In recent years, cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has gained popularity as a natural alternative for the management of various conditions, including menstrual pain.
However, its effectiveness and safety for use in specific conditions, such as menstrual pain, are still a matter of debate and study. Menstrual pain, which affects many women every month, can be debilitating and significantly limit quality of life.
In this context, CBD emerges as a promising option for the relief of menstrual symptoms, especially pain. This article will explore how CBD works, what science says about its use for menstrual pain, and its possible routes of administration.
Join us to find out if CBD could be the option many women are looking for to alleviate this annoying monthly symptom.
What mechanisms of action does CBD employ?
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychotropic component of marijuana, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects, i.e. it does not ‘get you high’. This makes it attractive to those seeking the properties of cannabis without the mental disturbances associated with THC.
The human body, as well as the bodies of some animals, has a complex web of intercellular communication known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It plays a crucial role in regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and immune response¹.
The ECS naturally produces compounds called endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD influences the activity of these receptors, potentially helping to modulate inflammation and nociception, which may explain its potential usefulness in the management of pain and other conditions.
For menstrual pain, specifically, it is thought that CBD may help reduce levels of prostaglandins, compounds that are involved in inflammation and pain². In addition, it may affect the perception of pain in the brain, thus offering potential relief for those suffering from severe menstrual pain³.
In summary, CBD offers a potential alternative or supplement to help modulate menstrual pain, and may act through complex mechanisms in the SEC. Its growing popularity as a wellness supplement is testament to its potential effects and the need for more research to fully understand its properties and ensure safe use.
Ways to use CBD for menstrual pain
CBD can be used in a variety of ways to relieve menstrual pain, each with its own advantages and particularities. Here we explore the most common forms of use:
- Sublingual CBD oils: in countries where ingestion is legal, these oils are generally administered sublingually for rapid absorption and precise dosage control, with this method being useful for adjusting the amount according to the intensity of the pain.
- CBD capsules: In countries where ingesting CBD is legal, CBD capsules are also very common. They take longer to work compared to sublingual oils, as they must pass through the digestive tract, but offer prolonged relief.
- Topical creams and oils: CBD creams and oils can be applied directly to the abdomen or lower back for pain relief. These products can be very useful for localised pain and can be combined with massage to increase their effectiveness.
- CBD vaping: Vaping CBD is the quickest method to take effect, as it is felt almost immediately. However, it is not suitable for everyone, especially those who have respiratory problems or prefer to avoid inhaling vapour.
Each method of administration has its own advantages and may be more suitable for different lifestyles or personal preferences. It is important to consider the quality of the CBD product, ensuring that it is from a reliable source and contains the right concentration for effective relief.
In addition, it should be noted that, in Spain, it is not permitted to sell CBD oil for ingestion or oral consumption, so the first two methods would be considered a misuse of the product by the user.
Also, from The Tree CBD, we remind you, as always, that CBD is not a substitute for any medication and that the most advisable thing to do in the event of any type of discomfort that lasts for a long time is to consult a medical specialist, always following their recommendations.
References
- Grotenhermen, F. (2006). Los cannabinoides y el sistema endocannabinoide. Cannabinoids, 1(1), 10-14.
- Mohan, H., Romano, R., Andersen, A., Vera, E., Iwasaka-Neder, J., Kajita, A., … & Miyake, M. M. (2022). Efficacy of Cannabidiol Versus Ibuprofen in the Relief of Menstrual Pain in Females Living with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A phase II, Non-Inferiority trial. Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, 8(3), 68-76.
- Schneider, T., Zurbriggen, L., Dieterle, M., Mauermann, E., Frei, P., Mercer-Chalmers-Bender, K., & Ruppen, W. (2022). Pain response to cannabidiol in induced acute nociceptive pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia by using a model mimicking acute pain in healthy adults in a randomized trial (CANAB I). Pain, 163(1), e62-e71.
