Cannabis use has increased across different age categories, but women above 45 are among the rapidly growing group of consumers. Most women do not use marijuana just for fun but to treat insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety. Other women want to manage menopause-related symptoms, so they order weed from a cannabis website or an online dispensary that ships to all states.
Key Takeaways:
- Women in menopause are turning to ordering cannabis online for relief.
- Cannabis interacts with the body’s systems to ease symptoms like poor sleep and hot flashes.
- Lifestyle changes, combined with cannabis, can aid menopause management.
What Exactly is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological event experienced by women when their menstrual cycles end, starting one year after their last period. It affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 and can cause changes in sleep patterns, mood, temperature regulation, sex drive, anxiety, and joint pains.
Marijuana and Menopause
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates the hormones that cause menopause. It’s the same system that cannabinoids from the cannabis plant interact with when they enter the body. This system comprises enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are compounds produced by the body to send signals and trigger biological functions. These natural compounds, like anandamide, regulate body functions, such as pain perception, mood, appetite, hormone levels, and more. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during menopause, this hormonal change impacts the endocannabinoid system, specifically its anandamide production.
The cannabis plant has chemicals known as cannabinoids that are similar to endocannabinoids. These cannabinoids are known to cause the effects associated with weed. When cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are used, they can mimic endocannabinoids and, therefore, interact with different functions of ECS.
How Cannabis Aid Menopausal Symptoms
Poor Sleep
Sleep disturbances are one of the common menopausal symptoms experienced during menopause. Some women struggle with insomnia, which is often associated with depression, anxiety, and pain. Cannabis is known to improve sleep for people with these symptoms.
Cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, causing the sleep-promoting effect. When the cannabinoids combine with these receptors, they transmit messages to increase adenosine levels and restrain the brain’s arousal system. These effects can promote relaxation and help women in menopause fall asleep faster and wake up less during the night.
Hot Flashes
Sudden changes in body temperature and hot flashes are very common during menopause. A hot flash is a sudden warmth in the upper part of the body, usually extreme on the face, neck, and chest.
Cannabis can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The THC mimics the endocannabinoid that helps regulate body temperature. It also affects the peripheral blood vessels, causing them to expand, leading to heat loss and changes in body temperature.
Low Libido
The use of cannabis can help boost sex drive in menopausal women. The vasodilatory properties of cannabis cause an increase in blood circulation to sexual organs, leading to a rise in sexual arousal and pleasure.
The natural endocannabinoid system regulates pleasure, pain, relaxation, and homeostasis. When activated by the cannabinoids in marijuana, the system gives the consumer increased pleasure and decreased pain. This can result in more arousal and make sex feel even more enjoyable.
Pain Relief
Joint and muscle pain, as well as stiffness, are common symptoms associated with menopause. Estrogen affects the cartilage, which is the connective tissue in joints and is important in bone replacement, inflammation, and pain. As its levels decline, inflammation may increase, which causes discomfort and menopause-related joint pain.
Studies have shown that the CBD in cannabis can help in managing body pains. THC and CBD possess analgesic properties that help decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
Anxiety
As hormones decline, menopausal women may experience mood swings or anxiety, with feelings of sadness and irritability being common. Cannabis, specifically CBD and low levels of THC, shows a possible positive effect in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Better Solution for Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause is a natural event that affects billions of women around the world and can last several years and negatively impact their lives and daily activities. The main treatment used for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which works by replacing hormones. However, cannabis products from dispensaries like GetLoud have emerged as a potential option with promising outcomes in alleviating menopausal symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific strains of cannabis recommended for menopause relief?
- Indica Strains. Known for their relaxing and sedative effects. They can help with insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
- Hybrid Strains. They combine the effects of both indica and sativa strains for a balanced experience. They can provide relief from various menopause symptoms, including pain, mood swings, and hot flashes.
- CBD-Dominant Strains. High-CBD strains are low in THC and high in CBD, offering therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects. These strains can help manage pain, inflammation, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Sativa Strains. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, making them suitable for managing fatigue, low mood, and lack of motivation.
Are there any lifestyle changes recommended in conjunction with using cannabis for menopause?
- Regular exercise helps with mood swings, sleep, and weight management.
- A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains supports hormone balance and can ease symptoms.
- Try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Establish a bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment for better rest.
- Connect with friends, family, or support groups for emotional support.
- Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy if needed.
- Regular check-ups help monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.
How Can I Find the Best Online Weed Dispensary that Ships to All States?
The best way to find a reliable online weed store is to research the top cannabis retailers and the types of strains. You can achieve this by browsing reviews from other customers and looking at the websites that have ranked the best.
Can women still use cannabis if they are on other medications for menopause?
Yes, women can still use cannabis alongside other medications for menopause, but they have to consult with a healthcare provider first. Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on their medical history and current medications for safe and effective management of menopause symptoms while using cannabis.