Women have sought relief from the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, for centuries. One remedy that has enjoyed some popularity for this is cannabis. While weed has been controversial in modern times and is just recently becoming legal in states around the U.S., it used to be an accepted option for relieving PMS symptoms. In fact, Queen Victoria is rumored to have used it for this purpose. So, what causes PMS symptoms and how can marijuana products help? Read on to find out.
What Symptoms Are Associated with PMS?
This syndrome involves a multitude of symptoms, which are experienced in a variety of ways by those affected. Common symptoms are bloating, breast tenderness,, irritability and mood swings, headaches, and fatigue.
It usually kicks in about two weeks before menstruation, which is a time medically known as the "luteal phase" of the menstrual cycle. Sometimes symptoms persist into the actual menstrual period.
How Cannabis Works for Symptom Relief
Cannabis contains over 100 active compounds known as cannabinoids. The ones everyone hears about are THC and CBD, but the others may also play a role in symptom relief. They all interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors. These receptors are found in all parts of your body and help regulate physical and mental processes like pain perception, inflammation, hormonal balance, and mood.
PMS Symptoms that May be Reduced by Cannabis
- Abdominal and pelvic pain are hallmark symptoms of PMS. In a study originally found on PubMed, it was reported that CBD reduces pain perception. It is often used for relieving the pain from a variety of ailments.
- Mood Issues. Irritability and mood swings are probably the most infamous PMS symptoms. CBD has attracted attention for its ability to calm anxiety and stabilize the mood. It is believed to affect the serotonin levels in the brain.
- It is believed that inflammation is what increases the severity of PMS symptoms. Both THC and CBD calm inflammation, and this could reduce the strength of PMS symptoms.
- Many women feel nauseous when they're experiencing PMS. THC has long been used to reduce nausea in people taking chemotherapy, but it works on nausea caused by other things, including PMS. A study first published in the British Journal of Pharmacology examined this effect.
- It is common to have poor sleep while enduring PMS. The calming effects of CBD can make it easier to get the sleep you need.
- Hormonal Imbalances. More research is said to be needed, but preliminary studies suggest that cannabis has an impact on how your body regulates hormones. This may relieve PMS symptoms.
- Cramps in the pelvic region arise when the muscles contract to expel shredded uterine lining tissue. The contractions reduce the level of oxygen available to the entire region of the body, resulting in pain in the area, nausea, and loose stools, among other nasty effects. CBD can relieve the cramping, and therefore, reduce the side effects of the uterine contractions.
Many women try a variety of remedies for period pain and other distress, ranging from low-tech hot compresses all the way to trying expensive and dangerous pharmaceutical concoctions. However, CBD can be just as effective as the products from Big Pharma while having a significantly better safety profile.
Why is There so Little Research Into Cannabinoids?
This problem is the result of decades of marijuana bans and the associated propaganda. Only after a majority of people stopped demonizing weed did research start in earnest. The shift in public opinion has allowed the research dollars to flow, so most studies indicating benefits are quite recent. Now we can expect many more studies as researchers work to pin down exactly how to maximize the beneficial health effects of cannabis products.
Since many people need to relieve pain from a great variety of conditions, much of current research revolves around this use. However, the focus is sure to expand as time goes on. The more people realize that pot isn't just for stoners and cancer patients, the more interest there will be in exploring all of its chemical compounds and their physiological effects.
Unofficial Reports
Though scientists typically try to dismiss all anecdotal (personal) reports about anything, cannabis surely has had enough people use it to get a good general idea of whether or not it might be useful for a common application such as pain relief. Plenty of people swear by its effectiveness for this purpose.
Should You Use CBD or THC?
The answer depends on whether or not you want to get high. If you do, THC combines pain relief with psychotropic effects, giving you both of the effects you want in a single product.
If you choose to (or need to) remain sober, take CBD. It has powerful pain relieving effects but doesn't make you stoned.
Other Things to Do to Reduce PMS Symptoms
As with many health issues, you will have better results if you combine several methods of reducing PMS symptoms. Try to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and reduce sources of stress in your life. When your body is in better condition, it can more easily handle challenges like the days leading up to your period.
Is Cannabis Legal?
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. However, several states have deleted bans from their own laws and are not working with federal law enforcement. The feds also do not seem to be cracking down on state-authorized dispensaries, grow-ops, and other pot-related activity. If you are in a state where cannabis has been legalized, it is therefore likely that you won't run into any trouble. Note that some states have only legalized marijuana for medicinal use, so it's a good idea to have some proof of this need handy.
Where Can You Get Cannabis Products?
In states where cannabis products are legal, you can usually get them at licensed dispensaries. Many forms are typically available, ranging from whole-plant products to CBD extracts. However, you may find it more rewarding to grow your own. We offer a wide selection of seeds so that you can grow plants with the exact properties you're looking for. Visit our shop to see the possibilities.
