Medical cannabis consolidates as an ally in relieving menstrual cramps

For many women, the onset of the menstrual cycle is accompanied by irritability, anxiety, and an inexplicable fatigue, signs that permeate daily routines, work, and relationships. 

A recent clinical study sheds light on a possible ally during this period: cannabidiol (CBD). The research indicates that the compound may help alleviate emotional symptoms related to menstruation, with improvements noticed as early as the first month of use and effects maintained throughout subsequent cycles.

Cannabis as an alternative for PMS

The research analyzed the effects of oral CBD on symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, such as irritability, anxiety, stress, and overall perception of well-being. 

Read Also:

Marijuana and menstruation: an ancient alliance that is coming back to light

“We have to think about cyclicality”: expert explains how cannabis acts in the female body

Queen Victoria's cramps and the history of medical cannabis in Europe

A total of 33 participants were included in an open-label, randomized clinical trial, divided into two groups with different dosages:

• 160 mg of CBD, twice a day
• 320 mg of CBD, twice a day

Before starting the use, the volunteers underwent a month of baseline evaluation, without CBD. They then used cannabidiol for five consecutive days, starting from the first sign of menstrual symptoms, over three consecutive cycles.

The comparison between the pre-use period and the intervention months showed a significant reduction in menstrual symptom levels, especially in the domains of irritability, anxiety, and perceived stress. Improvement was observed as early as the first month and was maintained throughout subsequent cycles, suggesting a consistent effect.

Cannabis and Women's Health: promising results

Despite the advancements, the study did not identify significant changes in depression scores, indicating that the effects of CBD may be more specific to emotional symptoms related to stress and irritability during the menstrual cycle.

The authors themselves highlight important limitations: the trial was conducted without a placebo group, which prevents definitive conclusions about causality. Therefore, they advocate for new controlled studies with larger samples, comparison with placebo, and evaluation of other administration routes and combinations with cannabis compounds, such as terpenes.