CBD and the Menopause: What the Research Explores

During menopause, a change in the balance of hormones in your body can result in various symptoms and these differ between individuals. Poor sleep, ‘brain fog’ and anxiety are just some of the common symptoms experienced by those  going through menopause. Joint pain is also often experienced due to lower levels of oestrogen. In this article, we take a closer look at these symptoms of menopause and how CBD Oil can help with managing them.

Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances Associated with Menopause

Poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances are common symptoms of menopause. Many women start experiencing sleep problems during perimenopause and this can continue throughout the menopausal transition and post-menopause.

Sleepless nights due to menopause are sometimes as a result of hot flushes.  While these unpleasant sensations of extreme heat can come during the day or night, night-time hot flushes are often paired with disturbed sleep. And, you may carry on getting them for several years after your periods stop. During menopause, women can also develop sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, which may come from the fall in the production of the oestrogen hormone.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the traditional medical treatment for menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia. But, there are also some practical things you can do to help you sleep better such as wearing loose clothing to bed and keeping your bedroom cool and well-ventilated. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine which includes going to bed at the same time every night may also help you to get better quality sleep. It is also advisable to avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine.

CBD Oil can be a great addition to your bedtime routine. Although CBD is not medically approved as a sleep supplement, many people use it to help them relax into a restful state of mind that is required to maintain a positive sleep cycle. If you are new to CBD, our 5.5% | 500mg REST CBD Oil is part of our REST range and is a great option to try 30 minutes before bed. Each drop contains a delicious, restful blend of CBD, Hops, Lavender, Bergamot and Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 is especially helpful in reducing tiredness and fatigue, assisting you to feel rested after a good night’s sleep. *

You can also try our Sweet Dreams gift set containing the 5.5% | 500mg REST CBD Oil, the REST Pillow Spray, and an exclusive Grass & Co. Sleep Mask made from the highest quality mulberry silk to help block out light.

Anxiety Associated with Menopause

Anxiety is a common symptom of menopause that can cause you to feel fearful or tense. For some, anxiety may be the only symptom of menopause that they experience. It can start subtly, and many don’t make the immediate connection to menopause and just think that they aren’t coping with their busy lives as well as they used to.

Anxiety can occur at any stage of the menopause transition, but can be worse during perimenopause. If you are experiencing anxiety because of menopause it is important to seek help from your doctor or HCP.

There are various things that you can do to help manage anxiety. Exercising is an effective way of managing anxiety as it contributes to a sense of well-being and may help to reduce your levels of stress and anxiety. Activities that help you relax such as yoga and meditation can also be useful in combating anxiety.

When combined with other wellness routines, CBD can help calm your body and mind. For those that are new to CBD, Grass and Co.’s best-selling CALM 5.5% | 500mg CBD Oil is a great starting point when you’re feeling frazzled. This CBD Oil product contains a relaxing blend of CBD, Mint, Chamomile and Ashwagandha that gives it a deliciously smooth flavour. The unique botanical formulation is further enhanced with Vitamins B6 & B12 to help support mental performance, relaxation, and fight fatigue throughout the day. \\

Joint Pain Associated with Menopause

The reduction in oestrogen during the menopause may cause joint pain that can affect your knees, back, shoulders, neck, elbows, or hands. Areas, where you had joint injuries in the past, may begin to ache more than they used to. This is because oestrogen helps to reduce inflammation, and as its levels start to decline, inflammation may increase.

Joint pain can be experienced at all stages of the menopause transition. But, it can be an early sign of menopause for some women before any other symptoms develop. During menopause, women can be more at risk of developing osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It is therefore important to see your doctor if you are experiencing severe joint pain to rule out either of these conditions.

There are various ways in which joint pain caused by menopause can be managed. If you are overweight, trying to control your weight can help ease joint pain. But, keep in mind that you should start with gentle exercise and gradually build up the intensity, preferably with advice from a fitness professional. Getting enough quality sleep may also help as pain often feels worse when you’re tired. Pilates and yoga are good ways to improve your body strength and posture to help reduce muscle and joint pain.

When taken as part of a daily routine, CBD Oil may assist in easing and supporting joints to help you carry out daily activities with ease. Grass & Co.’s complete EASE CBD range can help support those experiencing issues with their joints because of menopause. Our CBD Balms and Balms can be used for targeted and localised topical applications throughout the day where they can interact with CBD receptors in your skin. Alternatively, the 5.5 % | 500mg EASE CBD Oil is a direct and fast-acting way to take CBD Oil.

What Type of CBD is Best for Menopause Symptoms?

CBD is available in various forms and the right kind of CBD for you will depend on what menopause symptoms you are managing and your personal preferences. The following are some of the options available.

• CBD Oils are a fast-acting way to ingest CBD by squeezing the oil drops under the tongue with a pipette where the sublingual vein can distribute the CBD into the bloodstream. You may feel the  effects of CBD Oil  in as little as 5-30 minutes and this can help body and mind feel more relaxed, especially before bed.

• CBD can be taken in capsule form, but the effects can take longer than CBD oils. They are a good choice if you are experiencing issues with sleep or anxiety.

• CBD topicals can be applied directly to the skin for localised relief and are a useful  option to help manage joint pain throughout the day.

• CBD edibles such as gummies can also be used as a convenient way to manage symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, but are not as fast-acting as CBD Oil.

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Grass & Co. CBD products are food supplements, not medicines. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and none of it replaces advice from your GP or healthcare professional. The Food Standards Agency advises healthy adults not to exceed 10mg of CBD a day. CBD is not recommended for anyone under 18, or for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescribed medication.