If you’re one of many women who experience heavy PMS symptoms, including menstrual cramps, we hear you! Taking painkillers or NSAIDs are always an option, but maybe they don’t work for you, or you experience side effects you don’t like.
What if we told you that there may be another option with fewer side effects? In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about CBD for menstrual cramps, including benefits, how to use it, and which CBD products are the best for your monthly cycle.
Yes, you can use CBD products to try and relieve some of the symptoms coming with your menstrual cycle.
Depending on which type of CBD products you take, there are various doses on the product's packaging. Always start low and never exceed the maximum daily dose.
CBD can have various effects on your period, including helping with mood swings, stress, anxiety, and cramps that come with menstruation.
The best CBD balm for menstrual cramp is the one that works for you and is high-quality, and we recommend Restore: 1:1 CBG + CBD Topical for Sore Muscles.
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a cannabis ingredient that’s derived directly from the hemp plant. Most people use it to relax, but because CBD is so versatile, it can aid in management of tons of issues (such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, low appetite, or pain).
The power of CBD lies in how it interacts with our Endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS has receptors that react with CBD when a person consumes it. These receptors are like switches, and they influence tons of processes in our body, like appetite, inflammation, and stress responses.
It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t get you high; it can just relax your muscles and ease your mind without any psychoactive effects.
CBD has gained attention as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps due to its pain-relieving properties. Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, occur when the uterus contracts, causing pain and discomfort. These contractions are often triggered by an excess of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that contribute to cramping.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). By binding to cannabinoid receptors found in the immune and nervous systems, CBD can help reduce the production of prostaglandins, leading to less muscle tension.
This process makes CBD topicals and other products an appealing option for those seeking relief from menstrual cramps. Applying a CBD balm or cream directly to the abdomen can provide localized, targeted relief, relaxing the muscles and easing discomfort without the need for oral painkillers. In fact, it seems like CBD products are the pain relief of choice for menstrual cramps for 22% of Gen Z respondents who participated in this study.
Besides using CBD for sleep, can it also help with menstrual-related symptoms?
Approximately 90% of women experience PMS symptoms that range from mild to serious. It can be anything from irritability, headaches, and mood swings to severe period cramps and vomiting. Some women can do everyday activities, while some can’t get up from bed. There are many remedies, but the truth is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to menstrual-related symptoms.
If you’ve tried painkillers and other ways to ease your period cramps and you’re not quite satisfied with the results, it’s time to try CBD for menstrual cramps and PMS.
CBD is already known for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief, so why wouldn’t it work for menstrual cramps? Let’s start with why we get period cramps in the first place.
Prostaglandin chemicals are the main culprit for period cramps. Our body produces it to help the womb tighten in order to shed the uterus lining. The more prostaglandin there is, the greater the severity of period cramps.
CBD products can help manage the severity of period cramps and help your mind & body relax. A recent study shows that CBD helps with both psychological symptoms of PMS (Solowij et al., 2018) and physical such as menstrual cramps (Reiman et al., 2017).
Now that we know that CBD can potentially help you with cramps, let’s see the main benefits of using it instead of other remedies.
Let’s talk about how to use CBD for menstrual cramps. You can use CBD for menstrual cramps in different forms. What’s available?
Our top recommendations to have on hand would be a Topical and Gummies (Edibles). CBD Topicals are great to rub directly on an area that’s hurting you, and you can use them again after a few hours if you need more. CBD gummies for menstrual cramps are edible CBD products that you can consume directly. Edibles tend to last longer, so they are perfect for lasting during a long work shift or through the night. You can learn more about how topicals work here, and more about edibles here.
With most products, you can choose the dosage and see what works best for you. The way you consume it, whether it’s CBD isolate or CBD distillate, and the dosage, influences how fast you’ll experience the effect and its strength. If you’re already consuming cannabis products, you probably already have a preference. If not, it’s time to explore different options and see which product will help you with menstrual cramps and PMS.
The right CBD dosage for menstrual cramps depends on several factors, including the severity of your pain, your body weight, and how your body responds to CBD. Since everyone’s experience with CBD is unique, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help you find the optimal amount for relief.
Luckily, we’ve prepared a simple guide that will help you:
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a low dose, around 10-20 mg of CBD per day. Observe how your body reacts over a few days, and if you’re not experiencing enough relief, gradually increase the dose.
Your body weight plays a role in how much CBD you may need. A general rule of thumb is to take 1-5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.
If your cramps are mild, a lower dose (around 10-20 mg) may be enough. However, for more severe cramps, higher doses (30-50 mg or more) may be necessary to achieve relief.
The type of CBD product you choose also affects dosage. Sublingual tinctures or CBD oils tend to absorb more quickly and offer faster relief, while edibles or capsules take longer to kick in. Topicals like creams or balms provide localized relief and can be applied directly to the lower abdomen for menstrual cramps.
Keep a journal of your dosages and how they affect your pain levels. This will help you adjust over time to find the most effective dose without overconsumption. And remember, most products have a daily dosage guide. Never exceed the maximum!
When old ways of doing things just don’t cut it anymore, it’s time to try something new! Why not try CBD for PMS symptoms and explore how it could calm down your body and ease your mind? If you’re just starting with CBD products, it’s important to take it slowly and work your way up with the dosage.
There is a wide variety of products, from CBD gummies to topicals, and you’ll easily find something that works best for you. CBD products could help you relieve both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, with fewer side effects than most well-known remedies. Give it a try, and maybe you can forget about carrying painkillers and NSAIDs in your handbag!