CBD for Menstrual Pain: Effectiveness, Usage, Recommendations
For the lucky ones, their period is a mild inconvenience. But for other women, that time of the month can be debilitating, especially with conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, PID, or PCOS. One study suggests that as many as 84% of women have period-related pain that impedes their ability to work and function normally.
Menstrual pain that’s bad enough to interfere with your life is frustrating. Many women take birth control to manage painful periods, try to get by with NSAIDs, or go to the doctor repeatedly for help.
It’s understandable to get discouraged when common approaches don’t work or doctors seem dismissive.
You’ve thought of and tried everything- heating pads, yoga, meditation, natural remedies, and TENS devices.
And more than likely, that’s why you’re here. You’re one of the 90% of women with uncomfortable or painful cramps, and nothing seems to work quite well enough. Or you’re in search of a natural solution.
That’s one of the reasons medical marijuana and hemp are becoming so popular lately. Could CBD be the period game-changer for you? Keep reading to discover whether CBD works on menstrual pain, what CBD products are best, and how to use them.
Just remember that this is not medical advice- the only place you should get medical advice is your doctor’s office. Your physician is the best authority on your personal medical history and how to address your menstrual pain and any underlying causes. So, go to the doctor with any important questions about using CBD or CBG for your painful cramps.
Is CBD for Menstrual Pain Effective?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major cannabinoid, one of the most abundant compounds that give hemp plants their therapeutic qualities. As a natural analgesic, CBD fights both inflammation and pain perception. Therefore, CBD has the potential to reduce pain from a multitude of causes, including muscle pain, tension, and spasticity.
Period pain happens for a few reasons. The main source of pain is prostaglandins, hormone-like lipids, causing the uterus to contract and release its lining. It’s also common to have hormonal headaches, breast pain and tenderness, and general inflammation.
The existing research on CBD for period pain relief is limited. But, there are multiple indications that CBD could help treat menstrual pain. For instance, cannabinoids have an extensive history of treating menstrual cramps.
CBD has anti-inflammatory capabilities and efficacy against chronic pain, promising signs for its use for painful period cramps. Studies show that inflammation is closely related to period-related abdominal, back, and breast pain.
Additionally, let’s consider the body’s mechanism for processing CBD and other cannabinoids. The cannabinoid receptors exist in the nervous system (CB1 receptors) and immune system (CB2 receptors) and help regulate the body’s functions.
Encouragingly, scientists have found CB1 receptors in the uterus during animal studies. There’s a chance that cannabinoids, including CBD, may also help with menstrual pain by going directly to the nerve circuits at the source of the pain.
Even better, the possible side effects of CBD are relatively infrequent and benign.
Hopefully, we’ll see more scientific evidence emerge going forward about CBD’s ability to help regulate period pain.
Five Best CBD for Menstrual Pain and How to Use Them
*Disclaimer: Never use CBD or other cannabinoids while pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not enough research on the risks of exposing infants and fetuses to these compounds.
Taking CBD for menstrual pain won’t be as effective if you only take it when you’re already PMSing or experiencing pain as you would with an NSAID. You should take CBD every day for the best results, even while not on your period.
So, regardless of which type of product you choose to help you handle painful periods, it’s best to make CBD part of your daily routine. Let’s explore five ways to take CBD for menstrual pain:
CBD Tincture Oils
CBD tinctures let your body intake the compound during digestion. You can mix CBD oil into food and drink, or administer it sublingually, directly under the tongue.
Some hemp oils have no added flavor, making them easier to incorporate into any meal or beverage, while others have pleasant flavors, so they’re more enjoyable to take sublingually.
Since they come with droppers, CBD tincture oils are one of the best ways to customize your dosage. Many people can get the effects they want with just 5 mg of CBD at once, a couple of times per day. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil 2000mg CBD + 360mg CBG – Best CBD Oil for Menstrual Pain
For extra potent effects, this CBD oil retains other natural hemp plant compounds, including CBG. Cannabigerol (CBG) adds its own range of potential benefits, from mood and mental clarity enhancement to relaxation. Available in peppermint and orange flavors, it’s the perfect CBD formula for pain, sleep, and anxiety.
CBD Cream
CBD creams are a topical form of CBD that rubs into the skin of a painful area. The CBD can absorb locally into the tissues and permeate systemically, circulating through the body for complete relaxation.
Before using a full dose of CBD cream, do a spot test to rule out any skin reactions from its ingredients. Then, to use CBD cream for period pain, apply a pea-sized amount directly to the skin of your abdomen, back, or wherever else your body hurts. For the best chance at relief, do this two to three times daily, not just during pain.
CBD Relief Freeze Cream – 500mg
CBD teams up with organic menthol crystals from mint for a fresh, cooling effect. It’s a cocktail of natural remedies for soreness and inflammation, such as camphor, safflower, arnica, chamomile, shea, and aloe vera.
CBD Gel
Just like CBD cream, CBD gel works from the outside in. It’s available in mess-free roll-on containers, so application is a breeze. Just use the round roller twice or three times per day to rub the topical CBD onto your skin at any pain points.
Use only enough that it saturates and quickly settles into the skin without leaving a layer of excess on top of the skin. As with any topical, conduct a spot test first to ensure your skin doesn’t react badly to any ingredients.
CBD Freeze Roller – 500mg or 1500mg
Here’s another renewing CBD topical with the cooling power of menthol. This extra-strength gel roller has the maximum concentration of CBD for the best pain and inflammation control and muscle relaxation the cannabinoid offers.
CBD Edibles
CBD can be infused into almost any kind of food, snack, or candy. However, be careful about dosage. Start small, at around 20 mg CBD per day max, and slowly work your way up if you need more relief.
Full Spectrum CBD Gummies 6000mg
All wrapped in a tasty, sweet, and convenient package, the full-spectrum CBD formula includes other hemp compounds for maximum effects. Each piece contains 50 mg CBD plus 18 mg of bonus cannabinoids for greater efficacy.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are by far the most popular type of CBD edibles. They’re a simple and discreet way to bring your menstrual pain remedy on the go, so you never forget to take your daily CBD.
Full Spectrum CBD Gummies 1500mg
These lovely berry-flavored gummies have the most robust CBD content available in an ideal starter portion for skeptical first-timers. The full spectrum of cannabis compounds can work together to fight pain and inflammation.
CBD Patches
CBD also comes in patches to place on the skin like a sticker. The patch then releases CBD into the skin for a day or longer before replacing it. For period pain relief, CBD patches can stick to your abdomen or back.
CBD Capsules and Softgels
They’re the least exciting way to take CBD, but they should work just as well. Just like taking your daily multivitamin, it’s an inconspicuous, single-step way to get your CBD.
ReliefX CBD Softgel Capsules 750mg CBD + 750mg CBG
The half-and-half recipe works wonders for some people. The blend of CBD and its powerful cousin, CBG, introduces another profile of mind and body-easing effects.
Tips for Using CBD for Menstrual Cramps
Whichever type of CBD you try first to address menstrual cramps, give it at least a few weeks to start working. Start with a low dose, and slowly increase your dose as needed. Here are a few more tips to follow for period cramp relief from CBD:
Check for CBD Tolerance and Allergies
Though most people tolerate CBD well, some people are allergic to cannabis extracts and the other ingredients found in CBD products, from oils and edibles to topicals.
So, test your body’s tolerance to the product before you take your first full dose. With topicals, you can spot-test the product by using a tiny amount on your skin and waiting to see if an adverse reaction occurs. A skin prick test or blood test from the doctor can also help determine whether you’re allergic to hemp compounds.
For reference, people with allergies to these foods may be more likely to have a hemp allergy as well:
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Peaches
- Bananas
- Apples
- Chestnuts
- Almonds
Check the CBD Lab Test Results
Not all CBD is created equal. Quality issues and discrepancies between the label and the actual contents can lead to unexpected effects and unintended THC exposure.
Vet the company, and make sure they make third-party lab testing results available.
Talk to your doctor
In addition to clearing you for a hemp allergy, your doctor can help you decide whether CBD is safe based on your medical history and medications. The doctor can also help you interpret lab test results or a certificate of analysis to verify the quality of a CBD product you’re considering.
If period cramps are so severe that you sometimes find it difficult or impossible to function, this could be a sign of a condition like endometriosis, PCOS, PID, etc. You should seek medical attention.
FAQs About Using CBD for Menstrual Pain
Can I put CBD oil on a tampon
No, don’t use hemp oil or any substance internally unless you’re using a product specifically intended and approved for that. For example, pre-made CBD tampons are a thing, but ask a doctor first, and be cautious about the serious risks of using any CBD product this way.
Does CBD oil make you bleed more
Maybe. Use CBD in moderation, as there is some evidence that chronic, excessive cannabinoid exposure can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
Can I use CBD in my vagina
No, don’t just use any CBD product internally this way. There are CBD-based products intended for this kind of use, but there are risks. Talk to a doctor before using any non-approved substance internally.
CBD oil good for PMS
Yes, CBD oil may help with the mood disruptions and pain of PMS and cramps, though more research is needed on the subject.
If taking CBD oil for menstrual pain should I use it on a daily basis or just when I’m in pain?
Don’t wait until you’re already PMSing or hurting to take CBD. For the best results, take CBD every day.
Are You Considering CBD For Menstrual Cramps?
CBD might be the answer if you’re tired of taking side-effect-ridden NSAIDs and using heating pads with dissatisfactory relief. It can fight inflammation, pain perception, and soreness from muscle tension and spasticity.
There are always precautions when trying a new pain remedy, but CBD is natural and tolerated well with minimal side effects for most people. So whether you prefer a yummy edible or a luxurious CBD topical, it may be worth a try.
Find out if CBD could make your period more manageable. Shop the Nature’s Legend collection of high-quality, research-backed CBD for pain from menstrual cramps and other conditions.
