Why are more women turning to CBD?

Cannabis Health looks at the most common reasons why more women are using CBD than ever before.

CBD oil and other products are known for being a natural remedy for a number of health conditions and natural body processes. But the number of women using CBD-based products has increased due to its reported benefits for a number of female-specific complaints.

Period pains and PMS

The average female will have 450 periods in her lifetime. Although some women have painless periods, a lot suffer from cramps, tender breasts and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS affects a woman’s emotions and behaviour in more than 90 per cent of those menstruating.

Choosing CBD remedies over paracetamol or a hot water bottle has proven effective in easing the monthly aches through a 2015 study by researchers at the University of British Columbia. 192 women were asked if they had used cannabis-based products for period pains with 85 per cent saying they had, and almost 90 per cent claiming to have found it effective.

A recent product that has proven popular to ease menstrual cramps is a CBD-infused tampon, a suppository that exudes the oil into the body through the vaginal canal, which is home to the highest concentration of endocannabinoid receptors (aside from the brain).

These receptors are prominent in a women’s reproductive system, therefore the CBD tampons can help with pelvic pains, even if they are not period related. 

Endometriosis

This gynaecological condition is the second most common in the UK, affecting around one in 10 women. 

It occurs when tissue, like the lining of the womb, grows in other places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It then reacts to the monthly cycle and bleeds, but with nowhere for the blood to leave the body it causes inflammation, pain and scar tissue.

Although the cause is still unknown, only some women suffer with this and the symptoms can include abdomen and back pain, fatigue and infertility. Research has shown that CBD can help with stopping the endometrial cells from multiplying, regulate nerve growth and reduce inflammation. 

Menopause and sleeping

Although no evidence suggests that CBD directly helps reduce menopausal symptoms, it is known to help with stabilising mood changes, sleep disturbances and decrease the rate of bone density loss that can often occur during this time. 

CBD products can help the female stay asleep, but can also reduce the menopause-related anxiety that could be preventing them from falling asleep in the first place. 

Using Cannabidiol for symptom management has also helped women with hot flushes and night sweats.

Painful sex

CBD is known to be one of the best natural muscle relaxants, so a CBD-infused sexual lubricant can help to increase blood flow, easing tension in the muscles around the vulva that can cause pain or discomfort during penetrative sex. 

Beauty 

Skincare products that incorporate CBD include antiaging serums, moisturisers and acne treatments, and are seeing a surge in use due to effects such as reducing the appearance of dark spots, and improving the health of the skin. 

Researchers have found that the products have anti-inflammatory effects on the glands that produce oil, meaning these products are also able to help reduce acne breakouts by lowering the swelling of skin and regulating oil production. 

CBD is also known to help with managing other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes.