How Cannabis is Helping Women with Debilitating Menstrual Cycles
Women’s health is not a topic that gets as much attention as it deserves – especially when it comes to periods. Beyond understanding why and how menstruation happens and developing birth control methods, it’s something that doctors, and scientists don’t spend much time researching – which is unfortunate as there is still a lot that is not understood.
Conditions like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (or PMDD) are less common and effect around three to eight percent of women of child-bearing age – but still, little is known about it and few treatments are available for those who need it.
Yet, some women have finally found relief to their debilitating PMS and PMDD through cannabis. In 2017, several cannabis products aimed at menstrual relief hit the market – and no surprise to some and a shocking surprise to many, they worked.
Even those women who do not suffer from PMDD may still suffer from mild to severe cramping, that for some, is entirely debilitating. Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, is generally isolated to the lower abdomen and lower back, and occurs a few days prior to the start of the menstrual cycle – and can continue through the cycle.
This and migraine headaches are often the most painful and debilitating part of a period, but there is little available for treatment aside from OTC and prescription pain medications, and using hormonal birth control to hopefully reduce the severity. Symptoms that may follow the cramping include nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
While both the menstrual cycle and the cannabis plant are extremely under-researched compared to other conditions and medications, what little is available makes it clear how and why cannabis can relief this pain. Cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus – and studies have determined that there are CB1 and CB2 receptors located in cells throughout the uterus.
These receptors are designed to receive endocannabinoids, which are produced within our body, as well as cannabinoids (THC and CBD for example) which are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant.
It is because of these receptors that cannabis can provide the fact acting relief that many experience when using the herb for any ailment – but their specific location in the uterus makes them especially beneficial for menstrual cycle related pain. Cannabis is also known for it’s ability to relieve nausea, one of the reasons it is favored by cancer patients, but is also another reason that it is useful for women suffering from severe PMS and PMDD symptoms.
Though topical creams, and cannabis edibles (usually chocolates) were the go-to for period pain before, this discovery has led to a new method of medicating – the cannabis suppository, or cannabis tampon.
Some companies offer suppositories made of cannabis oil and coconut oil that are inserted into the vagina or rectum and melt away. Other companies created tampons that are pre-dosed with cannabis oil to help women find relief on their worst days. However, for some women these may be too strong, causing an almost “numb” feeling “down there” as described in reviews.
However, what if you could personalize this experience to find that perfect balance of relief, wouldn’t you want to?
Evergreen Organix Menstrual Relief Oil is made specifically for use with tampons, giving you the option to add as little or as much of the oil as you need to find relief. Since no two women experience their period the same, it only makes sense that no two women will need the exact same dosage to ensure relief.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, featuring real stories from women who have found relief through Evergreen Organix Menstrual Relief Oil!