The onset of menopause leaves many women with a slew of painful symptoms and a search for ways to ease the discomfort.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most common treatments for menopause. HRT is designed to replace the estrogen the body no longer produces during menopause.
While this treatment works, some women have been using natural alternatives to supplement HRT and make their journey through menopause a bit easier.
Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these natural supplements. CBD has a variety of potential benefits for menopausal women. However, CBD’s benefits are sometimes exaggerated or misstated, which makes it confusing to determine which symptoms to use it for,
So in this article, we’re setting the record straight by discussing what research says about using CBD for menopause symptoms. We’ll also discuss how CBD works in the body and talk a bit about how best to use CBD for menopause.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant (hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight).
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in hemp, but it’s one of the two that are naturally most abundant (the other is THC).
Because of CBD’s abundance, it’s largely responsible for the benefits of the hemp plant, and therefore, it’s been studied a lot in comparison to other cannabinoids.
CBD has been researched for use with pain, inflammation, sleep, anxiety, stress, epilepsy, addiction, and more.
Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high, so it can be used day or night for wellness support.
Can CBD Help With Menopause Symptoms?
CBD may render therapeutic support to women going through menopause by addressing various symptoms.
Research suggests CBD may have therapeutic potential for anxiety, insomnia, and joint and muscle pain, all of which are menopause symptoms (they also exacerbate other symptoms).
However, there is little evidence to show that CBD can reduce hot flashes. This is one area of menopause CBD may not be as useful for.
Still, CBD can support overall mental and physical wellness during these times, making for better overall quality of life.
It’s also important to remember that CBD is not a proven treatment for any symptom — more clinical research is needed to assess CBD’s efficacy.
However, research and anecdotal evidence suggests CBD may support health and wellness for many women going through menopause.
What’s the Best Type of CBD for Menopause?
There are three main types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD that contains additional cannabinoids and terpenes that naturally occur in hemp. Cannabinoids in full-spectrum extracts include CBG, CBN, and THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD is the same as full-spectrum CBD, except it does not include THC.
- CBD isolate is just CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
Generally, full-spectrum CBD is the most beneficial type of CBD for menopause support because it contains small amounts of THC, which may contribute to the ttherapeutic benefits given by CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD extract delivers the entourage effect – the heightened benefits you get from using cannabinoids and terpenes together, as they naturally occur.
However, while full-spectrum CBD won’t get you high (as it only contains very small amounts of THC), it may cause you to fail a drug test. In this case, opt for broad-spectrum CBD, which is the next best option for menopause support.
Menopause Symptoms CBD May Help
Research indicates CBD may have therapeutic potential for several common menopause symptoms:
Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disruption and insomnia are some of the more frequently-experienced symptoms of menopause. Sleep issues are also one of the more challenging symptoms to manage.
However, CBD may promote restful sleep by relaxing the body and mind.
One review of clinical studies found that many cannabinoids (including CBD) may improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and decrease episodes of waking up in the middle of the night.
When it comes to menopause, specifically, Harvard University conducted a survey investigating the use of medical cannabis to relieve symptoms of menopause.
Of the women surveyed, 79% reported that medical cannabis was effective for menopause symptoms, and 67% specifically reported fewer sleep disturbances after using it.
While CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid responsible for the benefits of medical cannabis, it’s clear that the cannabis plant, in general, has therapeutic potential to support restful nights of sleep, which can be sparse during menopause.
Based on the study review and the survey of medical cannabis users, it’s clear that CBD has the potential to support sleep for women going through menopause.
Anxiety & Depression
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause may cause anxiety and depression.
Research shows CBD may promote mental relaxation, with one study concluding that CBD has “considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.”
Although CBD works on a broad level through interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which we’ll discuss later, some research specifically suggests that CBD may impact anxiety levels by boosting serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with increases in focus, emotional stability, happiness, and calmness.
By regulating the function of serotonin in your body, CBD may promote a calm, anxiety-free mind.
Mood Swings
The menopause-induced decrease in estrogen may cause an increase in feelings of irritability. This hormone decrease may also lower the levels of the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, a change linked to a risk of depression.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD may promote feelings of calm and relaxation, which may help with mood swings.
CBD has also been researched as an antidepressant. One study on mice found that CBD may operate in a way similar to antidepressant medications.
Based on this research, CBD may promote mental balance and relaxation during times when you are susceptible to mood swings.
Joint Pain & Inflammation
The decrease in estrogen that women experience during menopause can contribute to pain and inflammation in the knees, shoulders, neck, hands, and elbows.
This change can also exacerbate past injuries, which can lead to menopause-related arthritis – another cause of joint pain and inflammation.
Research suggests that CBD may exert pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, an indicating that it may promote physical support for these types of discomfort.
Other studies have concluded that CBD may be a good alternative to opioid prescriptions for chronic pain, further demonstrating its therapeutic potential.
There are a few ways CBD may contribute to pain relief, however, studies show that CBD interacts with the pain response by increasing levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter associated with reduced pain transmission, in the body.
Bone Density Loss
Menopause may cause a loss in bone density. This bone loss in caused in large part by the hormonal changes typical of menopause. However, it can be reduced or prevented by exercise.
But exercise can be very difficult for women if they’re also experiencing pain and inflammation. By rendering physical support, CBD can make it easier to exercise, thereby helping you do what you need to keep bone loss at bay.
Additionally, there is some preliminary evidence indicating that CBD may directly prevent or restore bone loss. However, more research on this is needed.
Estrogen Deficiency
The menopause-induced estrogen deficiency that women experience, in addition to contributing to other major symptoms, can directly cause weight gain, gastrointestinal disorders, and cognitive decline.
Preliminary research indicates that CBD may ease some of the problems caused by estrogen deficiency. A study on estrogen-deficient mice found that CBD treatment caused an increase in bone density, energy, and gut health for the mice.
The Menopause Symptom CBD Won’t Help
While CBD has lots of therapeutic potential for menopause, one area where it may not be as effective is hot flashes.
Perhaps the most excruciating symptom of menopause, hot flashes are characterized by sudden rushes of warmth in the upper body accompanied by redness and sweating.
One study, which investigated cannabis use for hot flashes, found that treatment had little effect.
The researchers stated that it makes sense, because the hypothalamus, the region in the brain that serves as the body’s “thermostat,” is not significantly affected by CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids.
Because of this, CBD and cannabinoids may not be of any use for hot flashes. Still, CBD may promote wellness in other ways, and many women stand to benefit from it.
CBD for Menopause: How It Works In Your Body
CBD and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Every human has an ECS, which is a receptor responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle, pain and inflammatory responses, emotional processing, and other vital functions.
The ECS ultimately works to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in your body and mind.
The ECS is naturally modulated by endocannabinoids, or internal cannabinoids produced by your body.
However, introducing cannabinoids externally, as when you take CBD, can also support the function of the ECS.
CBD doesn’t interact heavily with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are the primary receptors within the ECS. Instead, research suggests CBD may prevent endocannabinoid breakdown, thereby allowing your ECS to more effectively stabilize your body.
By promoting a balanced, anxiety-free mind and a balanced, pain-free body, CBD can help you as you go through many of the discomforts associated with menopause.
CBD for Menopause: Side Effects & Safety
Although CBD is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated natural supplement, it may cause some adverse effects:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
To minimize the amount (and extent) of adverse effects that you feel, start by taking small doses of CBD so your body can become acclimated before you take larger doses.
Another thing to account for when using CBD is that it may affect the way your body processes some prescription drugs. CBD may cause dangerous concentrations of these drugs to build in your liver.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, be sure to speak to your doctor before using CBD if you’re on any prescription medications.
How to Use CBD for Menopause: Product Types
If you’ve shopped for CBD, you’re aware of how many different kinds of CBD products are out there.
None of these consumption methods is necessarily the best or worst, but there are some things you’ll want to account for when choosing which is best for you. Here’s a bit about each.
For reference, bioavailability is the percentage of the CBD you consume that your body actually uses – some portion of any substance you consume is naturally discarded.
Oils/Tinctures
Onset Time: 15-20 minutes
Bioavailability: 20-30%
CBD oils, also sometimes called CBD tinctures, are a CBD product consisting of a carrier oil (typically MCT oil or hempseed oil) and hemp extract.
CBD oil is taken sublingually (under the tongue), instead of swallowed. This allows the CBD to be absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth, which makes for a faster onset and higher bioavailability.
When it comes to menopause support, CBD oil is one of the best options because it allows you to measure precisely the dose that’s required for your needs.
Gummies
Onset Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Bioavailability: 10-20%
CBD gummies offer a fixed-dose CBD consumption method, as each gummy will contain the same amount of CBD. This makes gummies a good option if you want to build a daily routine.
In the context of menopause support, turning your CBD consumption into a routine with consistent doses can be very beneficial. Just be aware that gummies are not as flexible as oils.
Capsules
Onset Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Bioavailability: 10-20%
CBD capsules come in several forms, one of the most popular being softgels. Softgel capsules feature a soft outer layer surrounding the CBD oil inside. They offer a quick, tasteless alternative to gummies.
Capsules are great if you want to build consistency by integrating CBD into your existing vitamin and supplement routine.
Topicals
Onset Time: 10-15 minutes
Bioavailability: N/A
CBD topicals are products that are applied to the skin, rather than consumed orally. Common examples of CBD topicals include creams, salves, and roll-ons.
Topicals allow you to deliver CBD just to the areas of the body that need it, such as a specific joint that’s been bothering you. If you’re dealing with menopause-related physical discomfort, a CBD topical may be very beneficial.
However, because the CBD in topicals won’t reach your bloodstream, these products aren’t a good option if you need support for anxiety, sleep, and other “internal” issues.
Smokables and Vapes
Onset Time: 5-10 minutes
Bioavailability: 40-50%
There are a variety of inhalable CBD options available, including prerolls (joints), vapes, and products that can be used in water pipes (bongs).
Inhalable products deliver CBD directly to the lungs, resulting in a high bioavailability and very fast onset time.
However, it’s important to remember that smoking or vaping anything comes with the health risks of harming the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems, as well as other systems in the body.
CBD Dosage for Menopause
The amount of CBD you’ll need to take for menopause will vary depending on the specific symptom you’re dealing with.
Generally, though, we recommend starting with a low CBD dosage for menopause support.
You can calculate your dosage using this weight-based formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBD dosage in mg.
Keep in mind that taking a single dose of CBD will do little to nothing; in order to see good results with CBD for most conditions or uses, you need to take it consistently.
Once you get a feel for how CBD works in your body, you can gradually increase it until you achieve the effects you’re looking for.
Can You Use CBD While On Hormone Replacement Therapy?
In most cases, using CBD while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will not create any problems.
CBD doesn’t suppress estrogen or progesterone, the hormones that HRT is designed to replace.
However, if you’re on HRT, speak to your doctor before you start using CBD for menopause support.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 US Farm Bill made CBD products legal on the federal level as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. However, CBD’s legality varies by state.
States Where CBD is Legal
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California (no smokeables)
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia (no marketed THC)
- Illinois
- Indiana (no smokables)
- Kentucky (no smokables)
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York (no smokables)
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina (no smokables)
- South Dakota (no smokables)
- Tennessee
- Texas (no smokables)
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
States Where CBD is Restricted or Illegal
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Kansas
- Washington D.C.
How to Shop for CBD Products
Because the CBD industry isn’t closely regulated by the FDA, you have to be careful when shopping to ensure the product you buy is of high-quality.
Here are some tips to help you find safe, effective CBD products:
Check the lab report
Before you buy a product, check the 3rd-party lab report (all called a certificate of analysis/COA) and ensure it contains the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids that it’s supposed to.
Also, ensure the product passes tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and molds.
If a CBD product hasn’t been lab tested, avoid it. Short of a 3rd-party lab test, you have no proof that the product contains what it says it does or that it’s been manufactured safely.
Understand the potency
In order to identify a product that gives you good value for the money you spend, and that is a good fit for your situation, make sure to understand the total amount of cannabinoids a product contains, as well as the amount of CBD in each serving.
Both of these numbers should be easily accessible on the product’s page or on its packaging.
Know the cannabinoids in the product
Many CBD products also contain other cannabinoids. That’s because CBD is generally most beneficial when used alongside CBG, THC, and other compounds in hemp (this is why we recommend full-spectrum CBD for menopause).
However, you’ll want to make sure you understand what cannabinoids a product contains so you know what to expect – it’s not always obvious at first glance.
Other Ways to Address Menopause Symptoms
Thankfully, CBD isn’t your only natural alternative for menopause support. Here are some other methods:
- Prioritize sleep: How well you sleep ultimately determines how well you feel, so be sure to explore natural sleep aids and talk to your doctor about a long-term plan for getting better rest.
- Get plenty of exercise and eat well: Prioritizing good nutrition and getting physical activity each day can help you maintain a healthy body weight and energy levels. Additionally, getting plenty of nutrients – specifically, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K – is linked with a reduction in menopause symptoms.
- Avoid substances: Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can worsen menopause symptoms. For help quitting, speak to your doctor, who can help you create a cessation plan.
- Speak up: If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability, be up front with your family, friends, and other loved ones. You may also consider seeing a therapist if feelings become persistent or severe.
- Dress in layers: To manage hot flashes, dress in loose, layered clothing when you sleep. Keep your bedroom cool at night and use light bedding.
Conclusion: Can CBD Make the Menopause Journey Better?
Although CBD likely won’t help with hot flashes, it may help you navigate many other symptoms by comprehensively supporting a healthy, balanced mind and body.
We recommend treating CBD as a supplement, rather than a treatment. It’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to determining how to support your health and well-being during menopause.
Be sure to speak with your doctor about any issues you’re experiencing, so that both of you can decide on a treatment plan – and decide whether CBD should be a part of it.
CBD for Menopause: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask about using CBD for menopause.
Is CBD oil beneficial for menopause?
CBD may be beneficial to women going through menopause. Research suggests it has the potential to address symptoms like pain, anxiety, and sleep trouble.
Can CBD oil increase estrogen?
Findings around CBD’s impact on estrogen levels are inconclusive. However, in one study, CBD helped to ease various symptoms of estrogen deficiency, including inflammation and low metabolism.
Can CBD help balance hormones?
Maybe, although more investigation is needed. A 2022 study found that CBD may support hormone balance when estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating.
How does CBD affect female hormones?
Research shows CBD may promote hormonal balance if levels of estrogen and progesterone are fluctuating. However, more research is needed to see how CBD affects these hormones in women.
