How Does Cannabis Relieve Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome?
Posted 6 years ago by Ian Shutts
Dealing with monthly periods can be pretty annoying. It’s uncomfortable, and you can’t move about freely like you’re used to. Then you also have to deal with a rollercoaster of emotions as premenstrual syndrome or PMS hits you.
For some women, this time of the month is more than just a simple discomfort they have to deal with for a few days. It’s literally living through hell until their cycle is over.
If you’re one of the unfortunate women who are suffering from premenstrual syndrome or PMS, know that cannabis can help relieve your symptoms.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome is a common medical condition that affects a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing days before her monthly period starts. In some women, these symptoms continue during and even after her period.
The symptoms of PMS include:
- Bloating and pain of the abdominal region.
- Sore and painful breasts.
- Development of acne.
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (constipation or diarrhea).
- Development of headaches or worsening of migraine.
- Food cravings.
- Mood swings, irritability, and emotional outbursts.
- Sleep changes.
- Fatigue and tiredness.
The exact cause of PMS is unknown. However, there are several factors that aggravate it like family history of PMS and mental health problems like depression and anxiety disorder. Other risk factors include substance abuse, physical and emotional trauma, and domestic violence.
When a woman nears her period, her hormone levels start to change. This, in turn, affects the neurotransmitter levels in the body. Now, these fluctuations cause the PMS symptoms. It also affects the way her immune system normally functions and exacerbates known medical conditions. Studies reveal that acute inflammation also plays a crucial role in worsening PMS symptoms.
What are the effects of cannabis on premenstrual syndrome?
Cannabis has the potential to control several symptoms associated with PMS.
- Pain relief.
The cannabinoids have potent analgesic effects when they activate the endocannabinoid systems found in the cells. CBD, in particular, also binds to several receptors responsible for the modulation and regulation of pain. When these systems are activated, there will be a reduction in pain. The cannabinoids can reduce abdominal pain. They can also relieve other painful symptoms like headaches, migraines, and breast soreness.
- Inflammation control.
As mentioned earlier, inflammation plays a role in the development of PMS symptoms. Now, both THC and CBD have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They do this by stimulating the apoptosis or cell death of abnormal proinflammatory cells. When acute inflammation is controlled, pain will be reduced. It will also improve symptoms of known medical conditions worsened by PMS. The anti-inflammatory effects can also control acne breakout.
- Reduction in cramps and muscle spasms.
PMS causes painful abdominal cramping and muscle spasms. Cannabis is known for its powerful muscle-relaxing effects. It can control not only PMS cramps but period cramps as well. It can also relax painful muscle spasms.
- Stabilize mood swings.
Cannabis is known for its euphoric and uplifting effects. It has the ability to stabilize moods and emotions. These effects can control irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, emotional outbursts, and stress in women with PMS. Using cannabis can also help improve their focus and concentration.
- Control gastrointestinal problems.
The endocannabinoid system or ECS plays a vital role in modulating and regulating gastrointestinal functions. When the cannabinoids activate the ECS found in the gastrointestinal system, there will be an improvement in the GI-related problems.
- Promotes better sleep.
PMS symptoms can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Now, in addition to controlling PMS symptoms, cannabis also has an effect on sleep. It allows you to stay in the deep-sleep stage longer. This is the stage that is the most restful. The soothing and relaxing effects of cannabis also help prepare you for a deep and peaceful sleep.
- Boost energy.
Women with PMS symptoms often complain of lethargy and fatigue. Now, cannabis is known for its invigorating as well as energizing effect. Using cannabis can give you an extra boost in energy level. It can also control fatigue and lethargy.
How do you use cannabis for PMS?
If you want fast relief from PMS symptoms, smoking or vaping cannabis is the best option. However, if you can’t tolerate these, you can try cannabis edibles instead. It takes a while before the effects kick in, but they last longer than smoking or vaping cannabis.
There are also topical cannabis products that you can apply over your abdominal and pelvic regions. For faster relief, you can also try vaginal suppositories.
So, ladies, if you’re dealing with PMS and painful period cramps, you might want to try cannabis for symptom control.