Menopause signals a profound shift in a woman’s journey bringing with it a multitude of symptoms that can disrupt daily life. From hot flashes to mood swings, navigating this transition can feel like an uphill battle. In the face of these challenges, CBD for menopause has emerged as a potential ally, complemented by other holistic options, to help this major change.
Understanding Menopause Stages and Causes
The menopause process typically begins later in a woman’s life, often in the late 40s to early 50s, marking the end of menstrual cycles and reproductive years. There are usually three stages, perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, each with its own inherent symptoms.
- Perimenopause or “menopause transition” will be the first stage beginning anywhere from eight to ten years before menopause sets in. This stage usually is signified by the lessened estrogen production but menstrual cycles have not stopped.
- Menopause will be signified by the stopping of the menstrual period cycles. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped producing eggs and estrogen levels drop even further, this can also bring different levels of symptoms like hot flashes.
- Postmenopause is the timeframe past the first year of not having a menstrual cycle. Menopausal symptoms may lessen during this timeframe however, some women continue to experience menopausal symptoms for a decade or longer. As a result of a lower estrogen level, people in the postmenopausal phase are at an increased risk for several health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
While menopause is naturally occurring, many factors can affect this process for each woman (1). The most common factor is the aging process and the decline of hormones like estrogen, but other factors can include surgeries, especially oophorectomy where the ovaries are removed, as well as hysterectomies. Chemotherapy and radiation can also be factors and can cause premature menopause.
Identifying Menopause Symptoms
As the duration of menopause symptoms can widely vary, often lasting several years, recognizing the signs of menopause is crucial for effective management. Severity can also depend on the woman but symptoms typically include hot flashes, chills, night sweats, and mood changes. Physical body changes such as thinning hair and weight gain are also common along with having issues with falling or staying asleep.
Menopause Supplements: Exploring Hemp for Menopause Relief
CBD may be able to be a valuable tool for managing various menopause symptoms, attributed to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system across the body and the female reproductive system. Research suggests that this connection, along with CBD’s natural integration into the body, may offer relief from discomfort and promote relaxation during menopause (2).
Other cannabinoids like CBN may also be able to help with sleep disruptions while CBG may be able to offer more energy and focus for women during this transition. In addition to incorporating hemp into your routine, practicing self-care is essential for navigating menopause with grace. Prioritizing stress management techniques, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and embracing mindfulness practices can significantly impact symptom severity and overall quality of life.
Menopause Self-Care with Hemp
Menopause presents a significant transition for women as they age, often accompanied by disruptive symptoms many struggle to alleviate. However, CBD and other holistic options offer potential relief amidst these challenges. By understanding menopause stages, identifying symptoms, and exploring CBD’s benefits, women can navigate this phase with greater confidence. Before incorporating CBD into any routine for menopause symptoms, it’s advised to consult with your healthcare provider first. They can assist in identifying the suitable CBD product type and dosage tailored to your specific requirements.
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Works cited:
- Pruthi, Sandhya. “Menopause.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.
- Kandola, Aaron. “CBD for Menopause: Can It Help Deal with Symptoms?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2 Nov. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322078.
