Notcutt et al. (2004) commented that CBD oil could treat both mild and chronic pain associated with PMS. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant. This product is becoming popular worldwide due to its amazing health benefits. According to Kopschina Feltes et al. (2017), it contains therapeutic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
All these properties work together in treating different diseases and conditions. Unlike the other common compound from the same plant known as THC, CBD does not cause a high effect. However, some CBD products may contain a small amount of THC. Combining these two compounds increase the ability to treat any disease. Athar & Nasir (2005) clarified that CBD oil is combined with a carrier oil such as coconut and almond oil, making it more effective in treating illnesses. There are three different types of CBD oil: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum oil contains all the compounds from the cannabis plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum oil contains all the other compounds from the hemp plant apart from THC. CBD isolate contains a single compound from the hemp plant, CBD. CBD products containing THC are safe as the amount of THC in the products does not exceed 0.3%.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that affects women during their productive age. It affects them between the ovulation day and the actual day of the menses. Sometimes it might extend to the last day of the menses. It is characterized by mild, moderate, or severe pains that may affect daily activities. It also involves emotional and behavioral changes such as restlessness, anxiety, anger, irritability, food cravings, changes in appetite, fatigue, lack of sleep, and low or sad moods. Some patients dealing with this condition may also get easily angered and cry uncontrollably. Women dealing with this condition may also have a low sex drive. Sometimes, it may also affect concentration and memory. PMS is also associated with physical symptoms such as abdominal bloating, sore breasts, constipation, acne, headaches, cramps, lower back pains, high sensitivity to sound and light, and muscle pains.
What causes PMS?
Scientific research has not found the actual cause of this condition. However, different theories try to explain the cause of this condition. These reasons include:
Changes in Hormones
Progesterone and estrogen hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Just before ovulation, hormones reach their peak and then drop rapidly. The rising and dropping may lead to mood changes, irritability, and anxiety. Such high levels of anxiety may trigger the production of serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine leading to sleep problems.
Changes in the Brain Function
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can trigger PMS. People living with such conditions are at high risk of experiencing PMS symptoms, including unexplainable pain and irritability.
Lifestyle
Some lifestyle habits might increase the symptoms of PMS. These habits include lack of regular body exercises, sugary and high salted foods, lack of enough sleep, smoking, and eating extremely oily foods. The use of alcohol may also increase symptoms of PMS. An adult should sleep for at least 5-8 hours a day. Enough sleep gives the body time to relax, reducing the chances of pain.
When to See a Doctor
Some people experience symptoms of PMS that won’t necessarily need to be given medical attention. However, sometimes PMS might become severe, disrupting daily activities and affecting an individual’s quality of life. If such severe symptoms re-occur every month, you need to see a professional healthcare provider. Once you are diagnosed with this condition, the doctor will provide different options to deal with the condition. These options include using supplements such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and hormonal birth control.
Can CBD oil Treat PMS?
PMS treatment involves managing the chronic symptoms of the condition since it is not a curable disease. Managing the symptoms heavily relies on the individual since what works with you might not work well for another patient. Some doctors recommend using pills to top ovulation, regular body exercise, and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain. CBD oil may help deal with this condition in a far better way. It contains various properties such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory that can manage this condition. PMS is characterized by mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and depression. The antidepressant properties of CBD can calm such symptoms. It can also help the user sleep better. Some women may also experience nausea and vomiting during their menses. CBD oil can as well deal with this problem. CBD manipulates the endocannabinoid system, providing relief from nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal pain and cramping are one of the main symptoms of PMS. The use of CBD oil can also address this issue. According to Johnson et al. (2010), CBD cures both chronic and mild pain, especially pain related to cancer.
How to Treat PMS Using CBD Oil
CBD oil is safe for use as it has few mild side effects. It does not contain more than 0.3% THC hence can’t make you high. You can either ingest or apply CBD on the skin. For PMS, ingest the recommended dosage by your doctor. For personal prescriptions, start with a low dosage and gradually increase until you encounter the effects.
Precaution and Side Effects of CBD Oil
Ingesting CBD oil may cause side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue. Do not take an overdose as it is likely to trigger such effects. In rare cases, CBD oil may lead to liver damage. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take CBD oil as it might not be safe for infants. If you are under medication, avoid CBD products as they may interact with some drugs.
Conclusion
PMS is a condition that affects women during their productive age. It is characterized by emotional and physical symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, depression, headache, cramps, and nausea. CBD oil contains antidepressant and anti-inflammatory products that can treat this condition. It reduces both chronic and mild pain. Take the right amount of oil as prescribed by a doctor. CBD oil may cause side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue.
References
Athar, M., & Nasir, S. M. (2005). Taxonomic Perspective Of Plant Species Yielding Vegetable Oils Used In Cosmetics And Skin Care Products. African Journal Of Biotechnology, 4(1), 36-44.
Johnson, J. R., Burnell-Nugent, M., Lossignol, D., Ganae-Motan, E. D., Potts, R., & Fallon, M. T. (2010). Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study Of The Efficacy, Safety, And Tolerability Of THC: CBD Extract And THC Extract In Patients With Intractable Cancer-Related Pain. Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, 39(2), 167-179.
Kopschina Feltes, P., Doorduin, J., Klein, H. C., Juárez-Orozco, L. E., Dierckx, R. A., Moriguchi-Jeckel, C. M., & De Vries, E. F. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder: Implications For Patients With An Elevated Immune Profile And Non-Responders To Standard Antidepressant Therapy. Journal Of Psychopharmacology, 31(9), 1149-1165.
Notcutt, W., Price, M., Miller, R., Newport, S., Phillips, C., Simmons, S., & Sansom, C. (2004). Initial Experiences With Medicinal Extracts Of Cannabis For Chronic Pain: Results From 34 ‘N Of 1’studies. Anaesthesia, 59(5), 440-452.
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She’s also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it!
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