Cannabis and Menopause

Cannabis is thought to be a wonder herb, a superhero of natural solutions to so many issues in our lives. It helps with sleep problems, soothes anxieties, and promotes appetite. It can even provide relief for menopausal symptoms. But people want facts, and many studies are inconclusive. So, what do we know so far?

How serious is perimenopause and menopause?

Menopause is the end of the woman’s reproductive cycle. With this change, comes symptoms as well. So, not only do women suffer from depression and anxiety, they also endure physical symptoms as well. 

Did you know that 80% of perimenopausal and menopausal women suffer from VMS, or vasomotor symptoms? This is otherwise known as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances – one notable disturbance is night sweats. These symptoms and many others can decrease the overall quality of women’s health. 

Cannabis and relief of symptoms

Hormone therapies are available to treat these symptoms, but some problems are severe. And as women continue to deal with these symptoms, more and more of them consider the use of cannabis for treatment. In fact, 1 in 4 women have tried cannabis for menopause symptoms.

In a recent survey of over 200 California women, age 56 and up, 27% were already using cannabis for menopausal symptoms and 10% were curious and thinking about this option. In fact, under 20% of these women report using traditional pharmaceutical solutions.

THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This ingredient has been found to decrease the body’s temperature. When hot flashes occur, the THC in cannabis can cool down the body and provide relief. And with this relief, better sleep and comfort are added benefits.

CBD can greatly improve the libido, as creams made from this ingredient reduce uncomfortable lack of moisture. With the results of a cannabis product such as this, sexual intimacy is greatly enhanced. Added benefits include clearing acne, which is hormone activated and improvement of the density of bone.

Most common uses of cannabis for menopause

Considering there are various symptoms of menopause, women use cannabis to alleviate the symptoms that bother them most, or the problems not controlled by HRT. Here’s a breakdown of the percentage of women who use cannabis for specific reasons.

• 65% of women use cannabis during menopause to sleep better

• 45% of women use cannabis for anxiety due to menopause

• 33% use cannabis for joint or muscle pain

• 29% of women use cannabis to alleviate irritability

• 25% of women use cannabis for symptoms of depression

Legalization and dosages

As more locations legalize cannabis use, both medically and reactional, more women with menopause are considering a trial run with cannabis. Medications they are using aren’t relieving all the symptoms of menopause, and cannabis seems promising. Cannabis is even more popular than menopausal treatments like traditional HRT, or hormone replacement therapy. However, only so many studies can be conducted when cannabis is still illegal in many areas.

Also, considering the importance of the proper dosage when administering cannabis for menopausal patients, dispensaries may not be equipped for that responsibility yet. Healthcare professionals should be prepared to suggest correct dosages of cannabis products for older women. Utilizing the proper amount of cannabis to treat perimenopause and menopause is critical as to avoid any cognitive issues.

Promising, but more research needed

While using cannabis for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms in older women is promising, there is more research to be done in this area in order for all physicians to get onboard. Although many studies and surveys point toward cannabis as a great alternative to HRT options, there are still questions and obstacles, most of these being legal, to be honest.

But until there is a definite answer to doubts, I encourage you to make your decisions on discernment and what works for your symptoms. At LucidaClub, we support those who wish to feel their best by natural means. If you’re curious about how cannabis can improve your life, try any selection of a variety of products, from vape pens to cannabis infused cookies. And listen to your body. Trust me, It understands what’s best for you.