Medicinal cannabis consolidates as an ally in relieving menstrual cramps

For many women, the onset of the menstrual cycle is accompanied by irritability, anxiety, and a difficult-to-explain fatigue, signs that permeate routine, work, and relationships. 

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

Cannabis as an alternative in PMS

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

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Altogether, 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

Prior to starting the use, the volunteers underwent a one-month 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 levels of menstrual symptoms, especially in the domains of irritability, anxiety, and perceived stress. Improvement was observed as early as the first month and was maintained over 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 the conduct of new controlled studies, with larger samples, comparison with a placebo, and evaluation of other administration routes and combinations with cannabis compounds, such as terpenes.