More women are looking for alternative ways to manage their menopausal symptoms. As marijuana continues to be legalized across the U.S., women are turning to medical marijuana as a means to manage their menopausal symptoms. But is cannabis effective? Keep reading to find out.
How Cannabinoids Work
Every human has an endocannabinoid system composed of cell receptors throughout the body that help maintain homeostasis. They respond to endocannabinoids, the cannabinoids your body produces, as well as external cannabinoids.
Estrogen is important to the endocannabinoid system because it regulates fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down certain endocannabinoids. If there are lower or fluctuating levels of estrogen in your body, which is often the case during menopause, it can affect your endocannabinoid system and lead to things like anxiety, depression, mood swings, lower libido, etc.
This explains why cannabinoids can help during a time like menopause. A woman’s body is producing less estrogen but is still reactive to cannabinoids. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. And any number of these can affect the endocannabinoid system and help with the symptoms of menopause. However, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and we’re still learning how exactly cannabinoids work in the human body.
Menopause Symptoms Medical Marijuana Can Help With
Menopause can come with an array of symptoms. While medical marijuana may not be able to help with all these symptoms, it certainly can help with a lot, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
How to Use Medical Marijuana for Menopause Symptoms
There are plenty of ways women can use medical marijuana to try to alleviate menopause symptoms. Some of those ways include:
- Smoking
- Vaporizers
- Topicals
- Edibles
- Drinks
- Tinctures
All of these ways ensure that the marijuana will enter the body, and as a result, possibly help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
How Safe Is Medical Marijuana for Menopause?
Researchers say it’s not well understood whether cannabis use is safe or an effective way to manage menopausal symptoms. There have been few conclusive findings on the effects of using medical cannabis to help manage menopause symptoms. It is important to note that like peppers, cannabis comes in different strengths and potencies, and you should always consult with a medical professional before taking medical cannabis.
Learn More About Medical Marijuana and Menopause
The medical marijuana experts at CannaLeaf Health are here to answer any questions you have about medical marijuana and managing menopause symptoms. Olga Bennett, CRNP has over 20 years in healthcare and is passionate about guiding patients to wellness through functional medicine, alternative, and holistic care. She’ll help you determine if medical marijuana is right for you and your symptoms, as well as help you obtain a Maryland medical marijuana card.
Give us a call at 443-800-0670, or click here to schedule an online evaluation.
