Does CBD Oil Help with Menstrual Pain?

Women tend to experience pain more intensely, probably because our nerves are thicker and better able to pick up painful stimuli. Then we’ve got those constantly fluctuating hormones that make us more sensitive to pain. So, yes, our drama queen labels are undeserved (at least, to a large extent!)—because the pain is real. 

Perhaps this is why we’re pretty proactive about finding more effective ways to get relief, particularly from menstrual aches and pains. And this brings us to CBD products like CBD oil for menstrual pain, which are surging in popularity for their potential health benefits. In this post, we’ll give you the real deal on CBD Oil, one of the more sought-after CBDs today.

What is CBD oil? 

CBD oil is made by adding an extract (mainly from hemp) to carrier oil. The most commonly used carriers are coconut, sunflower, almond, and olive oils. The product’s potency depends on the CBD it contains. It is one of many ingestibles, such as beverages, tinctures, and gummies with CBD. Others come in the form of topicals, such as lotions, creams, and sprays. 

CBD refers to cannabidiol, one of the most active chemical compounds out of more than 80 (called cannabinoids) from the Cannabis sativa species. Both marijuana (cannabis) and hemp belong to this class of plants. The mention of any weed might get you jumpy, but it’s another compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that creates the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD products have a beneficial but still less intoxicating effect. This is because they typically contain more CBD but less THC. As a result, they can still change your consciousness but to a mellower degree. 

Now, our bodies are super machines that can naturally produce their own cannabinoids. Known as endocannabinoids (“endo” for “within”), these molecules interact with the central regulatory system. This network of nerves regulates critical processes, such as mood, memory, sleep, appetite, and immunity functions. So you may wonder why we still need to get cannabinoids externally when we already have them in the first place. In the next sections, we’ll talk about endocannabinoid deficiency and other reasons for menstrual pain.

Why does menstrual pain happen? 

Several factors cause our bodies to get sore and achy during menstruation, such as:

1. Endocannabinoid deficiency

Endocannabinoid deficiency can be caused by chronic stress and anxiety. 

And guess what can trigger these on a regular basis? Yup, it’s none other than your monthly cycle. So, when the crimson tide rises and endocannabinoid levels dip, your body’s capability to regulate pain diminishes. At this time, you may feel like all sorts of aches and pains are conspiring against you.

2. Hormonal shifts

During menstruation, your hormones can go crazy. For instance, estrogen can drop before or during your period. Low estrogen levels decrease our body’s natural ability to release pain-suppressing chemicals like endorphins, resulting in menstrual migraines and headaches. The extent of the hormonal shifts will determine how severe headaches can get. 

And there’s more. Hormone-like prostaglandins shoot up to regulate ovulation. These molecules trigger muscle contractions to expel the uterine lining you no longer need (if pregnancy doesn’t happen). As a result, you experience pain and inflammation that typically show up as abdominal cramps and lower back, joint, and leg pain.

3. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress also occurs during the menstrual cycle. It comes from the imbalance between unstable molecules (free radicals) and antioxidants. Oxidative stress results in pain, inflammation, and cellular damage.

4. Anxiety and depression

Studies show that psychological afflictions like anxiety and depression are closely linked to dysmenorrhea and other menstrual disorders.

How does CBD oil for menstrual pain work? 

So, is using CBD oil for menstrual pain any good at all? Here’s the lowdown on CBD from existing studies.

1. CBD may address endocannabinoid deficiency. 

If you have endocannabinoid deficiency, the cannabinoids from CBD oil can fill in the gap, supplying what your body needs for its vital functions. These include providing the proper immune responses to menstrual migraines and other inflammatory disorders.

2. CBD may fight inflammation that causes pain.

Studies show that cannabinoids, such as those in CBD oil, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the body from pain-triggering oxidative stress.

3. CBD may counter the effects of prostaglandins.

Experiments demonstrate that these compounds can lower the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. 

4. CBD may alleviate anxiety and depression.

There is evidence that the cannabinoids found in CBD oil can offset psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Research results indicate that cannabinoids could produce the same effects as the antidepressant imipramine. 

5. CBD may relieve unmanageable pain.

Further research points to the potency of CBD in treating chronic, non-cancer pain. In one study, the participants experienced a significant reduction in intense and sharp pains compared to the placebo group.

6. CBD may help you sleep better, which helps in menstrual pain.

Getting enough quality sleep enables your cells to self-repair and heal damaged or inflamed tissues. Sleeping well is, therefore, necessary for optimal pain management.  Here’s where CBD can come to the rescue. Several studies show that CBD can help address sleep disorders and anxiety issues, allowing your body the rest it needs to restore and regenerate.

FAQs   

1. Is CBD oil legal?

CBD oil is still considered a supplement, which the FDA doesn’t regulate. While it’s federally legal in a loose sense, there may be exemptions. Also, various states have different policies concerning CBD products, including CBD oil for menstrual pain and other disorders. Your best bet is to check with the website of your state health department website or consult the health care professionals in your community.

2. Who can use CBD oil?

As a general rule, you need to be 18 years (or even 21 years old) or older to be able to buy CBD oil and other CBD products. However, this would still be dependent on certain factors, such as the state where you live, the form of CBD (edibles, topicals, etc.) you want to purchase, and how much CBD is in each product.  

3. Does CBD oil have any side effects?

CBD oil, like other CBD products, is typically well-tolerated. However, there can be side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. To help ensure that CBD oil won’t interact with your meds or any underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before ingesting CBD oil for menstrual pain. 

Cutting-edge products in menstrual care 

Although more research needs to be conducted on this innovative treatment, initial findings on using CBD oil for menstrual pain are promising. Consult your doctor if you’re thinking about including CBD in your menstrual care regimen.

One pioneering product you may not have to ask your physician about is Ruby Love Period Apparel. With Ruby Love, you’re in good hands. Our reusable and eco-friendly Period Underwear, Period Sleepwear, and Period Swimwear contain no PFAs, PULs, or nano-silver molecules that can harm your health.