Cannabis and Menopause: Why Several Specialists Say It Can Be Effective
San Francisco VA Health Center performed a 2019 survey and found that more women utilize marijuana to address menopause symptoms.
- Menopause may benefit from cannabis, according to some experts, but others are concerned about the drug’s possible adverse side effects.
- As an alternative, one expert suggests using hemp-based products.
Menopausal symptoms have been treated with cannabis by one in four female veterans, according to Dr. Carolyn Gibson, a counselor and medical researcher at the San Francisco VA and the study’s principal author. Over half of women said they had tried non-traditional treatments like hormone therapy to deal with the side effects of menopause. Research given at the North American Menopause Society’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting provided the basis for this information (NAMS).
“This study illustrates a somewhat pertinent pattern and the necessity for greater research related to the possible advantages of CBD use for the treatment of troublesome menopause symptoms,” said Dr. Stephanie S. Faubion, NAMS medical director and a doctor who specializes in women’s health.
Other researchers, nonetheless, have argued that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and menopause symptoms are linked, despite the absence of direct data on the efficacy of cannabis in the treatment of menopause.
The Symptoms of Menopause
The Midlife Women’s Veterans Health Survey, which included 232 women from Northern California, was the subject of the study mentioned above. Hot flashes and night sweats (54 percent), insomnia (27 percent), and genitourinary symptoms (27 percent) were reported by about half of the women, who were all 56 years old (69 percent). 27 percent of those polled said they currently use or have previously used cannabinoids (in any form) to control their menopause symptoms. Researchers found that hot flashes and excessive sweating were the most common side effects of cannabis use.
It is possible, according to the study’s lead author and a psychologist at the San Francisco Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care System, that cannabis is used to treat menopausal symptoms on a widespread basis.
No distinction was made between products encompassing the entire spectrum of cannabis substances, including psychoactive THC, and the others incorporating higher efficacy of CBD (Cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids, but not THC. In addition, 10% of women veterans said they were interested in trying cannabis to alleviate the effects of menopause. All demographic groups, regardless of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or mental health conditions, used cannabis to relieve menopausal symptoms.
It’s possible that the psychoactive THC found in cannabis, as well as other ingredients, such as gummies or other products, could have mixed effects on women experiencing symptoms of menopause who use them.
The sedative effects of cannabis are well-documented, so it’s possible that it can help with sleep issues and anxiety symptoms. The euphoric effects of cannabis use can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as mood swings and irritability. Cannabis use to relieve menopausal symptoms still has a lot of room for improvement.
As per Dr. Junella Chin, the Supervising Advisor of Cannabis MD, cannabinoid products can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including sleeplessness and hot flashes. Menopause’s fluctuating hormones are to blame for hot flashes. Chin remarked. “CBD binds to estrogen receptors and the endocannabinoid system in the body.” According to her, the sedative properties of both CBD and THC could explain their reported insomnia-fighting abilities. “It makes obvious that women benefit from plant-based therapy,” added Chin.
There is limited alleviation for menopausal discomfort other than psychoactive substances or NSAID-class painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, according to Dr. Felice Gersh, an OBGYN and Chief Medical officer of the Integrated Medical Group of Irvine, California. She asserted that cannabis-derived goods do provide an alternative to already available options.