By Joseph Jaramillo
Many people assume that cannabis only impacts their brain. This is far from the truth. Cannabis actually engages with various systems in the body, including one’s reproductive system. Compounds in Cannabis actively interact with the sex hormone estrogen, which is a key culprit behind menopause symptoms.
Menopause is one of the most dramatic changes a woman’s body will undertake in her lifetime. Not since puberty has the reproductive system gone through such a shift, and the experience is not altogether pleasant. Luckily, hot flashes, mood swings, pain, insomnia, and other symptoms of menopause don’t have to be fought alone, and—as it turns out—an extremely helpful ally can come in the form of cannabis. To understand why cannabis can help treat the symptoms of menopause, it is helpful to understand exactly what menopause is and how it affects the body. Menopause is the period of time when a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to an end. This occurs most frequently between a person’s mid 40s–50s. The most common age for women to begin menopause is 51. Menopause itself occurs in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause occurs when the body begins to exhibit subtle changes, such as the slowdown of estrogen production, in preparation for menopause to begin. Menopause is the stretch of time after a woman’s last period, when ovulation stops completely, and estrogen levels drop significantly. Post-menopause is the period of time after menopause ends when menopausal symptoms subside and a woman enters a new homeostasis. Menopause can produce a litany of side effects, including hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, pain, low libido, weight gain, fatigue, and osteoporosis. In addition, the onset of these side effects can cause anxiety or depression in some women. The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors whose role is to maintain homeostasis in the body. It is because of the endocannabinoid receptors that cannabis molecules (cannabinoids like THC and CBD) bind and create the familiar effects we all know and love. However, the endocannabinoid system does not exist exclusively for cannabis—it also interacts with endocannabinoids, the body’s natural cannabinoids. Estrogen is linked to the endocannabinoid system by regulating the fatty acid hydrolase enzyme that breaks down certain endocannabinoids. When estrogen levels peak, so do endocannabinoid levels and vice versa. There exists some scientific research that suggests early onset menopause may be linked to endocannabinoid deficiencies. Evidence suggests that estrogen utilizes endocannabinoids to regulate mood and emotional response—this could explain why mood swings are more common during menopause, when estrogen levels plummet. As a result, one can theorize that the use of cannabis during menopause may help bolster the endocannabinoid system’s necessary functions that are struggling to work without high levels of estrogen. Due to the federal prohibition of cannabis, research on the subject of cannabis for menopause is scarce. However, a look back in history shows us that this concept is nothing new. In the 1924 text ‘Sajous Sajous’ cannabis is cited as an analgesic for menopause. In addition to these historical references, we have a modern scientific understanding of the way our bodies work and the many ailments in which cannabis has proven useful. The natural cannabinoid, Anandamide, is chemically similar to THC and shares the familiar property of regulating body temperature. Thus, THC may be a key cannabinoid when mitigating the effects of hot flashes. Studies suggest that consuming higher doses of THC has a cooling effect on the system and can lower body temperature. Conversely, consuming small amounts may actually raise body temperature, so finding the right dose for each person is a crucial step. Insomnia goes hand-in-hand with hot flashes for menopausal women. It can be difficult to sleep when night sweats strike. However, in addition to lowering body temperature many Cannabis strains are also excellent sleep aids. A relaxing strain or a long-lasting edible will help keep you asleep all night long. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can create a slew of painful side effects such as migraines, breast tenderness, joint pain, bruising, intercourse discomfort, and even increased menstrual cramping. Cannabis can sweep in and make life a bit more easy. Cannabis is a renowned pain reliever that helps patients get back on their feet, and there are tons of great strains for pain relief. What’s more, unlike opioids, cannabis offers relief without severe side effects or addictive properties. One of the more frustrating side effects of menopause can be low libido. Especially for women who have a high sex drive, watching your libido plummet during a time when your body is already undergoing drastic changes can make you feel personally out of touch. As established earlier, estrogen plays a part in utilizing endocannabinoids for the stabilizing of mood and emotional response. This same drop in endocannabinoid levels can contribute to anxiety or even depression. Fortunately, many are finding that CBD and THC can step in to help. Studies show that cannabis can be used to regulate mood and mitigate feelings of depression or anxiety. While the statistics are still up in the air, 67% of respondents in a 2017 UK study stated that they believe cannabis has improved their sex lives. Finding the right strain may be the simple answer. For some, the mind-buzzing effects of THC may allow them to reconnect with their libido, while for others a solution may lie in the clear-headed relaxation of CBD. In the absence of focused research on female health issues, neither the cannabinoids or endocannabinoids are fully understood. Add to that the fact that endocrinology (the study of hormones) and endocrine pharmacology are relatively undeveloped, and there’s no explaining just how cannabis affects “women’s problems.” Too many men, and many scientists, dismiss women’s health as a “plumbing problem” and too few admit the beneficial and euphoric effect cannabis gives to women who otherwise continue to suffer. Peace and Love JOSEPH JARAMILLO
linked to menopause symptoms. Sweet Tooth is an indica heavy hybrid that is known for its sweet smell. It is known for its uplifting and happy effects. Sweet tooth is a great strain to choose for headaches and stress related problems, as well as pain and depression. It is also known to provide relaxed effects without the tendency to produce high levels of paranoia. Jilly Bean is a hybrid strain that produces upbeat and happy effects. It is known for being a great choice for day-time use because it tends to make people feel very social and creatively stimulated. Jilly Bean is also great for combating stress, depression, pain, and fatigue. Its uplifting effects are great for people with mood-related symptoms, like mood swings or depression. Super Silver Haze is a sativa strain. It is a mix of Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. Super Silver Haze is known to produce energetic and long lasting effects that uplift people. It is known for its ability to knock out stress while relieving symptoms like nausea, depression, and pain. Super Silver Haze’s happy effects make it a great choice for day-time symptom relief. Granddaddy Purple is a indica strain that has many indica heavy qualities, making it a great choice for nighttime relief. It is known for its happy and relaxed effects. Grand daddy purp is a great choice for stress and pain relief, as well as relief of muscle spasms. Granddaddy purp pain relieving and muscle spasm reducing qualities can also make it a great choice for cramps and headaches. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is an hybrid strain that is known for its extremely high levels of THC. It has THC percentages of over 20%, making it a very potent strain. It is known to produce relaxed and happy feelings and it is a great strain choice for fighting pain and stress while inducing relaxation or sleep. GSC potency and its’ indica qualities make it a good choice for happy moods. Users should be cautious with the strength of GSC and start with low dose
