The topic of women's health is very complex, as every woman has her own needs, which are influenced by her stage of life, her physical and mental health, her genetics, her sexual orientation and her cultural identity. Women are confronted with specific health challenges. Be it menstruation and the pain that comes with it, menopause or endometriosis, a chronic benign but very painful disease of the uterine lining. In recent years, medicinal cannabis has been increasingly used to improve women's quality of life. Let's take a closer look at cannabis and women's health together.
Cannabis as a natural remedy is valued for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as its ability to improve sleep quality. Two active ingredients in particular are being researched: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, is valued for its calming properties and can help with various ailments such as cramps, inflammation, anxiety and nausea. In the field of women's health, doctors are already using medicinal cannabis in practice.
To date, there is no clear evidence that CBD works differently in women and men, as most studies have been conducted on men. However, a study in 2022 suggests that cannabinoids may have gender-specific effects due to interaction with sex hormones, metabolism and our endocannabinoid system. Similarly, there is evidence that women are more sensitive to CBD due to female hormones and different metabolism.
Women also tend to have higher enzyme levels, which can affect the breakdown of CBD. Some studies suggest that women may experience the effects of pain relief from CBD more strongly. However, more research is needed to confirm these assumptions about the gender-specific effects of CBD.
So how can women integrate CBD into their daily lives and improve their quality of life? In which areas can CBD provide relief or have a beneficial effect?
For many women, their monthly period is associated with pain and a range of symptoms. In the case of PMDS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, these can even begin before the period and have a negative impact on quality of life. Symptoms include headaches, abdominal pain, back pain, mood swings, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Many women want to use herbal remedies for relief during this time so as not to put their bodies under even more strain. Herbal CBD is becoming increasingly popular as it also has hardly any side effects and has pain-relieving, antispasmodic, relaxing and anxiety-relieving properties. CBD helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, while at the same time increasing the release of serotonin, which noticeably improves general well-being.
Although headaches are the dominant symptom, it should not be forgotten that sufferers can also experience other types of pain. For example, neck and muscle pain can also occur during or after a migraine attack. They are usually not as severe as the headaches, but are still unpleasant. CBD products such as ointments applied directly to the affected areas can relax tense muscles and reduce the feeling of stiffness.
Female libido, sexual desire and drive, can be influenced by physical, emotional, psychological and social factors. It can change over time, especially during the menopause. Every woman is different. CBD oils and creams can contribute to a better sexual experience during this time thanks to their stimulating, relaxing and pain-relieving properties.
The menopause can be accompanied by many challenges. Women are faced with symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disorders, mood swings and depression. CBD can help to alleviate these symptoms by activating the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This creates a balance within the body. Furthermore, an online survey of 115 menopausal women found that medicinal cannabis has the potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms. [1]
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can lead to pain, infertility and other problems. It is a very painful condition that can significantly reduce quality of life. Women with endometriosis can discover CBD for themselves, as it has a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. CBD affects the pain receptors in the brain, which often leads to significant pain relief. It also helps to relax muscles and relieve cramps that are often associated with endometriosis. Through its calming and anxiety-relieving effects on hormone balance, CBD can help alleviate symptoms of endometriosis such as fatigue, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Interestingly, a summary of studies on the treatment of endometriosis with CBD and THC found that both substances affect the endocannabinoid system and consistently show anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. [2]
To summarize, women's health is complex. Every woman has her own challenges, be it with menstruation, the menopause or even chronic conditions such as endometriosis. In recent years, however, we have discovered new ways to help women, namely through medicinal cannabis. CBD relieves pain, reduces inflammation and improves well-being. Whether it's menstrual cramps, endometriosis or the menopause, CBD offers women a natural solution to their health problems. Perhaps you too can discover the many benefits of CBD for yourself.