These days, cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming increasingly mainstream. Like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant, but it doesn’t cause feelings of intoxication. Instead, it’s gaining traction for its therapeutic benefits. People use CBD for all kinds of reasons, including menopause.
Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55 and is diagnosed when a person hasn’t menstruated in more than 12 months and can no longer become pregnant. It’s associated with a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Is it possible that cbd oil India may be able to help mitigate some of these symptoms?
What does the science suggest?
To be clear, CBD isn’t a cure for menopause. Studies that look specifically at the benefits of CBD for menopause are lacking. There’s no specific scientific evidence that CBD is effective for easing menopausal symptoms as a whole, and it’s unlikely to help you manage things like hot flashes. However, there’s some evidence that CBD could be helpful for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, which may be beneficial to those who are experiencing changes in mood and sleep issues as a result of menopause. It may help manage some other symptoms related to menopause, such as insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, and estrogen deficiency.
Insomnia
Many people find that sleep quality becomes an issue during menopause. A small 2019 study looked at the clinical application of cbd oil India for anxiety and sleep complaints, with researchers concluding that it may be beneficial, though sleep quality did fluctuate over the course of the study.
A 2020 review of clinical studies related to cannabinoids and sleep found that many suggest these compounds could improve sleep quality, decrease sleep disturbances, and decrease delays in falling asleep.
However, the authors note that many of these studies were limited by small sample sizes, examining sleep as a secondary factor, and the use of validated measurements.
In 2022, Harvard researchers conducted a small survey regarding the use of medical cannabis, though not specifically CBD, to relieve menopause-related symptoms. Close to 79% of participants reported that it was helpful, with 67% saying it helped minimize sleep disturbances.
Anxiety and depression
Changing hormones during menopause can mean a greater risk of depression and anxiety. One 2015 study noted that CBD has potential as a treatment for a number of anxiety disorders, but further study is needed. Close to half of the respondents in the 2022 Harvard study reported that medical cannabis had a positive effect on mood and anxiety.
Joint pain
As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, inflammation can mean joint pain in the knees, shoulders, neck, hands, and elbows. Old injuries in the joints can also begin aching again, leading to menopause-related arthritis.
There’s evidence that CBD could be a suitable treatment for arthritis. A 2015 animal study found that topical CBD reduced inflammation and pain-related behaviours. The authors concluded that topical CBD had therapeutic potential for arthritis-related pain and inflammation without side effects.
Estrogen deficiency
Postmenopausal people can experience side effects related to estrogen deficiency, including weight gain, gastrointestinal disorders, and cognitive declines.
A 2022 study with estrogen-deficient mice found significant improvement with CBD treatment, including improved bone density, reduced gut inflammation, and more energy. According to researchers, this preclinical study is a promising sign, though more research is needed to support CBD as a therapeutic treatment for postmenopausal disorders.
How to choose a quality CBD product
There’s no shortage of CBD brands online, but make sure anything you buy comes from a reputable company. The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD in the same way as they do prescription medication, so it’s up to you to shop wisely.
Check the COA
Don’t buy from a brand unless you can verify that they have a third-party lab test their products. Look for the COA online before you buy, and review it to make sure the CBD and THC potency matches what’s advertised. Though there can be slight variations, it shouldn’t be more than about 10% off.
The COA will also tell you whether the product has been tested for contaminants, like heavy metals, pesticides, and molds. Depending on the CBD extraction method that the brand uses, they might also test for residual solvents left over from extraction.
See if the brand is up-front
Review the information on the brand’s site and see whether they tell you where they source their hemp and how they make their products before you get cannabidiol oil online in India.
