Every woman is familiar with their menstrual cycle, or so you should be, occurring around the same time each month. What actually happens is that during menstruation, the inner lining of the uterus tissue sheds, which oftentimes leads to cramps, and menstrual pains.
Getting technical, the body contains hormone-like compounds known as prostaglandins which helps the uterus to contract and relax so that the uterus lining can be released and flow out of the woman’s body during her monthly cycle.
However, an excess of prostaglandins is oftentimes what causes painful cramping and inflammation to occur in the uterus. Other symptoms of period pain include PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, which happens around three to five days before your period begins, inducing mood swings/changes, irritability, anxiety, nausea and body aches/muscle tension.
Cue Cannabis…are there any benefits to using CBD for period pain?
How does Cannabis work with a woman’s body?
Humans all possess an endocannabinoid system within their bodies that deal with the processing of cannabis. This system is found within many parts of the body from the brain to the immune system.
Found within this EC system are cannabinoid receptors that work to signal actions to different parts of the body. The two primary receptors pertaining to this system include our CB1 and CB2 receptors and these are both found in the female’s reproductive system, such as the ovary, as well as many other parts of the human body.
CBD for Period Pain
For example, research and studies have shown that when consuming CBD, it binds with your CB1 receptor in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the pain that women experience during menstruation can be directly linked to the gastrointestinal system, leading to things such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea.
CBD has the ability to reduce the amount of activity occurring in this part of the body, helping to relax the muscles and ease pain and discomfort.
CBD is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and it is known for its analgesic properties, acting as a natural painkiller and inflammatory reducer.
CB1 receptors are also located within the brain and central nervous system. These parts are responsible for helping one to sense and process different sensations, e.g. pain. When consuming CBD, the CB1 receptor and these systems work to alleviate pain, for example.
These same parts and functioning of the CB1 receptor can also be linked to symptoms such as mood swings, and CBD has the ability to balance your serotonin levels, reducing feelings of irritability or anxiety.
Conclusion
Using CBD for period pain has proven to have helped the lives of many women, myself included. If you’re among the lucky ones that don’t suffer from pains so much, however, you find yourself ready to explode at anyone at the drop of a hat, you may want to consider CBD for helping to alleviate those unwanted feelings that come around with the red queen each month.
Don’t be nervous to take the first step, you may just find yourself feeling like a new woman afterwards.