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CBD for Menstrual Cramps

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 there might be another natural option that fits more easily into your routine? 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. 

TLDR; FAQs About CBD for Menstrual Cramps

Can I use CBD for menstrual cramps?

Yes, you can use CBD products as part of your routine to support comfort during your menstrual cycle.

How much CBD to take for menstrual pain?

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. 

What does CBD do to your period?

CBD may be associated with easing mood swings, stress, and general discomfort during menstruation.

What is the best CBD balm for menstrual cramps?

The best CBD balm is the one that suits your needs and is made with quality ingredients. We recommend Restore: 3:1 D8 + CBD Topical for Sore Muscles.

What Is CBD?

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a cannabis ingredient that’s derived directly from the hemp plant. Most people use it to relax, and because CBD is so versatile, it’s often incorporated into routines for things like winding down, supporting rest, or encouraging balance.

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. 

What’s the Connection Between CBD and Menstrual Cramps?

CBD has gained attention as a natural option that some people associate with easing menstrual discomfort.  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, some research suggests CBD may interact with pathways linked to muscle tension, though more evidence is needed.

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 may provide a soothing, localized effect that some people find helpful during their cycle. 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.

Does CBD Help With Period Cramps?

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 other approaches and aren’t quite satisfied with the results, you may want to explore CBD as part of your cycle routine.

CBD is often studied for its calming and balancing properties, 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 may help take the edge off cycle-related discomfort and support a more relaxed state of mind and body. 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).

Benefits of CBD for Menstrual Cramps

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. 

  • CBD is well-tolerated. According to research (Bergamaschi et al., 2011; Iffland & Grotenhermen, 2017), neither group (healthy individuals and individuals with various health conditions) experienced adverse effects when they consumed CBD. 
  • CBD can support many aspects of your body, including mood balance and everyday discomfort. (Schultes 1969; Campos et al. 2016; Hillard 2000). 
  • CBD can relax your muscles & discomfort. CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system relaxes both your mind & muscles, reduces tension, and consequently, some people say it makes their cycle feel more manageable. Remember, the uterus is a MUSCLE!

How to Use CBD for Menstrual Cramps

Let’s talk about how to use CBD for menstrual cramps. You can use CBD for menstrual cramps in different forms. What’s available?

  • CBD Topicals
  • CBD Tinctures
  • CBD Edibles
  • CBD Smokables
  • CBD Pre-rolls
  • CBD Flower

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. 

Figuring Out The Right Dose of CBD for Menstrual Pain

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:

Start low and go slow

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.

Consider your body weight

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. 

Cramps severity

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. 

Form matters

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 soothing and can be applied directly to the lower abdomen for comfort.

Track your progress

Keep a journal of your dosages and how they affect your comfort 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!

Final Thoughts on CBD for PMS

When old ways of doing things just don’t cut it anymore, it’s time to try something new! Why not try CBD for period discomfort 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! 

The Best CBD Products for Cramps


The Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate the products sold on this Website. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any medical conditions. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a medical health professional before using any product on this Website.
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