CBD oil, a cannabis plant derivative, has become hugely popular among the wellness crowd. Its analgesic and mood-lifting qualities have solid scientific evidence behind them, and there’s growing interest in CBD’s ability to help women deal with period-related problems.

Using CBD oil won’t give you that mind-altering high associated with cannabis. That’s because it contains only extremely small quantities – if any at all – of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). So with its ability to relieve pain, lift the mood and without getting you high, CBD shows promise as an effective and natural remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a syndrome that moderately to severely affects around 30% of women. This article provides a guide on how CBD oil could help PMS sufferers.

What is PMS?

Lots of women experience psychological, behavioural and physical changes during the days before menstruation. When these changes occur month after month and are distressing enough to affect a woman’s daily life, they become a chronic condition known as premenstrual syndrome or PMS.  

PMS happens during the menstrual cycle’s luteal phase (from ovulation to the start of menstruating) and has often diminished by the end of a period. The menstrual cycle typically occurs each month during the female reproductive years, with the average cycle length lasting 28 days (from the first day of bleeding to the first day of the next period), although this can vary significantly between women. Menstruation is when the uterus lining thickens and begins to shed.

PMS Symptoms

Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal cramps
• Skin flare-ups
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Gastrointestinal issue
• Appetite changes

Psychological symptoms might include:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Poor focus
• Libido changes
• Confusion/brain fog 

Can CBD Help with PMS? 

While painkillers and hot water bottles provide sufficient PMS relief for some, others seek out alternative natural and effective remedies. Many people turn to CBD for anxiety relief, pain relief and to enhance wellbeing in general, and now some women are discovering that using CBD can be a game changer for those debilitating PMS symptoms. 

While it hasn't studied PMS specifically, scientific research shows that CBD can have a significantly positive impact on many of the common emotional and physical symptoms of PMS. CBD has strong relaxation properties; reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, and improving sleep. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever which can assist with painful menstrual cramps, headaches and breast tenderness. If you suffer from hormonal skin flare-ups, CBD has even been shown to control sebum production, soothe the skin and potentially reduce acne.

Do You Have to Get High to Reap the Benefits? 

No, using CBD oil for menstrual problems will not get you high. CBD oil (broad or full-spectrum) contains none – or very little – THC the psychoactive cannabis compound, and therefore cannot cause a mind-altering high. That’s the beauty of CBD – it provides many wellness benefits without the psychoactive properties of its THC counterpart. 

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

So, how does CBD work in the body to potentially reduce PMS symptoms? CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids (endogenous lipids) and their receptors. The ECS plays a role in many physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, fertility, and stress management.

When we take CBD oil, it interacts with the receptors of the ECS (essentially, mimicking the activity of our endocannabinoids). This provides a boost to the ECS, helping the system to function more effectively and reducing stress and inflammation throughout the body as a result.

How to Take CBD Oil for PMS

For individuals who suffer from severe pain or headaches during the premenstrual phase, sublingual CBD oil is advised. Use a dropper to be sure you have the proper dose and drop the oil under the tongue. To allow it to enter the circulation rapidly and provide swift impact, hold it for roughly 60 seconds before swallowing. You may also add CBD oil to your favourite drinks or meals, but administering the oil sublingually will be more effective. Another effective method is massaging CBD oil directly in and around your naval.

Can CBD Help Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms?

During perimenopause, many women experience a change in their menstrual cycle, which may become shorter, longer, more erratic, heavier or lighter, for instance. Once menopause is reached, periods will stop completely. PMS symptoms may begin to decline during the menopause years, but many women suffer from different symptoms associated with declining oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, such as hot flushes, night sweats, low sex drive and problem skin during this time. Based on preclinical research and anecdotal reports, CBD can also help with many symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause. If you haven't downloaded our free Menopause eBook, you can do so here.

Final Thoughts 

Early-stage scientific research, while not directly concentrated on PMS symptoms, indicates that if you're seeking a natural and useful method to provide relief from common premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, abdominal pain, headaches and fatigue, CBD oil is worth trying. Further studies are required, but as the research continues to evolve, results are often supportive of the positive anecdotal reports of regular CBD users.