How to reduce menstrual pain — the effect of CBD oil
Dysmenorrhea (pain and cramps during menstruation) is the most common disorder of the menstrual cycle. According to the survey results, 84% of young women have menstrual pain, and half of them experience this pain every month [1]. Periodic pain is exhausting and can significantly impair the quality of life. In a third of women with dysmenorrhea, the pain does not improve after taking over-the-counter pain relievers and is the cause of forced absenteeism at work, school, and social activities [2].
Other symptoms of dysmenorrhea, in addition to pain, are nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, dizziness [3]. Recurrent menstrual pain increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress [4]. Depression, in turn, increases the subjective feeling of pain severity and can reduce the effectiveness of painkillers [5].
Modern methods of treatment of dysmenorrhea — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives (OC) are aimed at reducing the symptoms of the disorder. However, both methods have limitations. Chronic use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, increased risk of myocardial infarction, and kidney damage [6]. The use of OC also has side effects, and is impossible for women who plan to become pregnant [7].
Can Cannabinoids and CBD reduce Menstrual Pain?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has a unique effect on the human body [8]. CBD is able to interact with dozens of different receptors on cells and thus influence a variety of physiological processes, from inflammation in the intestines to concentration of attention.
One of the mechanisms of cannabidiol action is to increase the activity of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is the most powerful regulatory system in the body: its receptors (CB1, CB2) are present in almost all tissues and organs. Activation of ECS, among other things, normalizes digestion, reduces inflammation, and improves the function of the nervous system. Studies have shown that during menstruation, ECS regulates the contractility of the myometrium (the muscle layer of the uterus).
Cannabinoids, like THC, are able to cause relaxation of the myometrium, which in turn relieves pain.
CBD is non-psychoactive as it does not activate cannabinoid receptors directly. However, CBD is able to increase the level of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, a natural activator of the ECS. The increase in the level of anandamide due to the effect of CBD increases the activity of the ECS without causing euphoria.
Unfortunately, there is still limited scientific research on the use of CBD for the treatment of menstrual pain. However, CBD has already been experimentally proven to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea [9].
According to a survey in Australia, women suffering from endometriosis (a common cause of dysmenorrhea), find CBD oil to be one of the most effective methods of reducing pain during menstruation — CBD was more effective than physical exercises such as yoga and pilates [10].
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC339...
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24284...
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-f...
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC709...
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9...
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd...
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/306...