Can CBD Fight PMS?
Shark week, mother nature’s gift, menstruation, whatever you want to call it, your period can be quite an unbearable part of your month.
On a good day, PMS symptoms can be only a slight disturbance in your day. Light cramps and a little back pain are manageable. But the worst PMS days can prevent you from attending big plans, completing work, and even working out.
Bad PMS days every month are inevitable for some women. Many of us have a PMS ritual to combat the discomfort and pain: over-the-counter pain meds, heating pads, and a pint of ice cream. While these may help temporarily ease the pain, you have probably already thrown in the towel for a long-term solution.
When Auntie Flo pays her monthly visit, CBD might just be your saving grace—not convinced? Let us show you why CBD should be added to your PMS toolbox.
CBD for PMS
CBD one of the most prominent cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s recently climbed the ladder in the health & wellness world as people swear by its potential to relieve stress, boost mood, and improve sleep. CBD has also been touted for its potential impact on premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
About 75% of menstruating women experience PMS. Most of these women will probably agree that PMS sucks! Here’s the DL (down-lown) on how CBD impacts the most common PMS symptoms.
CBD For Period Cramps
Cramps are nothing to joke about. Menstrual cramps in your lower abdomen can spread to your lower back and even into your inner thighs, creating an unbearable amount of pain and discomfort.
Cramps occur when the lining of your uterus contracts during menstruation. It is entirely normal to experience cramps before and during menstruation, but some women face abnormally painful and debilitating periods. From acupuncture to OTC pain meds, there are many remedies women have experimented with to relieve cramping.
Is CBD good for period cramping? There is still research to be done around CBD and menstrual cramps. Early research suggests CBD aids in reducing inflammation, creating a healthier pain response.
Our Relief Pain Support Soft Gels use the power of cannabinoids (CBD & CBG) along with herbal ingredients to target female-specific pain. One key ingredient is Evening Primrose Oil, which supports women’s hormonal health and symptoms associated with PMS.
CBD For Mood Swings
Feeling moody and irritable is a common symptom of PMS, making us feel completely out of control. When it’s that time of the month, it is important to understand that what you feel is completely valid and normal!
These emotional experiences are due to fluctuating hormone levels. When your progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate, it can affect your “happy” neurotransmitters: serotonin & dopamine, which impact your mood majorly!
So, can CBD help with PMS mood swings? Let’s unpack it.
Serotonin stabilizes our mood, feeling of well-being, and happiness. Serotonin doesn’t just make you feel good, it helps you sleep and eat too! A study done on animals published by the National Library of Medicine found CBD-activated serotonin receptors, which may support mood improvement during PMS.
Other ingredients and compounds can be used to support your mood during your menstrual cycle.
The compound 5-HTP has also been used to support the production of serotonin levels. This compound is found in the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia and encourages the synthesis of serotonin. We use naturally sourced 5-HTP as a key ingredient in Winged’s Happiness Soft Gels, which is good news when it comes to regulating your mood.
The other major “happy” neurotransmitter: dopamine, is also affected by your menstrual cycle. Dopamine regulates mood and muscle movement, playing a vital role in the brain's pleasure and reward system. It also plays a role in regulating digestion as well.
L-Dopa is a compound that supports the production of dopamine. L-Dopa is sourced naturally from the velvet bean, helping with irritability and providing a positive mood boost. We also included L-Dopa in our Happiness formula to support mood swings during PMS!
CBD for Better Sleep
PMS can disrupt your beauty sleep, making you even more cranky. Cramps and stress can wake you up in the middle of the night! Many women have turned to CBD to support a better night’s sleep as it has the potential to help you get to sleep and stay asleep.
CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS impacts your body’s functions, including your circadian rhythms.
Circadian rhythm is an innate biological feature of living organisms that relates to time and life functions. Basically, an internal clock that regulates our biological functions over the course of 24 hours.
Using CBD can help regulate your sleep and wake cycle (one of your circadian rhythms)! Plus, CBD’s potential to calm cramps and boost your mood can also help you catch more Zzz’s.
We’ve got the fix in our Sleepy CBD Gummies! We combined the power of full-spectrum CBD and other relaxing ingredients to support an amazing night’s rest. Lights out!
CBD Women’s Health
The CBD benefits for women don’t just stop at PMS. CBD has been recognized to bring more balance and relaxation into our lives. CBD Wellness for women is at the core of Winged’s mission. We created products that specifically target women-specific issues using the power of cannabinoids and holistic medicine.
We hope Winged Wellness products can help you reach your wildest dreams and fullest potential!