3 Evidence of CBD use for promoting reproductive health in men and women + CBD side effects
Most people use CBD oils or suppositories (female reproductive health), but gender-specific products such as CBD lubricants and oils with external uses are also available.
Benefits of using CBD for the reproductive system:
- May help relieve pain during intercourse
- Relieves performance anxiety
- May help with erectile dysfunction
- Relieves common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
- Supports symptoms associated with PCOS
- May relieve pain and inflammation from endometriosis
- Relieves anxiety associated with menopause
1. CBD for premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent condition experienced by up to 95% of women of reproductive age. This condition occurs up to a week before the menstrual phase of a woman's reproductive cycle. The hormonal changes that occur as the body prepares for menstruation lead to a range of psychological and physical symptoms. The effects of PMS vary for everyone and their severity can range from mild to extreme. Many women use CBD oils to relieve PMS symptoms such as anxiety, muscle cramps, mood changes, pain, insomnia and more.
The benefits of using CBD oil for PMS include:
- Relieves anxiety
- Supports mood and relieves symptoms of depression
- Relieves cramps and abdominal pain
- Supports sleep quality
- Reduces the formation of acne
Evidence: CBD and PMS
There are no studies that specifically look at the effects of CBD on PMS, but there are plenty of studies that have shown direct benefits of using CBD for common symptoms associated with the condition (pain, cramps, and mood changes). During the luteal phase (the phase just before menstruation), dramatic changes in progesterone and estrogen can affect serotonin levels in the brain. The decrease in serotonin activity during this phase is thought to be one of the main causes of the mood changes associated with PMS. CBD has been shown to mitigate the effects of low serotonin activity in the brain. This is considered one of the key reasons why CBD is so effective for stabilizing mood during PMS.
2. CBD in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not well researched. We still do not know the underlying cause of this condition, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. PCOS is more of a metabolic disorder than anything else. The designation includes a widespread imbalance of female reproductive hormones, male androgens and insulin. CBD is not a cure for PCOS, but it can help alleviate several underlying mechanisms associated with the progression of symptoms.
The benefits of using CBD oil for PCOS include:
- Supports optimal insulin levels
- Promotes weight loss
- May alleviate common side effects of PCOS
Evidence: CBD and PCOS
A large analytical study examined the results of data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010 to correlate the effect of cannabis on insulin resistance. The study found that survey participants who regularly used cannabis had 16% lower insulin resistance scores than non-users. While this particular study examined the effects of cannabis products in general (including marijuana), researchers consider CBD to be one of the key compounds responsible for the insulin-regulating effect.
3. CBD in endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally grows inside the uterus accidentally grows outside the uterus. This special tissue (endometrial tissue) is adapted to changes in response to female hormones during the menstrual cycle. This tissue itself is not harmful, but the problem occurs during the menstrual phase when this tissue is activated by changes in hormones. The endometrial tissue inside the uterus is pushed out of the body through the vaginal cavity. Tissue growing outside the uterus gets trapped in the body. This can result in severe pain and inflammation. During cycles, this can eventually lead to scar tissue forming on the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. CBD does not treat endometriosis and does not prevent the growth of endometrial tissue. However, it may offer benefits to combat common side effects of the condition.
The benefits of using CBD oil for endometriosis include:
- Relieves inflammatory pain
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Blocks the effects of inflammatory prostaglandins
- Regulates hormone production
Evidence: CBD and endometriosis
Women diagnosed with endometriosis were asked about their experiences using CBD to treat pelvic pain associated with the condition. Of the survey respondents who had tried CBD, 57% reported CBD as very or moderately effective.
Table of benefits of individual cannabinoids
CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of hemp extract. While CBD is the main ingredient, it contributes to the overall health benefits of fullspectrum CBD oil other contributors to the overall health benefits cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis.
Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:
|
Health benefit |
CBD (cannabidiol) |
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) |
CBN (cannabinol) |
CBG (cannabigerol) |
CBC (cannabichromene) |
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) |
|
Adaptogenic effects |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Analgesic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anti-inflammatory effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Effects against cancer |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Anticonvulsant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidepressant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidiabetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiemetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiepileptic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antimicrobial effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antioxidant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anxiolytic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Appetite Stimulant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Suppresses appetite |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Immunomodulatory effects |
✓ |
|||||
|
Neuroprotective effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Sedative effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
What are the side effects of CBD?
All dietary supplements and medications carry a risk of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on the specific substance. Compared to other dietary supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who experience side effects report that the reaction is mild, most often involving fatigue or dizziness. In more severe cases, CBD can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, diarrhea or nausea, although this is very rare. Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when it is taken with other drugs, supplements or alcohol.
The most common side effects of CBD include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Summary: The Benefits of Using CBD
CBD is a very useful supplement that offers a wide range of benefits across multiple organ systems. It is used to support neurological function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and much more. This impressive molecule can offer all of these benefits by interacting with a system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can influence hormone production, nerve function, inflammation, pain transmission, and more.
PHOTO: Shutterstock
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