Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be quite uncomfortable due to the variety of symptoms associated with it, some of which generate severe discomforts capable of altering the daily life of women. Considering that it occurs every month and that its symptoms can extend up to several days, it is important to understand it well and know how to treat it efficiently in order to ease the discomfort.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
The PMS is a term that refers to a variety of symptoms that women usually suffer in the period after ovulation and before menstruation. The symptomatology that appears is both physical and emotional, usually varies from woman to woman and may even change in future menstrual cycles.
Despite its variability, PMS is usually quite irritating and generally uncomfortable, so looking for an effective way to relieve it is common in most women. There have been where flames experience the so-called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a more severe version of PMS capable of significantly weakening the woman who experiences it.
It is a disorder that follows a predictable cycle around the female menstrual cycle, which consists of an alteration of the mood resulting from hormonal fluctuations during the normal and natural cycle of the woman. Now, let’s look at the spectrum that encompasses the PMS symptomatology.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
About 150 symptoms have been associated with PMS. The type of ailment and its intensity varies from woman to woman and can change depending on factors such as lifestyle or stress.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 85% of women have at least one of the symptoms before menstruation, in an intensity that can range from mild to extremely strong.
Usually, the ailments are presented one or two weeks before the arrival of menstruation and are an expression of what is happening in the woman’s body. Most females experience mild symptoms, such as mild cramps or a general malaise that can last all day.
In other cases, before or during menstruation, they may experience violent emotional ups and downs that are not easy to control in most cases. Along with cramps, they can vary from headaches, swelling and tenderness in the breasts, to digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea or vomiting and decreased sexual desire.
Other symptoms that may occur are cravings for certain foods, fatigue, pain or discomfort in the lower back, acne breakouts, insomnia, concentration problems, depression, anxiety, and even weight gain.
CBD to effectively treat PMS symptoms
Cannabidiol Oil (CBD) has been revealed as a product with many wonderful properties, and its usefulness in the treatment of various ailments and health problems has catapulted its popularity in recent years. PMS is among the ailments that can be treated effectively with the oil.
Cannabidiol is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, an important aspect to keep in mind about this oil is that, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause euphoric effects. On the contrary, several studies have shown the efficacy of Cannabidiol Oil to treat people with anxiety and depression1.
Related article: CBD for Anxiety
Related article: CBD for Depression
According to Julie Holland, a doctor with a long history in pharmacology and creator of the nonprofit project The Pot Book,2 aimed at funding therapeutic cannabis research, cannabidiol «can be immensely useful in treating irritability and discomfort they produce during the premenstrual phase. Its anti-anxiety properties are consistent and it is also a muscle relaxant so it can help with both physical and mental tension, as well as menstrual cramps that may appear later. «
Every day there are more studies that illustrate about the possible medical applications and for the daily wellbeing of CBD and cannabis in general, either for the treatment of particular medical conditions or to help improve physical, mental and emotional health. Of course, this includes its use to treat the symptoms of PMS.
Cannabidiol oil for PMS: symptom by symptom
For pain
In 2012, The Journal of Experimental Medicine published a study demonstrating the oil’s effectiveness in suppressing inflammation and pain in mice and rats. However, today there are many people who relieve pain with cannabidiol, including those associated with PMS, such as headaches, lower back, muscle, and joint pain.
An important advantage for women is that they can discard analgesics that often have negative side effects.
For anxiety
The use of oil to treat anxiety has also been validated by scientific research. A review published in the medical journal Neurotherapeutics noted that there is preclinical evidence that strongly supports the potential of cannabidiol oil to treat anxiety.
Studies have shown that oil is efficient for the treatment of anxiety, whether or not this product of PMS.
For acne
The results of a study published in 2014 by The Journal of Clinical Investigation show the usefulness of CBD oil to reduce or prevent acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits. The appearance of acne during PMS can be quite untimely and annoying, but fortunately, cannabidiol can also be used in these cases by applying directly to the skin, which will receive the oil as a balm that will contribute to your health and hydration.
For depression
This is one of the most complicated symptoms to treat for women, but the good news is that cannabidiol can also effective in treating the violent mood swings that may arise during PMS. This effect has been corroborated by studies carried out on animals in Brazil and has been verified as very useful to treat irritability, as Dr. Julie Holland has stated.
For insomnia
Often, those who suffer from PMS have problems to have a peaceful and restful sleep, which affects their normal development the next day. A study conducted in 2013 with rats concluded that cannabidiol oil increased sleep time. The oil has also been shown to be effective in combating insomnia in people, as well as other sleep disturbances.
For upset stomach
Although it is not a common symptom of PMS, some women have experienced nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea during the days of the syndrome. Studies conducted in 2011 show the positive effects of cannabidiol in relieving stomach discomfort, as well as being used in cancer patients to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy. Even, many users have proven their benefits as a digestive when taking a small dose after having eaten in excess.
In short, cannabidiol oil is effective and very useful when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of PMS. Diverse investigations endorse it and those who have used it have obtained satisfactory results.
Learn how to correctly dose your CBD oil by reading our dosage guide.
References
R. de Mello Schier, Alexandre; P. de Oliveira Ribeiro, Natalia; S. Coutinho, Danielle; Machado, Sergio; Arias-Carrion, Oscar; A. Crippa, Jose; W. Zuardi, Antonio; E. Nardi, Antonio und C. Silva, Adriana. „Antidepressant-Like and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Cannabidiol: A Chemical Compound of Cannabis sativa“ CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets (2014) [↩]- Holland, J. (2010). The pot book. Rochester, VT: Park Street Press. [↩]
