CBD for the Perimenopause and Menopause- Does it Work?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, you’ve likely heard a lot about CBD oil.

Perhaps a friend suggested that it might help give you some relief, you read about it in your favourite magazine, or you heard that it cured Loose Women’s Andrea McLean’s symptoms, and you’re curious to know whether this wellness trend could help you.

Although I haven’t personally used CBD oil for perimenopause symptoms, I did use it for two years to help me heal from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which was caused by a virus. It certainly did make a difference.

That’s why today, I’d like to share with you what I know about CBD oil and whether I think it could provide natural help for your perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil, or cannabidiol is one of many chemicals found in the cannabis plant. Although it comes from the cannabis plant, it doesn’t contain any of the psychoactive chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so it won’t make you ‘high’.

When used, it interacts with the complex cell signalling system in your body called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps maintain a balance in your brain, endocrine (hormone) and immune system.

Lower levels of the hormone oestrogen as we see during the menopausal years appear to disrupt this system and could cause or worsen symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low libido, insomnia and pain.

There is evidence to suggest that using CBD oil could help improve these symptoms by improving the function of the endocannabinoid system without HRT.

Does CBD oil work for perimenopause and menopause symptoms?

Considering the close relationship between oestrogen and the endocannabinoid system, this is hardly surprising that using CBD oil can help alleviate many of the symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause and help protect from long-term health risks.

Here are some of the hormonal symptoms that it could help you with.

Anxiety & depression

Several studies demonstrate that CBD could help with symptoms of anxiety which tend to be a problem for ladies during the perimenopause and menopause. According to the research, CBD can help activate some serotonin receptors which can help relieve anxiety and help with depression.

Insomnia

Problems with falling asleep and staying asleep can be a huge problem for menopausal women, especially if they also suffer from anxiety, night sweats and other symptoms. According to research from 2019, CBD can help improve sleep, ease sleep disorders and even boost your energy.

Low Libido

Many of my clients report that their libido has plummeted because of the hormonal changes and vaginal dryness they are suffering from. One solution worth trying is CBD oil as there are many reports that it can help boost blood flow to your tissues and therefore improve your sex life.

Inflammation

There’s a strong link between levels of inflammation in your body and your experience of the perimenopause and menopause. As your levels of oestrogen wind down, you’re more likely to experience high levels of inflammation that can make your symptoms worse and even trigger additional health problems further down the line. The good news is that CBD appears to reduce this inflammation by working on the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain.

Pain

According to a study from 2008, CBD can help relieve many types of pain and tenderness often experienced at the menopause including migraines, joint pain, menstrual cramping, breast tenderness and so on.

Is CBD oil legal in the UK?

Yes. CBD oil is legal in the UK, provided that it contains less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive ingredient).

Since 2016, CBD has been classed as a medicine and therefore needs to have a product licence before it can be sold, supplied or advertised in the UK. This makes sure it’s safe for you to use, and provides peace of mind. You should also choose a high quality, sustainably sourced brand of CBD oil such as the London-based Kynd.

If you are currently taking prescription medication, you’ve never used CBD oil for the first time or you have any concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist beforehand and always read the label.

How much CBD should you take for the perimenopause and menopause?

If you’re trying CBD for the first time, start with a very low dose and then see if your symptoms improve. I suggest you start with 1-3 drops of a 4% CBD oil, twice per day then increase if required.

How should you take CBD for the menopause?

Thanks to the growing popularity of CBD, there’s a variety of ways you can try CBD oil for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms. It really depends on your personal preference.

For maximum convenience, you could take a few drops of the oil under your tongue, take CBD capsules, use a topical balm or even take CBD gummies. You can also vape it if you prefer. I took it as drops under the tongue when I was healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and it really helped.

Summary

If you’re looking for a natural solution for many of your menopausal symptoms, it might be worth trying CBD oil. By helping your endocannabinoid system to rebalance, it can help relieve your sleep problems, low sex drive, aches and pains and even help ease your anxiety or depression and help you feel like your usual self again.

If you’d like to try CBD oil for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms, I highly recommend the UK brand. We Are Kynd. I’ve spoken to them and arranged a 10% discount on your first-time purchase of CBD products. Simply enter the code SMARTERCHANGE10 at the checkout and the discount will be yours. ♥