes/cannabinoids/how-to-shop-for-the-best-cbd-products
17. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-women-using-cbd-products-and-do-they-work-2019111818317