Menstrual pains are common in most, if not all, menstruating persons. They can vary between mild ache to excruciating pain that makes it difficult to carry out most day to day engagements. Most menstrual pain treatments include pain killing medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, heat application, physical activity, and resting. Unfortunately these methods do not work for every individual.
In the recent past, cannabis has been studied as a treatment for what is considered an alternative methodology. An alternative methodology that has been found to be very useful in relieving menstrual discomfort. This article considers and explains how and why cannabis should be useful when alleviating pain caused by menstrual factors.
What is Menstrual Pain?
When a woman has her periods, the uterus contracts with the help of a spasm of the strong muscles on its wall, driven by hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. Of these, the stronger the prostaglandins, the more pain and cramping the individual suffers.
In addition to these physical cramps, menstrual pain is also associated with other symptoms, such as low back pain, nausea, headaches and irritability.
How Can Cannabis Ease Menstrual Pain?
The marijuana plant consists of a variety of compounds (about 60), the most commonly known being the cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also referred to as THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids found within hemp and marijuana plants interact with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in overall pain, inflammation and mood regulation.
Cannabis could help women with menstrual pain in several ways:
Pain Relief
Through THC and CBD, cancer patients utilize the ECS and most often the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These two receptors are concerned with the sensation of pain and inflammation respectively. THC due to it's high affinity for the CB1 receptor present in the central nervous system, potentially provide a feeling of relief from pain and soothes any heightened nerve. CB1 receptors are not as psychoactive as THC, but they are believed to assist in pain management via anti-inflammatory properties thereby complementing THC’s analgesia effect.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Cannabis has been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect with its major compound being CBD. For example, it may inhibit the overproduction of prostaglandins that are mainly responsible for the phenomenon of period pain. Less presence of these prostaglandin levels translates to less severe cramps, less bloating and other kinds of discomforts.
Muscle Relaxation
Severe and sharp muscle contractions is one of the causes behind the menstrual cramps, hence statically governed by the uterine muscle contractions. Both THC and CBD are muscle relaxers and can assist with these contractions which increases the cramp and stiffness relief during the menstrual period.
Improving Mood and Reducing Anxiety
Somebody may not be at ease during menstruation periods because it comes with emotional symptoms which include mood swings or anxiety or even irritability. For instance, several studies have proved that CBD may have anti-anxiety properties and THC at lower doses has an uplifting effect and enhancing the mood of an individual. In combination, these can enhance the emotional wellbeing of an individual and therefore the way pain is perceived and managed is improved.
Relief from Nausea
Many will admit that nausea is also a general aspect that accompanies basal discomfort that goes hand in hand in menstruation. THC especially has anti-nausea effects that can reduce the anxiety, and feelings that accompany menstruation. This means that cannabis may offer a multi-faceted solution to treat different menstrual problems at once.
What Are the Different Forms of Cannabis for Menstrual Pain?
Cannabis has infinite therapeutic uses, so one of the questions that bother many patients is, what are the ways to use it? Since people are different, some methods may work better for them than others.
- CBD Oil and Tinctures: CBD oil and tinctures can be absorbed either orally or sublingually where they work much faster. The method allows gaining CBD benefits but not THC psychoactivity hence it can be used during the day.
- THC/CBD Edibles: Edibles can provide longer effects in comparison with other methods. It is also very important to keep in mind that they take longer to ‘kick in’ which is a consideration when dealing with time oriented pain management.
- Topical Products: During menstrual period some women find it useful to apply cannabis infused creams, balms or patches around the lower abdomen or back. With topical applications, cannabinoids are able to diffuse through and into the skin relieving deep rooted pain locally.
- Vaping or smoking: This technique allows the person to feel instant relief because, after absorption through lungs, cannabinoids are immediately driven into the blood stream. However, this route should suit everyone else except those who fear smoking and inhaling.
What is the Scientific Support for Cannabis and Menstruation Discomfort?
Even though more research is still warranted, some preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that cannabis may be of use during menstruation. For instance, a 2017 study suggest that CBD could ease chronic pain especially based on the repercussion of muscle relaxation and inflammation which are important in menstruation.
More recent studies have focused on the effects of cannabis on pain and its perception which shows potential to be used for pain management in a number of contexts including menstrual pains.
Are There Any Potential Risks?
Even though cannabis can have a few advantages, it is important to look out for any possible side effects and speak with a healthcare professional before use.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, has psychoactive effects like feelings of euphoria, impaired coordination, or feeling light-headed which would not be acceptable in certain demographic settings.
Furthermore, the use of cannabis is not permissible everywhere, hence it is timely to check local laws and regulations.
Conclusion
Cannabis has therapeutic value and can be used to ease menstrual aches thanks to its analgesic, muscle relaxant, and mood uplifting features. Since it is available in various ways of consumption, a lot of people can definitely benefit from finding the right one suitable for their personal needs and lifestyle.
Studies related to cannabis and menstrual health are emerging, and it is only a matter of time before it garners even more acceptance as a reliable source of menstrual discomfort relief. If traditional methods of management are not beneficial, then cannabis usage might be a better choice to help relieve pain associated with the menstrual cycle.