Can Cannabis Offer Symptom Relief During Perimenopause & Menopause?

Cannabis, marijuana, pot, or whatever you like to call it has been breaking societal barriers in recent years. With shifting public attitudes and changes to federal cannabis regulations, it’s becoming a much bigger part of the conversation around health and wellness, in fact, cannabis has been a favorite pastime for 20% of Americans in the past year.

And midlife women are joining the sesh, too!

In fact, more peri- and menopausal women are turning to cannabis to manage the symptoms that affect their everyday lives.

In this blog, we’ll explore how cannabis can bring relief to some symptoms, why midlife women are reaching for the green leaf, and other ways to potentially manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Is Cannabis Good for Perimenopause & Menopause Relief?

Most experts are skeptical when it comes to marijuana because there are no studies about the long-term effects of it as a treatment, but nearly 80% of women in perimenopause and menopause are using cannabis to ease symptoms like insomnia and mood changes.

And this interest isn’t coming out of nowhere.

It worth noting that women have been using herbal remedies and traditional plant-based practices to support their health across generations, and cannabis is not the exception.

Research shows that about 28% of midlife women try many therapies to relieve symptoms, and cannabis is taking the cake, so much so, that cannabis use amongst peri- and menopausal women are higher than the use hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Midlife women are looking for answers, and some are finding them in their local dispensaries.

But what’s the science behind cannabis and how does it work to relieve symptoms?

How Cannabis Can Offer Relief During Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms?

The human body actually has its own cannabis-like system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It helps regulate mood, sleep, body temperature, and pain.

Estrogen helps keep this system running, but during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels start going haywire and eventually drop. This throws your ECS way off balance which can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and mood changes.

So, where does cannabis come in?

Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors and other systems involved in mood, pain, and sleep.

Through community forums and patient surveys, peri and menopausal women are turning to cannabis to manage:

• Insomnia: THC can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD can help regulate sleep-wake cycles without heavy sedation.
• Anxiety: CBD and low doses of THC have anxiolytic properties that can help calm a racing mind and ease irritability.
• Muscle and joint aches: Both THC and CBD offer anti-inflammatory properties that target low estrogen joint and body pain.
• Low libido: Cannabinoids can help with relaxation and lower anxiety during intimate times.

It is important to note that cannabis is currently not a recommended menopause treatment. As with any substance you put in your body, consult your provider (not the smoke shop clerk) before using THC or CBD products, especially if you take other medications or have a health condition.

Is Cannabis Safe to Consume?

Cannabis can be an enjoyable part of some women’s wellness routines when it comes to perimenopause and menopause, though never fatal, depending on how you choose to consume influence your experience. Different methods come with different onset times, effects, and THC concentrations.

Whether you prefer a sugar-coated gummy, a joint, or something a little stronger, knowing what you’re consuming and how your body responds can make all the difference. After all, you never want an edible to turn into an unexpected couch coma.

Potential Risks of Cannabis for Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms

Cannabis may be part of your menopause self-care routine, but it is still important to understand how it may affect your body.

Some side effects of cannabis like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and changes in memory can overlap with perimenopause and menopause symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell whether hormonal changes or cannabis use are contributing to how you feel.

Cannabis can also interact with certain prescription medications, including those that are processed by the liver. If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications, speak to your healthcare provider about cannabis use.

Enjoying cannabis and exploring other menopause treatments do not have to be mutually exclusive. The goal is to understand your options and find what works best for you.

Other Ways to Find Relief From Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause look different for every woman, and cannabis isn’t the only way to relief. There are several treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help you lessen those unwanted symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and low libido. It works by replacing the estrogen that gets lost during perimenopause and menopause.

Nonhormonal Medications

If HRT isn’t right for you, other medications like antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs), gabapentin, and fezolinetant, can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, small changes to your daily routine can make a difference. Regular physical activity, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and identifying personal triggers can help you feel more comfortable throughout the transition of perimenopause and menopause.

Get to Know Your Hormones with SynergenX

Whether you’re lighting up, reaching for a gummy, or simply looking for ways to make perimenopause and menopause a little more manageable, you deserve to feel your best. But before you blame everything on the weed (or menopause), it might be time to check in on your hormones.

At SynergenX, our Women’s Hormone Evaluation helps you understand your hormone levels through comprehensive testing and personalized guidance from our licensed care teams. Because sometimes the real mystery isn’t whether the clerk cheated you out of a gram, it’s what’s happening with your hormones.

Feel the difference with SynergenX and book your Women’s Hormone Evaluation today.

People Also Ask

Can CBD help with vaginal dryness?

While CBD cannot directly cure or reverse vaginal dryness, topical CBD-infused oils or balms can help soothe irritated tissues, reduce muscle tension, and improve comfort or lubrication during sex.

Does cannabis affect menopause weight gain?

THC is commonly known to give the “munchies” which could potentially work against weight management goals, but there is no clinical evidence showing that cannabis directly affects menopause weight gain.

Can you use cannabis while taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

There is limited research on how cannabis interacts with hormonal medications. You should speak with your healthcare provider before taking or starting any substance.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

https://www.harvardhealth.org/blog/are-women-turning-to-cannabis-for-menopause-symptom-relief-202210242837

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8966418

Cannabis use for menopause in women aged 35 and over: a cross-sectional survey on usage patterns and perceptions in Alberta, Canada – PMC

Medically reviewed by: Micheal Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Michael Seay is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with over 16 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, gastroenterology, geriatric care, and hormone optimization therapy for men and women. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Platt College School of Nursing. He is certified in hormone pellet placement and weight loss therapies, with a clinical focus on individualized, patient-centered care.