CBD, or cannabidiol, has been used by humans in various cultures for thousands of years, but it’s relatively new to the modern mainstream health supplement market. Starting around 2018, when hemp-derived CBD was legalized, there was a massive uptick in CBD use and interest in its healing properties. While many are now aware of CBD’s ability to help alleviate aches and pains, improve sleep and reduce feelings of stress, its potential to help mitigate symptoms of perimenopause, menopause and other hormone-related conditions is less well-known – so that’s what we’re going to get into today.
Before learning about what CBD can help with, it’s important to understand how it can help. The human body contains naturally occurring endocannabinoids – molecules that help a variety of bodily functions run smoothly – and these molecules are part of a system called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which scientists believe is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. When you consume CBD, the naturally-occurring phytocannabinoids in CBD work to supplement and support the naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the ECS, promoting overall well being. And because the ECS is linked to so many bodily functions, CBD can potentially aid in relieving anything from sleeplessness to hot flashes – which brings us back to hormones.
The human body contains approximately 50 different types of hormones, so when hormones are off balance, a wide range of symptoms can ensue. Let’s walk through a few symptoms and conditions that regular use of CBD may be able to help alleviate.
Stress
If you’re riding the same wellness algorithm that we are, you may have noticed an increase in social media conversations around the stress-activating hormone cortisol. Some popular methods for reducing cortisol spikes early in the day include waking up naturally, or waiting a few hours after waking up before enjoying a cup of caffeinated coffee. CBD has also been shown to help reduce levels of cortisol, which can assist with stress management and associated symptoms like anxiety and mood swings.
Skin Inflammation
Suffering from breakouts, acne or frequent sunburns in the summer? The anti-inflammatory properties in CBD may be able to reduce the redness and swelling of inflamed skin when taken as either a topical or edible. There are a number of studies, like this one published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, that have concluded that CBD may also be effective in reducing the production of pore-clogging oils in the skin to effectively treat acne. By interacting with the ECS, CBD can help decrease the inflammatory response in the skin, as well as regulate sebum production. CBD has also been shown to help skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Sleeplessness & Sleep Disorders
Hormonal imbalances can often cause sleep issues that impact your ability to function normally during the day - and concerns about taking habit-forming sleep medications can leave you feeling like there’s no way out. But there’s some good news: Cannabinoid receptors have been found in the hypothalamus, meaning CBD might be able to support the suppression of stress hormones that mess with sleep rhythm. CBD can help improve sleep by enhancing sleep quality, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and by helping people stay asleep longer. In addition, CBD may reduce the frequency of nightmares from stress-related conditions, particularly in people with PTSD, and is being studied for its potential to treat other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Weight Management
Thyroid conditions, which play a role in regulating things like metabolism and weight management, can cause hormonal imbalances. Although research is still in the early stages, CBD might be able to relieve symptoms of thyroid conditions as a natural medication, helping with anxiety, sleep, pain and movement disorders commonly associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Bone Health
The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, as bone remodeling requires many hormones and messenger molecules in order to properly function. Because CBD can support the ECS, it has the potential to support skeletal health, especially for postmenopausal women experiencing bone density loss. It has also been known to be a contributing factor in successfully healing bone fractures.
At Verist, we like to say that seriously effective CBD means you can have more fun. Although more research needs to be done, CBD has the potential to help with hormone regulation and bodily functions so that you can experience more daily joy. Our versatile Verist CBD product portfolio, including both topicals and ingestibles for any time of day, is made with premium options with safe, all-natural ingredients and third-party tested for quality, accuracy and the ideal mix of cannabinoids. As research into CBD’s potential wellness benefits continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about its potential to offer a holistic approach to managing hormonal imbalances whether they be from environmental factors or menopause. And, to make things easier, we’ve created a tracker chart to help you record your CBD usage so that you can spend more time enjoying life.
Note: As always, please consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your wellness regimen, especially if you are taking additional medications or have an existing health condition.