October 18th marks World Menopause Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about menopause and the challenges it brings. This important day offers an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding menopause, encourage conversations about women’s health, and highlight supportive treatments and products that can make this transitional stage of life more manageable. In this blog, we’ll explore how CBD, hemp, and other plant-based products may help ease menopause symptoms, providing natural options for support and relief.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that signifies the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It officially begins after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Leading up to menopause, many women experience irregular periods as hormone levels fluctuate, resulting in changes in cycle length, flow and frequency. During this transitional phase, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly a decline in oestrogen and progesterone production from the ovaries. This shift can lead to a variety of symptoms that impact each woman differently, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.
Who Does it Affect?
While Menopause most commonly affects women aged 45 to 55, it can occur earlier or later for some individuals. Premature menopause may happen before the age of 40, and women undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy or surgeries to remove the ovaries may also experience early menopause.
The Different Stages of Menopause
Menopause is not an overnight change but rather a gradual process that takes place in three stages:
- Perimenopause: The stage leading up to menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate. This can last for several years.
- Menopause: The point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating.
- Postmenopause: The years following menopause, where symptoms like hot flashes may lessen, but long-term effects like bone density loss can arise.
Common Symptoms of Menopause Can Include
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, feeling low
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness and changes in sexual health
How CBD, Hemp and Plant-Based Could Help Ease Symptoms
As women navigate menopause, many seek natural remedies to alleviate symptoms. CBD, hemp and plant-based products have gained attention for their potential to support well-being during this transition. Here’s a closer look at how they might help with common menopause symptoms and why they could be beneficial:
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Easing Anxiety and Mood Swings
Menopause can lead to hormonal fluctuations that affect mood, causing anxiety, irritability and mood swings. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood and stress responses. By influencing ECS receptors, CBD may promote a sense of calm and emotional balance, helping to ease feelings of anxiety and irritability.
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Supporting Sleep
Insomnia is a frequent complaint during menopause, with hormone changes often disrupting sleep patterns. CBD is known for its relaxing effects, which can help promote better sleep quality. By reducing anxiety and calming the mind, CBD may support the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
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Relieving Joint Pain and Inflammation
Lower oestrogen levels during menopause can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the joints. When applied topically or taken orally, CBD can provide targeted relief for sore muscles and joints, improving mobility and comfort. CBD and hemp-based topical products creams and balms can also offer soothing effects through the skin.
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Balancing Hormones
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD may support hormonal balance by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate processes like mood, sleep and temperature control. CBD’s influence on this system may help modulate the body’s hormonal responses, potentially reducing hot flashes, night sweats and other hormone-driven symptoms.
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Skin Health
The reducing oestrogen levels during menopause often affect skin by causing dryness, sensitivity and a loss of elasticity. It can also lead to acne and breakouts due to hormonal fluctuations that result in increased oil production. CBD and hemp seed oil, which is rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9, are deeply nourishing and hydrating, making them ideal ingredients for skincare products. These properties help replenish moisture and soothe irritated or sensitive skin while also addressing excess oil production and breakouts. By reducing inflammation and supporting skin barrier health, hemp-based creams and oils can promote a smoother, healthier complexion, effectively tackling common menopause-related skin concerns.
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Hair Health
Hair thinning and dryness are common during menopause due to hormonal changes as are changes in texture, with hair becoming coarser or drier, making it more challenging to style and maintain. A loss of natural shine can also occur as hormone levels fluctuate, leading to dull and lifeless hair. Furthermore, hair may become more brittle and prone to breakage, resulting in unhealthy-looking strands. CBD and hemp seed oil are packed with essential fatty acids that can nourish and strengthen hair. When used in hair care products, these ingredients can help hydrate and condition the scalp and strands, promoting healthier, shinier hair.
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Supporting Sexual Health
Menopause can also impact sexual health, leading to vaginal dryness, discomfort and a decrease in libido. CBD may help by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and increasing blood flow, all of which are important for sexual health. CBD-infused lubricants can also help reduce dryness and discomfort, making intimate moments more comfortable and enjoyable. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties may ease discomfort or irritation, enhancing sexual well-being.
Plant-Based Wellness for Menopause
Beyond CBD and hemp, many women find that plant-based supplements, such as those containing phytoestrogens (plant compounds that mimic oestrogen), can also offer support during menopause. By incorporating natural ingredients into their wellness routine, women can explore a more holistic approach to symptom management.
The Positives
Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, as they navigate a range of physical and emotional symptoms, However, it’s important to remember that not every woman experiences all of these symptoms, and many find ways to manage them effectively. This transitional phase can also be an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Women often emerge from menopause with a greater understanding of their bodies, newfound confidence, and the freedom to embrace this next chapter of life with wisdom and resilience. Embracing holistic approaches, including CBD and plant-based products, can further enhance well-being during this time, allowing women to focus on the positives and live life to the fullest.
