CBD and Hormones Overview
We’re all familiar with the famous cannabis ‘high’, but the non-intoxicating effect CBD can have on hormones is under explored. The relationship between CBD and hormones comes down to three words - the endocannabinoid system (or ECS).
This is a complex physiological system in the human body, which, put simply, helps to maintain the hormonal balance.
Using CBD can boost endocannabinoids to ensure the ECS is working effectively.
Understanding the Role of CBD in Regulating Hormones
The ECS helps to regulate various bodily functions, including stress, mood and pain through cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids. CBD interacts with this system by binding to receptors to help balance hormones and provide pain relief.
What Causes a Hormone Imbalance?
Put simply, hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel around your bloodstream and help to control many of our major functions, including metabolism, reproduction, mood and sleep.
Hormone imbalances occur when there is too much, or too little, of a certain hormone. Hormone levels often fluctuate throughout your lifetime, but other changes can happen if something is off-kilter.
An example of this is when your endocrine glands - which regulate your bodily functions through the bloodstream - aren’t functioning properly.
Certain health conditions like diabetes, under or overactive thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also impact the hormone balance. stress, menopause, or being overweight can be culprits too.
Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
Mood swings, an irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, a low sex drive, unexplained weight gain or weight loss and insomnia are all common symptoms of hormone imbalance in women.
Can CBD Help with Hormonal Imbalances and Menstrual Irregularities?
CBD products may be able to help regulate hormones by influencing cortisol - also known as ‘the stress hormone’.
Stress is an underlying factor in many hormonal imbalances, which can have a knock-on effect on menstrual regularity. Since CBD has stress-relieving properties, it can address this root cause of hormonal imbalances.
It can also help to soften the hormonal blow of anxiety and depression, which can be heightened by the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen and Progesterone affect levels of serotonin - or the ‘happy hormone’ that influences mood. While research remains limited in this area, available data shows that CBD activates serotonin receptors, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Hormones
CBD can be an effective method of regulating a hormone imbalance. It interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, helping to reduce stress, boost mood and provide effective pain relief.