Medical Cannabis and Menopause: Evidence, Access and What Women are Asking

Why are more menopausal women turning to cannabis?

Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can have significant effects on women’s physical and mental health.

Fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause, followed by declining oestrogen levels, can contribute to sleep disruption, mood changes, hot flushes, joint pain and fatigue, with significant effects on their quality of life. 

Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other evidence-based treatments are available, some women find they are still experiencing symptoms or may not be able to use hormonal treatments due to other health risks. 

A 2023 Canadian survey involving 1,485 respondents found that 34% reported currently using cannabis. Among current users, 65% reported using it for sleep difficulties, 45% for anxiety, and 33% for muscle or joint aches. Approximately three-quarters indicated that cannabis was helpful for their symptoms. 

While the findings were based on self-reported experiences among survey respondents, rather than evidence that cannabis effectively treats symptoms, they highlight growing interest in cannabis and the need for research that reflects this. 

How does cannabis interact with hormones and the endocannabinoid system?

One reason researchers are interested in cannabis and menopause is the relationship between reproductive hormones and the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is involved in regulating several physiological processes, including pain perception, stress responses, sleep, and inflammation.

Cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2, are found throughout the body, including within the female reproductive system.

Speaking at the Cannabis Health Symposium 2025, cannabinoid medicine and women’s health specialist Dr Dani Gordon explained how endocannabinoid signalling changes at key hormonal transitions, including puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause.

Research suggests interactions between the ECS and reproductive hormones, raising questions about whether cannabinoids could influence symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations, but this remains an emerging area of science. 

Which menopause symptoms could medical cannabis help with?

Sleep

Sleep difficulties are among the most common reasons women report using cannabis during menopause.

Night sweats, hormonal changes, and anxiety can all contribute to disrupted sleep, which may subsequently worsen fatigue, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Some early studies involving cannabinoids and sleep suggest potential improvements, particularly among patients experiencing chronic pain. However, menopause-specific clinical trials remain limited.

Responses can also vary, reinforcing the importance of individual assessment. 

Anxiety and mood changes

Anxiety, irritability, and mood fluctuations are frequently reported during perimenopause.

CBD has attracted research interest for its potential effects on anxiety-related pathways, although evidence remains preliminary and studies specifically involving menopausal women are lacking.

Hot flushes and night sweats

Vasomotor symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, are among the most characteristic features of menopause.

The ECS has been implicated in temperature regulation, prompting interest in whether cannabinoids could influence these symptoms. Dr Gordon also reported observing improvements in some patients, but not always. 

HRT continues to have a substantially stronger evidence base for managing vasomotor symptoms, alongside established non-hormonal approaches.

Chronic pain and joint discomfort

Joint pain, muscle aches and changes in existing chronic pain conditions can become more noticeable during menopause.

Cannabinoids have been investigated for chronic pain more broadly, with some studies suggesting modest benefits from certain formulations, although findings remain mixed.

What does the scientific evidence say?

Despite increasing interest, research specifically examining cannabis as a treatment for menopause remains limited.

A 2021 systematic review identified only three studies meeting its inclusion criteria, highlighting the shortage of robust clinical evidence.

Meanwhile, a 2022 survey of 258 perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants found that sleep and mood-related symptoms were common reasons for cannabis use.

Although these findings provide insight into patient experiences, observational studies cannot establish whether cannabis directly improves symptoms.

Further randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate effective formulations, dosing, long-term safety and potential interactions with existing menopause treatments.

Can medical cannabis be used alongside HRT?

Some clinicians report prescribing medical cannabis alongside HRT as part of a broader approach to managing complex symptoms.

Dr Gordon explained that her clinical practice often combines cannabinoid medicines with lifestyle interventions and other treatments:

“Normally, because I’m an integrative medicine doctor, we’re doing this alongside functional medicine, lifestyle intervention, mind-body medicine, and sometimes body identical HRT.”

However, this reflects clinical experience rather than established evidence of safety or effectiveness when combining the treatments.

Cannabinoids may also interact with other medications, and research specifically examining interactions with HRT is limited.

What are the risks of medical cannabis during menopause?

Like many medications, cannabis-based medicines can cause adverse effects, including dizziness, fatigue, impaired concentration, and changes in mood.

THC, in particular, can increase anxiety and cause paranoia in some individuals, and patients should be mindful of impairment. 

While CBD is generally non-intoxicating, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications.

Anyone considering medical cannabis should discuss their symptoms, medical history and existing medications with an appropriately qualified clinician.

Can you access medical cannabis for menopause in the UK?

Medical cannabis has been available on prescription in the UK since November 2018. However, very few cannabis-based medicines are prescribed through the NHS, and experiencing menopause symptoms does not automatically qualify someone for a prescription.

Specialist doctors on the GMC register are permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicines when clinically appropriate, following an individual assessment of symptoms, previous treatments and potential risks.

The majority of prescriptions are issued through private cannabis clinics, with patient eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

It’s important to differentiate this from over-the-counter CBD products, which are different from prescribed cannabis-based medicines, which may contain CBD, THC or combinations of cannabinoids.

Join the conversation at Cannabis Health Symposium

The role of medical cannabis in women’s health will be explored in a dedicated session, Addressing unmet needs in women’s health, at the Cannabis Health Symposium, taking place on 26 November 2026 at Conway Hall, London.

The event will bring together experts to discuss the latest evidence, clinical experiences and research priorities across menopause, endometriosis, PMDD and chronic pelvic pain.

Book your place here.

 

Frequently asked questions

Does CBD help with menopause symptoms?

There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to establish CBD as an effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Early research suggests areas worth investigating, particularly for symptoms like sleep and anxiety, but larger clinical trials are needed.

Can cannabis help with perimenopause?

Some women report using cannabis for perimenopausal symptoms, including sleep disruption, anxiety, and pain. However, research has not yet established its effectiveness or long-term safety for these symptoms.

Does cannabis reduce hot flushes?

There is currently insufficient clinical evidence to confirm that cannabis reduces hot flushes or night sweats. HRT and established non-hormonal treatments have stronger supporting evidence.

Can medical cannabis be taken alongside HRT?

Some clinicians prescribe cannabis-based medicines alongside HRT, but research into potential interactions and combined effectiveness is limited. Patients should seek specialist advice before combining treatments.

Is medical cannabis legal for menopause in the UK?

Medical cannabis can legally be prescribed by specialist doctors when clinically justified. However, menopause is not an established licensed indication, and it is unlikely to be prescribed on the NHS.