CBD Oil and the Menopause

CBD Oil & Menopause

There are so many discussions being had about CBD oil and the benefits of using it as part of a symptom management supplement. We thought you might have some questions and have tried to outline all the pros and cons.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered around 1940. It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in a cannabis plant, along with Tetrahydrocannabinol otherwise known as (THC). It accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract according to Wikipedia and science. As of 2019,  clinical research on CBD including studies related to menopause symptoms is still ongoing, however, there is increasing anecdotal evidence supporting claims that CBD Oil can help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Is it legal?

In some countries, CBD is legally used in clinical practice to help cancer patients and those with epilepsy. In the UK it is legally sold providing the THC content is less than 0.2%.

Will I get High?

No, because of the low concentration of THC in most CBD Oil products, you will not feel that high sensation associated with Cannabis.

How it can help Symptoms of Menopause

So many symptoms can be relieved by CBD Oil that includes stiffness of joints through inflammation, headaches or migraines, acne, anxiety, depression, mood, appetite, and because you start to feel better in some cases this may also improve your sex life too.

If you have been doing free menopause training with us, you will know that our bodies are full of estrogen receptors. Well, it turns out that it’s no different for the Endocannabinoid system. This refers to a collection of cell receptors that interact with chemical messengers (hormones) and help the body in terms of health.

More and more women are now starting to use CBD Oil, especially those who can not take HRT for example. Though there is no hard evidence yet about the certainty of the benefits, there is much anecdotal evidence, and we hear stories all the time from women. We would like to hear yours!

CBD Oil could help to treat the following symptoms:

Osteoporosis

Depression and Anxiety

Mood Changes

Weight Gain & Diabetes

Aches & Joint Pain

Period Pain

Hot Flashes/flushes

Night Sweats

Sleep disturbances

Bone density

Memory

What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The ECS resides in the body of all animals except insects. This 600-million-year-old messenger and receptor system is integral to the management of body balance, known as homeostasis. There is not a single function within our body that will not be influenced or controlled by the ECS. It works across all physical processes in the body, acting and reacting to both internal and external stimuli, directing, correcting, and managing overall health and well-being.

Here comes the science bit…

While scientists are still fully evaluating the complexity of how the ECS works and all its functions, what we do know is, the ECS plays a significant role in regulating key systems of the body whether you use cannabis or not. These systems include:

• circulatory
• pulmonary
• skeletal
• muscular
• nervous

The ECS comprises three core components:

• Receptors – CB (1) in the central nervous system and CB (2) in the peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and specific cells in the immune system.
• Two key identified endocannabinoids: body-made cannabinoids, such as Anandamide (AEA), the bliss molecule, promoting feelings such as euphoria after exercise and 2-AG.
• Enzymes – synthesizing enzymes to make endocannabinoids when required and degrading enzymes to them down when used in response to neurotransmitter stimulation.

How could CBD help symptoms?

Although the exact details of how CBD interacts with the ECS are also under debate, research indicates CBD can be helpful in the body’s management and reaction to pain, inflammation, stress, environmental pollutants, aging, prescription drugs, and many other symptoms that present themselves. Importantly, once you start to understand what is going on with your body and in your mind, you can take control of your physical health, mental and emotional well-being.

In essence, endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, signaling the ECS to take action. The ECS reacts very quickly when required to function. The effect depends on where the receptor is situated and which endocannabinoid it attaches itself to. For example, when the body experiences inflammation, a reaction of autoimmune disorders, endocannabinoids may bind to a CB (2) receptor. Once the endocannabinoids have carried out their functions, degrading enzymes break down the endocannabinoids.

ECS facilitates our internal bodily systems to return to their state of homeostasis. So, a sense of the body being centered and in balance is critical. Science in the present moment of today and the future lies in this important regulatory system. Choose to live in balance, in the words of Maya Angelou “Nothing will work unless you do”.

Where can I buy safe CBD Oil?

Because we trust it and have a good relationship with the company that prepares the product for us, you can find our Meno CBD Oil + Turmeric in our shop,

Can I use it even if I’m on HRT?

There is no scientific or clinical evidence that CBD interferes with HRT. However, we recommend that you space out the time between taking HRT and taking CBD Oil giving each supplement time to work.

Usage & Dosage – How and when to take it?

With our CBD oil, you can use it in several ways. Either neat, just a couple of drops under the tongue, twice a day (do not exceed this). Or you might want to become more adventurous as it can simply be added to food or drink. We have some great recipes to share with you.

Will it work for me?

Former Loose Women star, Andrea McLean can attest to the benefits of taking CBD oil speaking publicly in May 2019. Her doctor recommended CBD oil to cure hot flushes associated with menopause. She said “It has ­massively taken the edge off things with the flushes, and it has made me less ­anxious because anxiety is still a key thing for me. It is not an anti-depressant but what I no longer feel is that sensation of being on high alert.”

The issues and health impacts that women face as they go through menopause are multifaceted. The use of CBD Oil on a daily basis can play a pivotal role in helping to get the ECS back into a state of homeostasis, the balance needed to maintain a healthy equilibrium within the body.

And for women suffering from menopause symptoms, achieving this balance will lead to a greater sense of wellbeing, raising the quality of life they can live. How women deal with these menopause symptoms is a matter of personal choice; whether they prefer pharmaceutical or prescription drugs or a more naturopathic pathway including CBD Oil. This may depend on menopausal severity, where a combination of both could be a good option.

One thing is for certain, CBD oil is becoming more popular according to Statista, where twenty-one percent of people in Great Britain have taken it. And with so many people experiencing the health-related benefits of CBD oil, it’s certainly worth giving it a try for all the potential advantages it can bring to your daily life.

Possible Side-Effects

Because it is almost as natural as consuming olive oil and has similar health benefits. The body tolerates this oil very well. However there have been some side effects reported that include fatigue, diarrhea, and a dry mouth. Bearing this in mind, always keep well-hydrated. If you have any concerns about taking CBD Oil we recommend that you consult with your doctor first as you should if you are considering introducing any supplements to your diet. Remember plants are very powerful, and most pharmaceutical products are derived from plant extract.

We have also heard some references to a reaction if you combine eating Grapefruit alongside taking CBD Oil, so please don’t, as that may react. We think it has much to do with certain enzymes found in the Grapefruit. It may upset your stomach.