CBD for Women’s Health: Addressing Menstrual Discomfort Naturally

Every month, menstruation can trigger uncomfortable, sometimes aching cramps in many women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). This occurs as the uterus contracts, shedding its lining and the unfertilized egg within it.

To address the discomfort, it’s common to reach for heating pads and medications or adopt exercise or deep stretching practices for menstrual pain relief.

That said, it may also be helpful to add CBD to your menstruation survival kit, as it can help soothe painful cramps and period discomfort.

Why Does Menstruation Hurt?

Your menstrual cycle follows four distinct stages: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase and menstruation. During the latter, the body produces prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger the uterus to contract and cause inflammation.

The more prostaglandins your body produces, the more uncomfortable your period cramps will be.

Menstrual cramps may also arise or worsen as a result of:

Irregular growth of the lining outside of the uterus
Benign growths on the wall of the uterus
Irregular growth of the lining into the muscular walls of the uterus
Sexually transmitted pathogens
Small cervix opening that impedes menstrual flow

All that said, painful cramps can significantly impact your ability to go to work, exercise and socialize with loved ones. Fortunately, using CBD for period cramps may be able to alleviate menstrual pain.

How Does CBD Work to Relieve Menstrual Discomfort?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid that’s found in the hemp plant. Full-spectrum CBD products contain more than just CBD, including terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids that work together to produce potentially therapeutic effects on the mind and body.

When CBD enters the bloodstream, it travels throughout the body and is believed to interact with or bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body.

That said, you aren’t a plant — why does the body have cannabinoid receptors?

In 1988, it was discovered that the body naturally produces cannabinoids itself as part of the endocannabinoid system. These are called endocannabinoids, and they bind to two receptors — CB1 and CB2 — in the nervous and immune systems, respectively, to help regulate:

Sleep
Appetite
Mood
Learning
Memory
Body temperature
Immune functions
Fertility
Physical discomfort

So, how can you use CBD for period cramps?

It’s simple: Cannabinoid-rich immune cells play a significant role in the inflammation that causes menstrual cramping. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they can modulate the immune response. Accordingly, CBD forpain relief may be able to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules that contribute to the inflammatory process and reduce the severe pain that comes from menstrual cramps.

How Else Might CBD Relieve Menstrual Symptoms?

In addition to an achy abdomen, menstrual symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

Bloating – Bloating is a common symptom during menstruation, often characterized by a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdominal area. It occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in progesterone and estrogen levels, which can lead to water retention and gastrointestinal discomfort. CBD may help alleviate bloating by addressing some of the underlying mechanisms contributing to this discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially diminishing or eliminating some of the swelling and discomfort associated with bloating. Additionally, CBD's ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system can help regulate fluid balance and reduce gastrointestinal motility issues, which may further decrease bloating.
Blemishes – Blemishes during menstruation, such as pimples, are often linked to hormonal changes. Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can increase oil production in the skin, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. This hormonal imbalance can exacerbate existing skin issues or trigger new ones, resulting in blemishes that can appear on the face, back or shoulders. CBD's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may be beneficial in managing blemishes. By reducing inflammation, CBD can help calm irritated skin and minimize associated redness. Its potential to regulate sebum production and balance oil levels in the skin can also help prevent clogged pores and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
Sore breasts – Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to breast tissue swelling and tenderness. This condition is often described as a dull ache or sensitivity in the breasts, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the body, CBD can help to lessen tenderness and reduce inflammation in the breast tissue.
Fatigue – Fatigue during menstruation can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, loss of iron due to bleeding and disrupted sleep patterns. CBD may help manage fatigue by improving sleep quality and reducing stress.
Mood swings – Increased progesterone and estrogen levels can also affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain, leading to mood swings and irritability. When it comes to CBD for mood enhancement, CBD may be able to interact with receptors in the brain to improve your mood and overall emotional balance.

Add Zebra CBD to Your Menstrual Survival Kit

Your monthly menstrual cycle can come with a deluge of symptoms, from achy cramps and lower back pains, to mood swings, fatigue, bloating and blemishes. Navigating these challenges can be tough, but you don’t have to go it alone.

The good news? CBD may offer soothing relief from these menstrual related symptoms, making it a valuable addition to your menstrual survival kit.

At Zebra CBD, our CBD products are crafted with premium hemp extract to provide natural relief for your mind and body. For targeted comfort, try CBD topicals like our CBD Roll-On Relief or CBD Balm to ease muscle tension and reduce soreness. For a more holistic approach, indulge in one of our CBD gummies for sale to support restful sleep and stabilize stress levels throughout your cycle.

CBD isn’t just for your period week — it’s designed for all-day, everyday wellness. Enhance your routine by adding a few drops of our CBD hemp oil for sale to your morning smoothie or incorporating CBD chewable tablets or a CBD gummy into your daily vitamin regimen. We take pride in our rigorous third-party testing processes, ensuring every product is free from contaminants and toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

Choose Zebra CBD for women’s health and beyond, for a natural, safe and effective way to support your overall well-being, every day of the month.

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