The menstrual period is more than just bleeding through your vagina. When their shark week comes, women also experience aching backs and joints, a sore body, headaches, dysmenorrhea, nausea, and an overall tired and depressing disposition. Women also deal with other problems, such as mood swings and even hormonal imbalances, as well as dreaded acne. Science has proven the potency of Cannabis for pain management – from period pains, arthritis, and many more.

Women have to deal with their shark week once a month. Those with irregular cycles can deal with this more often, as frequently as every two weeks. Individuals who do not go through this easily dismiss period pains as dramatics. What most don’t know is that this monthly occurrence comes with more than just cramps. 

While this topic may have long been a taboo in society, it’s high time to talk about the wonders of cannabis and CBD oil to treat period pain.

Cannabis and CBD Oil for Pain Management

Cannabidiol is derived from the hemp plant. An active component, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is non-psychoactive, unlike its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) counterpart. Studies show that using these cannabis-based products help address chronic pain, including menstrual cramps and discomfort.

CBD is known to treat pain that comes from nerves, also called neuropathic pain. This type of ‘suffering,’ if you will, directly comes in contact with the nerves, making it more challenging to cure. It is also recognized for its ability to heal and reduce inflammation, as well as relax muscles and blood vessels, thus leading to little to no contractions.

Cannabis to Deal with Period Pains

According to The Guardian, menstrual troubles and period cramps come from prostaglandins being released in the body, thus resulting in aches within the uterus. In turn, this leads to spasms.

While applying topical ointments and CBD oil can work in these circumstances, there are other ways of directly treating these woes. Below are some surprising – and largely unconventional – ways of easing the hurt way.

• Cannabis Suppositories

Women normally opt for tampons primarily because it lessens constriction and rigidity, especially at a time when the body needs to be comfortable and relaxed. While not a tampon per se, Foria’s cannabis-infused suppositories come in these shapes, making it easier to use.

Though cannabis suppositories do not absorb blood nor do they stop bleeding, these actually aid in soothing painful monthly visitors. Thanks to its organic cocoa-butter and CBD oil, this reduces inflammation and even numbs tension in the body, particularly in the uterus and upper vagina.

• Cannabis Bath Salts

Heat is recognized as a general way of relieving cramps and sore muscles. So, it makes sense to want to douse yourself in hot baths or showers. One way to do so is by bathing in cannabis bath salts. Apart from giving pain relief, the heat of your shower or your bath will help your muscles to relax, thus allowing blood flow to your uterus and pelvic area.

CBD oil bath bombs may also work. Plus, it’s fun to watch these dissolve in your tub and see the colors swirl.

• CBD Oil Tinctures

For those who want a quick and hassle-free way of healing themselves, the best way to do this is by using CBD oil tinctures. A few drops under the tongue and it will work its powers in just a few minutes.

This is geared for people who are always on the go, have little to no time for themselves, or who want fast-acting solutions without all the fuss. In the event, you want to elevate your tincture-taking experience, you may easily mix this with a drink of choice or even mix some oil with your meal.

Conclusion

It’s the start of a new decade, so stop trying to ‘deal with this’ type of aches on your own. Women empowerment should also be about knowledge. With this list of cannabis products and ideas, you can finally put cramps and period pain to rest and go about your daily activities with ease.

 

Read Also: Cannabis as Treatment for Endometriosis

 

 

In the past years, marijuana has taken the medical community storm as many studies were conducted evaluating the potential of the plant to treat various health issues. In fact, many states in the United States only grant medical marijuana cards to individuals that have at least one of the qualifying conditions listed in their marijuana laws and policies.

With marijuana laws acknowledging the potentials of cannabis as a treatment or medical aid for treatments of various debilitating conditions and symptoms, you might be curious as to what other conditions it can address. If you are a person suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you will be glad to know that cannabis has the potential to address some of its causes and symptoms.

Now, this is in no way saying that cannabis can heal PCOS. In fact, medical professionals say that there is no cure for this condition. The only way to address it is to manage the symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about this syndrome and how marijuana can potentially help treat it.

What exactly is PCOS?

As the name implies, a person that has this condition has multiple cysts or fluid-filled sacs in the ovary or ovaries. An imbalance of reproductive hormones causes this. Hormones that are involved in these cases are androgen and insulin. According to studies, individuals with this syndrome have high levels of androgens or the so-called male hormones.

Patients also exhibit high levels of insulin, which causes the body to create more androgens. Keep in mind that many individuals with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition that requires the body more insulin in order to breakdown sugar. This means that these people need more insulin in their bodies in order to have normal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance runs in the family.

PCOS is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Check out some of the most common symptoms of this condition:

• Irregular and painful menstruation
• Hirsutism or the occurrence of hair on parts where men usually have hair such as the face, chin and chest
• Acne outbreaks
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Dark patches of skin such as the groin, underneath breasts and neck creases
• Skin tags or excess skin especially in the armpit and next areas

As mentioned, this syndrome cannot be cured. However, when left untreated, PCOS can have adverse effects. This includes the following:

• Increased insulin levels
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sleep issues
• Effects on mental health
• Issues with the endometrium such as endometrial cancer

Common PCOS Treatments

This is why the best way to address this condition is to treat it is by managing the symptoms. It can be done by:

• Hormonal birth control – This includes pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings and hormone intrauterine devices (IUDs). These are taken to make menstruation more regular, decrease risks of endometrial cancer and reduce instances of acne and extra hair
• Anti-androgen – A cause of PCOS is increased androgen levels. Because of this, taking anti-androgen medications can combat the effects of androgen. In turn, this will fight symptoms such as hair loss, excessive hair growth, and acne. Keep in mind that this is not an FDA-approved treatment for this syndrome.
• Home remedies – Instead of taking medications, many people opt to do it naturally and at home. This is done through proper diet and exercise.

 

How Medical Marijuana and CBD can Aid PCOS Treatments

Now that you know what exactly this condition is, what causes it and how it is treated, you might be curious as to how it can be treated using cannabis and cannabinoids. According to a study published in the Journal of Ovarian Research, the endocannabinoid system may have close involvement with the progression of PCOS.

Here is a more in-depth discussion of the potentials of medical marijuana in treating PCOS:

• Hormone Regulation

As mentioned, this syndrome is caused by an imbalance of two hormones. One of these is insulin, the hormone essential to transforming glucose into energy. If you remember, women with high levels of insulin, as well as those with higher weights are more prone to developing this condition. These two issues are connected with the body’s processing of glucose or sugars into energy.

The research cited above emphasized that the endocannabinoid system is directly involved in energy homeostasis or the balancing of food intake (also called energy inflow) and energy expenditure (also called energy outflow). Research shows that the endocannabinoid system is essential in signaling the need for food intake. It also interacts with the part of the brain in charge of rewards.

This means that the body’s internal cannabinoid system can help regulate food intake by telling the body to consume food when needed and to stop energy inflow when unnecessary. Because of this property, cannabinoids such as CBD is used to prevent diabetes.

This can greatly help individuals who are struggling with PCOS and its symptoms, especially high insulin levels due to excessive food intake and obesity. Such potentials do not only address insulin levels, but also androgen levels. Remember that the body creates more androgens if it has higher levels of insulin.

• Immune System Regulation

One thing you should know about PCOS is that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of the medical condition. This is often caused by a dietary trigger such as glucose. Glucose causes oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation.

Once again, it is important to mention that glucose levels in the blood are regulated by insulin and when there is an excess of this hormone, the body creates androgens. The thing is, hyperandrogenism may be the cause of chronic low-grade inflammation. Now, this definitely makes it apparent why PCOS cannot be cured given the scientific developments currently available.

If you want to address inflammation, cannabis is a great option. This plant and its cannabinoids are known to be effective anti-inflammation substances. This is because the endocannabinoid system has receptors found in the immune system, which is in charge of protecting the body against diseases through various means including inflammatory responses. Intaking CBD capsules, oil, and other CBD products can help minimize inflammations.

Other Advantages of Using Cannabis Products for PCOS

Aside from addressing the major causes of this syndrome, cannabis, and its chemical compounds can also help manage its symptoms. Here are just some ways medical marijuana can do so:

• Acne Control – We have discussed that the plant has regulating properties. CBD is known to exhibit effectiveness in this area. This is why CBD-rich hemp oil for skin is becoming more and more popular. Using topicals can help minimize the occurrence of excessive oil, which contributes to acne attacks. The best thing about these CBD products is that they can moisturize your skin when needed.
• Pain Management – Studies show that cannabis and cannabinoids are a safer option for pain management than opioids. In fact, many people preach CBD oil benefits for pain, which is backed by research. This is because cannabinoids directly target the part of the brain in charge of pain and pleasure, thus, relieving discomfort and even chronic pain.
• Anxiety and Depression Treatment – According to sources, many people who suffer from PCOS tend to have other hormonal imbalance issues such as those that affect mental health. This includes anxiety and depression, making it harder for them to cope with the symptoms. Depression and anxiety are listed among the qualifying condition for medical marijuana because of its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving property.
• Energy Boost – In addressing symptoms at home, doctors recommend regular exercise for weight loss and regulation of sugar levels. However, the drive to exercise can be affected by fatigue. If you feel too fatigued to exercise, you can try consuming CBD. It has energy-boosting properties that can help supply you with the strength you need to do short physical activities. Remember, even a few minutes of exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms.

 

Just One Thing…

Before you go and try cannabis products to treat your PCOS, make it a point to run it by your doctor first. Just like any other doctor-approved home remedies you take, you want to make sure that you get valuable advice from a medical professional. This is important, especially if you are taking medications to treat the condition.

Remember, there are substances, food, and drugs that have adverse reactions when they interact in your system. For example, fruit as healthy as grapefruit can lessen the effect of cholesterol medications. Similarly, spinach and kale can counteract the effectiveness of anticoagulants.

To make sure that treating your PCOS using medical marijuana and its cannabinoid will be safe, consulting your doctor is the best way to go. You might even get tips and tricks to make your consumption a lot more effective.

The Bottom Line

Individuals who have PCOS may currently not have options to completely cure it, but with the right treatment aids, you can reduce and manage its symptoms. If you are planning to use cannabis and cannabinoids to treat this condition, you can definitely do so after consulting with your doctor.

For years, many people are experiencing problems in creating a positive body image for themselves. A major source of this is the society’s pressure to conform with socially-imposed and -constructed standards of beauty what with beauty pageants parading thin and tall individuals. Because of this, many individuals who do not fit into this very narrow and shallow box struggle to build self-confidence and suffer from anxiety stemming from lack of body positivity.

In light of this issue, the legalization of marijuana opens up a great topic when it comes to discussing body positivity. If you are wondering how the plant can help further this conversation, check out the potential contributions of cannabis

Cannabis Products and Body Positivity

• Cannabis can help Boosts Self-Esteem

When talking about self-image and body positivity, we cannot leave out the topic of self-esteem. Individuals affected by the unreasonable expectations of society are likely struggling with self-esteem issues. Cannabis strains and products that are rich in CBD are known to reduce anxious feelings and stress, giving it great potential in boosting self-esteem.

Not struggling with issues about your body? You can contribute to the conversation by not making comments about people’s weights. As much as you have good intentions in doing so, it is only reinforcing the negative self-image of the person. Besides, don’t you think the other person is very much aware of their body?

• Cannabis Aids in Treating Mental Health Matters

People who struggle with poor self-perception are likely to suffer from mental health issues. In fact, one study concerning students show that there is a connection between low self-esteem and anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in students.

One research comes closer to our topic at hand. According to this study, out of 4,505 UK adults, 54% of 18- to 24-year-old respondents felt anxious because of their body perception. In addition, 30% of respondents who are 45 to 54 years old suffer the same feeling, while 20% of respondents over 55 have the same issue.

With studies showing a relationship between deteriorating mental health and lack of body positivity that comes from internal and external factors, there is an urgent need to address both matters. Individuals who struggle with both self-image and mental health can use CBD as an aid in treating mental health disorders and issues.

• Cannabis Aids in Eating Disorder Treatments

If you check out the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, you will notice that anorexia nervosa is listed as a medical condition that make patients eligible for this therapeutic option. Aside from anorexia, this plant and its cannabinoids also show potential in treating other disorders such as compulsive overeating.

This is because cannabis products have potentials addressing some roots and symptoms of this problem including anxiety, depression and lack/excess of appetite. Cannabis has shown potential in increasing the appetite of individuals, which is valuable in treating anorexia.

What many people do not know about cannabis is that it has a regulating attribute. This means that if the plant has cannabinoids that can increase your appetite, it also has terpenes and cannabinoids that can decrease your appetite. The terpene Humulene and cannabinoid THC-V are both known to lessen appetite. This is why medical marijuana can be used to treat eating disorders that cause excessive weight loss and those that cause excessive weight gain.

Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and Body Positivity

With the potentials offered by cannabis, its terpenes and its cannabinoids, this plant can definitely aid in promoting body positivity and positive weight. While it will take generations before we can truly expect to change social standards, individuals can take steps to address such matters by checking their attitude toward their own and other people’s bodies.