While cannabidiol (CBD) has its place in helping a variety of different people, it may have a unique benefit for women. Here are some ways that women may use CBD for everyday health.
Skincare
While women have an arsenal of beauty products to keep the skin looking younger, they may want to consider cosmetic products infused with CBD. The cannabinoid has been linked to clearer skin and a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as CBD is a potent antioxidant, which may be able to combat free radicals associated with accelerated skin aging. [1] By neutralizing free radicals, CBD may help to slow the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
CBD may also be able to help reduce the appearance of redness of the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also promote clearer skin and minimize breakouts thanks to its ability to reduce the amount of sebum produced in the sebaceous glands. Excessive sebum can clog pores and cause acne flare ups, an issue that could be minimized through the use of CBD. [2]
Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS is different for everyone but it tends to come with a slew of common symptoms, such as bloating, mood swings, tender breasts, poor sleep, and menstrual cramps. While there are medications available that specifically target these symptoms, CBD (especially if accompanied by tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) may be effective in alleviating some of them. For starters, the cannabinoid’s ability to reduce pain may prove to be effective at relieving the discomfort associated with cramping and associated discomfort. [3, 4]
CBD may also regulate moderate mood and soothe anxiety or irritability that may come with PMS. Studies have shown that CBD can help induce relaxation and sleep, especially if you are having trouble sleeping due to headaches or pain. [4]
Menopause
Reproductive health changes with age and, along with it, comes hot flashes and night sweats which are classically associated with menopause. Not only can instant breakouts of sweat be uncomfortable but they can also significantly interrupt sleep and daily routines. Some women may take antidepressants to help alleviate hot flashes since these symptoms are based on neurochemistry. But CBD may also be able to help in this department because of its effect on serotonin levels in the brain. [5]
CBD may help supplement current treatments already in use, or may be effective enough all on its own. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking CBD to alleviate specific issues you may be suffering from, especially if you’re already taking medications.
Women’s health is complex and there is so much we don’t know. However, since cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, it is very likely that we will learn the best ways to use cannabinoids to mange daily health and to treat unique health conditions. [6]
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-pretty-girl-hair-beautiful-837156/
References
- Atalay S, et al. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21.
- Oláh A, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes.
J Clin Invest. 2014;124(9):3713-3724. - Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008;4(1):245-259.
- Cavner JP et al. Is CBD a viable option for menstrual symptoms? Online Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2019;2(5):1-3.
- De Gregorio D, et al. Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain. 2019;160(1):136-150.
- Bouaziz J, et al. The clinical significance of endocannabinoids in endometriosis pain management. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):72-80.
