During the menstrual cycle, women are subject to significant hormonal fluctuations causing unpleasant, even disabling symptoms, both physically and emotionally. This is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)and affects between 20% and 40% of women.
To reduce the intensity of symptoms, some women prefer the natural route. Across the Atlantic, more and more women are claiming the benefits of cannabis. In France and Europe, CBD-based products seem to offer good results, both for premenstrual syndrome and for PMDD, its severe form.
Discover CBD's potential effects on the menstrual cycle, and its possible action on PMS and PMDD.
Table of contents
What is premenstrual syndrome?
A woman's menstrual cycle generally lasts 28 days, during which the body goes through 3 main phases:
- Follicular phase (1 to 14) The follicular phase: menstruation and pre-ovulation (thickening of the endometrium and release of follicles);
- Ovulation Period of fertility;
- The luteal or progestational phase (14 to 28): in the absence of fertilization, the body prepares to expel the endometrium.
Each of these phases suggests a hormonal upheaval influencing mood, pain management and libido. This is true throughout the cycle. However, when we speak of premenstrual syndrome, we're referring to symptoms that may appear during the luteal phase, i.e. BEFORE menstruation.
PMS symptoms
There are over a hundred symptoms associated with PMS. That's why many women suffer from PMS without realizing itIt's also probably why it's taken so long to put a name to the condition.
To diagnose PMS, the patient must record her symptoms (both physical and psychological) on a daily basis for at least two cycles. If they appear cyclically during the luteal phasethen it's definitely PMS.
Here are the main types of premenstrual syndrome [1]:
Physical symptoms
Psychic symptoms
Some of these symptoms may appear one cycle and disappear the next. Likewise, their intensity can also vary, making diagnosis sometimes complicated!
Nevertheless, if you feel unexplained discomfort (no particular event or illness) during the luteal phase, with a marked improvement on the day of your period, then it's highly likely to be PMS.
Difference between SPM and TDPM
As mentioned above, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe version of PMS. It affects around 5% of women.
In concrete terms, the diagnosis of PMDD is based on the same symptoms mentioned above, but in their aggravated form :
- Mood disorders may suggest bipolar syndrome unexplained crying spells alternate with excessive enthusiasm;
- More than sadness, it is a state of depression sometimes with suicidal thoughts;
- From severe migraines may occur;
- Aches and pains all over the body ;
- etc.
PMS is annoying, while PMDD is disabling. Women suffering from PMS find it very difficult to live their lives to the full, especially as they are often faced with incomprehension on the part of the medical profession.
CBD, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD
Although there's a good chance that it's an endocrine disorder (hormonal imbalance), the causes of premenstrual syndrome are poorly understood. That's why there is no effective no effective treatmentThe only effective treatment is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), which is recommended in cases of severe PMDD.
In fact, most of the time, women diagnosed with PMS are prescribed antidepressantsor hormone-based treatment. For the majority, this is not a viable long-term option, and many turn to a natural alternative.
In this regard, more and more women are testifying to the effectiveness of CBD oil in relieving their PMS. Let's take a look at how and to what extent CBD can help.
CBD and the hormones of the menstrual cycle
As we mentioned earlier, and as you no doubt know, the menstrual cycle is punctuated by a series of hormonal changes.
During the luteal phase, a problematic phase for PMS sufferers, these changes are particularly intense. LH and FSH hormone levels fall, while progesterone and estrogen levels rise... and then fall, if fertilization does not take place, causing the endometrium to shed.
Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels lead to a reduction in reduced synthesis of serotoninthe hormone of happiness.
In short, hormonally speaking, it's no wonder that the week before menstruation is nicknamed "Hell Week" ... But, how can CBD help?
It is important to know that CBD - and all cannabinoids - reacts with specific receptors found throughout the body: in the brain and in the uterus. uterus in particular. As a result, CBD is able to inhibit or activate the synthesis of certain hormones, including serotonin [2]. In fact, more than simply activating or deactivating serotonin production, it will regulate it.
And, as we shall see, women who suffer from PMS or PMDD may enjoy a better quality of life as a result.
The effects of CBD on premenstrual syndrome
Through its effects on serotonin levels, as well as its interaction with our endocannabinoid system (which is responsible for maintaining the body in a state of homeostasis), CBD can help to reduce the intensity of a whole range of symptoms on the list for women suffering from PMS:
- Reduction in the intensity of pain felt throughout the body before and during menstruation;
- Mood regulation, with less persistent feelings of sadness and/or depression;
- Renewed energy and creativity;
- Less intense stress and anxiety (we discuss this topic in an article entitled CBD and stress);
- Better quality sleep (we discuss this in an article entitled CBD and sleep).
Of course (and unfortunately), CBD doesn't work miracles!
Its effects vary from person to person Some feel relief almost immediately, while others have to wait a few weeks. This is partly because we all have different endocannabinoid systems, and partly because it's not easy to find the right dosage. find the right dosage ! We'll talk about this in the next paragraph.
How to use CBD oil to soothe menstrual pain?
There are lots of different ways to take CBD. However, in the particular case of PMS or PMDD, it comes in the form of full spectrum CBD oil that we recommend you use. Mainly because it's a convenient and discreet way to take CBD, but also because full spectrum CBD oils allow you to enjoy the entourage effect.
Here are some dosage recommendations:
- In terms of dosageStart with a low dose, i.e. 3 to 4 drops a day of an oil containing 10% CBD. Read our detailed report on how to calculate the ideal dose of CBD;
- With regard to frequencyWhen it comes to frequency, we recommend continuous administration throughout the day: at least 3 times a day, or 5 to 6 times. In all cases, make sure you take them away from meals;
- Finally, note that you will benefit from better bioavailability if you place the oil drops under the tongue rather than swallowing them.
We hope CBD oil can help improve your PMS or PMDD symptoms. If you'd like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us !
Please bear in mind that this is not a medicine, and that our advice does not replace that of a health professional.
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