CBD for PMS and PMDD – Is CBD Helpful?

HealthyTOKYO often gets questions regarding CBD for PMS. Most women would have experienced premenstrual symptoms such as period cramps, headaches, and feelings of irritability at least once in their life. According to a survey conducted by a pharmaceutical company, 90% of Japanese women have experienced changes in their physical or mental condition due to hormonal changes. In addition, 90% of report a feeling of stress.

In Japan, the law states that women suffering extreme period pain or severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) have the right to take “menstrual leave”. However, the acquisition rate for this is actually very low, just 0.9%, according to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2015.

CBD for PMS can be a strong ally for such hard-working women. It is said that more and more people are now using it to relieve the symptoms of PMS and PMDD. If you’re suffering from painful symptoms, why not give CBD a try? This time, we will unravel the relationship between PMS, PMDD, menstrual pain, and CBD.

What are PMS and PMDD?

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome which is a combination of symptoms that many women get about three to ten days before their period. These symptoms are usually relieved when menstruation starts. Symptoms include physical ailments such as fatigue, headache, drowsiness, nausea, swelling, skin problems, cramps in the lower abdomen, and lower back pain. Some women experience, frustration, anxiety, loss of concentration, and emotional swings, among up to 150 to 200 other kinds of ailments.

PMDD, on the other hand, stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and is a severe and disabling form of premenstrual syndrome that can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships in some cases. For example, you may become aggressive, have a strong sense of self-denial, severe anxiety, or become noticeably irritated.

What is CBD? Cannabis?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high” when consumed. Instead, it’s recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and homeostasis. Research suggests that CBD may have a wide range of potential health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and even potential use in treating epilepsy and certain neurological conditions.

Why are my body and mind impacted before menstruation?

Many women suffer from PMS but the cause is not clear. However, it is believed to be due to changes in levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone secreted in the luteal phase after ovulation. Symptoms related to PMS can vary depending on age, pregnancy, birth experience, hormonal imbalance, stress, eating habits, and physical fitness, among others. There are large individual differences. Women in their thirties tend to experience the peak of PMS symptoms.

CBD for PMS and PMDD symptoms

CBD can provide a light of hope for those suffering from symptoms of PMS and PMDD. CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is one of the components found in more than 100 types of cannabinoids and is an effective compound contained in natural hemp.

Although this cannabinoid responds to receptors in our body, there are neurotransmitters in our body that act similarly to cannabinoids. This neurotransmitter is called the “endogenous cannabinoid” and is collectively called the “endocannabinoid system”.

The endocannabinoid system, which includes the brain, organs, and immune cells, is said to be the “most important physiological system for human health”. When this balance is lost, various diseases are likely to occur. On the other hand, it is believed that there is a possibility that many diseases can be treated by making good use of the endocannabinoid system.

Although research is still ongoing on this subject, CBD is known to relieve some symptoms of PMS and might be able to treat pmdd symptoms as well. Here are some examples of the symptoms that may be treated with CBD.

Depression & Anxiety

Loss of interest, depression, lack of self-affirmation, and loss of self-esteem are some of the problems that people suffering from PMS and PMDD experience.

Depression is said to occur when there is an imbalance of serotonin, a naturally occurring substance that functions as a neurotransmitter to carry signals between nerve cells (called neurons) throughout your body. A reduction of progesterone in turn decreases the amount of serotonin secreted. CBD acts on this serotonin receptor and can be expected to have antidepressant-like effects. It is also said to be useful for controlling anxiety. Please also refer to the HealthyTOKYO blog for articles on depression and anxiety disorders.

Feelings of Irritability

According to a survey by a pharmaceutical company, more than half of women who experience PMS recognize feelings of frustration and irritability as emotional symptoms of PMS. During this time, a woman experiencing PMS may get angry at trivial things that she does not usually care about and may more likely get triggered by her parents, friends, or partner. As it is something that she is unable to control, she may feel even worse. CBD is believed to soothe such feelings for a calm state of mind.

Insomnia

CBD is also recommended for those who experience insomnia during PMS and menstruation. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, try consuming about 15-30mg of CBD before going to bed.

Nausea & Vomiting

CBD is also known to suppress nausea. There is research evidence that states that CBD may be effective clinically for treating both nausea and vomiting produced by chemotherapy or other therapeutic treatments. The American Cancer Society has also mentioned that cannabinoids can help if normal anti-nausea doesn’t work.

Acne & Skin Outbreaks

Before menstruation, the amount of progesterone secreted increases. This progesterone can activate the secretion of sebum. When a large amount of sebum clogs the pores, it can cause acne and skin irritation. In addition to regulating sebum secretion, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. Try applying the cream directly to the affected area or sublingually administer it from the inside. See also the articles on acne and CBD.

Loss of Concentration

Some of the other symptoms of PMS include feeling heaviness in the head, lack of motivation, and inability to concentrate. Common causes for the lack of concentration are also related to stress and a lack of sleep, so relieving these issues could lead to improved concentration. CBD may be worth a try to improve concentration even if there may not be an immediate direct effect. Read our blog post about the relationship between concentration and CBD.

Pain

PMS can cause headaches and pain in the hips, stomach, and lower abdomen. CBD is effective in treating both neuropathic and inflammatory pain and is believed to relieve various kinds of pains such as headaches.

CBD for Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstrual or Period Cramps?

CBD may be proven to be effective in treating some symptoms of PMS, but is it also effective in treating severe menstrual pain?

During menstruation, the endometrium peels off and is excreted from the body together with menstrual blood. At this time, a substance called prostaglandin that contracts the uterus is secreted and plays a role in peeling off the endometrium. This prostaglandin is one of the causes of menstrual pain, but studies have been published that CBD can suppress the production of prostaglandins.

As for whether CBD is effective in treating menstrual pain, there is still no evidence from double-blind methods (A double-blind experiment is an experimental method used to ensure impartiality and avoid errors arising from bias). However, many women seem to be using it to relieve severe menstrual pain.

CBD products to assist with PMS and PMDD are available on the go

CBD can relieve some PMS and PMDD symptoms. Here are some CBD products that are easy to carry around.

CBD oil (sublingual administration)

You can choose to either administer a few drops under the tongue or mix it together with coffee or tea. This is an oil with the quickest absorption rate, which makes it easy to feel the effects quickly.
HealthyTOKYO CBD Oil 6%
CBDTokyo 10.4% High Concentration Isolated Oil

CBD Gummies

You can eat gummies anytime, anywhere, such as on the train or in the office, like a snack.
CBDTokyo 9.3 CBD Mango Star Gummies

CBD Cream

A cream with plenty of moisturizing ingredients is recommended for dry skin.
HealthyTOKYO CBD Hand Cream Moisturizing Yuzu

All of these products can be purchased on HealthyTOKYO’s website or in-store.

Find a CBD that is best suited for you

There are individual differences in PMS, so it is important to look at your body and symptoms first. In addition, the effects of CBD are also different for each person. Let’s overcome these difficult times with CBD while grasping the product and quantity that is right for your body. I hope this article has given you insights that CBD can be a powerful support for women looking to tame common PMS symptoms. Please try it out during your next menstrual cycle as it may be an alternative way to deal with your period, PMS and PMDD.