PMS has a wide range of symptoms and involves the flux of two reproductive hormones: estrogen and progesterone. CBD doesn’t have direct effects on these hormones despite the intimate connection between the reproductive system and the endocannabinoid system (more on this later).
A few key areas where CBD may be able to help manage symptoms:
- CBD may relieve symptoms of anxiety
- CBD may support mood disorders like depression
- CBD has been shown to relieve pain
- CBD may relax muscle tension leading to cramping
- CBD supports sleep onset
Since these are symptoms associated with PMS, CBD can be useful in treating some of the more disruptive effects.
Cannabidiol and PMS: What the Research Says
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis (hemp) plant. It’s non-psychoactive, unlike the other main cannabinoid — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD exerts its effects indirectly. It targets a separate subsystem in the body, which then goes on to produce the bulk of its pain-relieving, muscle relaxing, and a host of other effects.
The intermediary CBD uses to reach these other systems of the body is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — which is a system of neurotransmitters that regulate the function of everything from the reproductive cycle, to brain activity.
Ways CBD can improve mood during PMS:
Stress & Anxiety
CBD is considered a non-allosteric modulator as it indirectly inhibits certain activities in the brain. It uses the endocannabinoid system as the intermediary to stop the brain cells from firing, as opposed to allowing them to send signals.
Serotonin Levels
Cannabidiol may be a good alternative to treat some of the symptoms related to serotonin.
Since serotonin levels are thought to be affected by the changes in hormone levels during the luteal phase , cannabidiol’s interaction with serotonergic receptors may help relieve some of the symptoms arising from low serotonin levels. Specifically, depression and anxiety are where you may benefit from taking cannabidiol.
– Source DailyCBD
