It appears that a considerable number of women are turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief, with nearly 79% endorsing its use to alleviate related discomforts. Specifically, 67% of women have reported that cannabis aids with sleep disturbances, while 46% have found it effective in improving mood and anxiety. Interestingly, perimenopausal women, who are in the transitional phase leading up to menopause, reported more severe symptoms than those who are postmenopausal, and accordingly, they also reported a higher use of cannabis to manage these symptoms.
When it comes to pain relief, cannabis is frequently cited as a remedy. However, there is intriguing evidence suggesting that a cannabis placebo — a non-active substance that mimics cannabis — can offer very similar pain relief, raising questions about the actual efficacy of the drug versus psychological expectations.
Chronic use of marijuana may have significant impacts on the female reproductive system. A study published in Fertility & Sterility Science suggests that using marijuana products as often as three times per week could profoundly affect menstrual cycles and reproductive hormones. This research was conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center and monitored the reproductive systems of healthy female nonhuman primates.
Natural remedies for period pains are age-old practices, with options like hot water bottles and baths being common. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones, a women’s health expert, suggests a variety of natural treatments for period pains that have been in use for ages.
However, long-term cannabis use is not without its drawbacks. Harvard Health reports that long-term users showed an average decline of 5.5 points in IQ from childhood, along with learning and processing speed deficits. Moreover, there appears to be a dose-response relationship, where greater cannabis use is linked to more significant cognitive impairments.
The health implications of marijuana use extend beyond cognition to include potential cardiovascular risks. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful substances as cigarette smoke, which is a known risk factor for heart disease and cancer.
Despite the popularity of cannabis for various treatments, it is vital to consider the potential risks and benefits. While many individuals report relief of menopause symptoms and pain, the scientific community continues to investigate the true effects and possible health implications of cannabis use.
