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CBD Oil Dosage for Menopause Symptoms: Insomnia, Hot Flashes + More

Human studies on the effects of cannabinoids and cannabis on symptoms related to the life stage of menopause are nonexistent. This is a sad comment on the priorities of research...

Human studies on the effects of cannabinoids and cannabis on symptoms related to the life stage of menopause are nonexistent. This is a sad comment on the priorities of research that all too often show a bias against researching women’s health issues.

Dr Michele Ross is a neuroscientist and advocate for cannabis medicine in the treatment of endocannabinoid-related dysregulation in women’s health. Much of her research around cannabis medicine is collated over on her website, including the endocannabinoid system, and women’s health issues, including menopause. [1] See our Women’s Health series for a wider discussion of problems related to women’s health, including our other article on Menopause.

Menopause, whether chemically or naturally induced, can create a broad range of challenging symptoms, including libido and mood dysregulation, hot flashes and temperature regulation problems, insomnia and night sweats, unwanted hair growth, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis. See our article on Insomnia.

Anecdotal reports from pharmacy and medicinal cannabis dispensaries have often indicated that women have successfully used herbal cannabis medicines to address the symptoms of menopause. [2]

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating many of the neurological and endocrine system issues that accompany menopause. It also maintains bone mass, possibly reducing its loss. [3]

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system of physiology inside the body largely responsible for maintaining the order and balance in every major bodily system; from the reproductive, to the circulatory and cardiovascular. If there’s dysfunction in the body, it can always be traced back to poor endocannabinoid functioning. The ECS is sensitive to stressors, whether environmental or internal. If the organism (human or any other mammal) is subject to overwhelming levels of stress, the ECS will eventually struggle to keep up with the demand, and fall into a state of disorder and dysfunction, which leads to dysfunction in other areas of the body. The hemp cannabis plant contains phytocannabinoids which act much like the body’s own endocannabinoids, and can help nourish the ECS out of dysfunction and back to a state of normal healthy functioning; as long as the ECS hasn’t been pushed past a point of no return - the human body is, after all, a system with finite capacities. For more information, read The Endocannabinoid System Explained.

Medical disclaimer: the information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Prior to making changes to your lifestyle or treatment plan, always consult with your doctor about the possible benefits of CBD and other natural health products to help improve sleep, bone density, reduce hormonal or brain related mood swings. Women exploring the effects of CBD oil should weigh up the benefits and risks with their doctor before attempting to gain relief on their own.

Dosing Cannabis

The key to effective cannabis dosing lies in not exceeding the plateau at which the dose becomes effective. Small, spaced doses work better than a single large dose. For example, one dose upon waking, and another mid-afternoon would suffice. 

Ideal Dosing for Menopause Symptoms

Small doses of sublingual or oral cannabis medicines are becoming largely popular with people for their convenience and the duration of effects. For hot flashes, 2.5 to 4 mg of THC taken sublingually (under the tongue) is ideal. For insomnia and night sweats, the equivalent of 5 mg of THC chewed and swallowed, one hour before bedtime. See our other articles on Menopause, PMS, and Women’s Health over in the health conditions section of our blog.

Vaporization and smoking continue to remain the preferred method among medical marijuana patients; vaporization is recommended, due to the fact it reduces exposure to combustion toxins.

If applying cannabis topically, high-CBD rich creams, balms, and salves can be effective for slowing the rate of unwanted hair growth. See our articles on Hair Loss and Growth.

Best Strains for Menopause

Terpinolene-dominant strains such as Zeta or Jack Herer are ideal for during the day; limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene strains, such as OG Kush, for pain; Cookies and caryophyllene strains for daytime pain and inflammation; myrcene in the evening, in particular, the high terpene strain, Purps. See our Ultimate Guide to Terpenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD help with menopause hot flashes?

CBD companies make many claims about CBD, some of which are unsubstantiated. CBD has been shown to assist with mood, anxiety, depression, insomnia, some aspects of hormone balance, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Is CBD helpful for menopause?

Cannabidiol has active analgesic (pain relieving) effects which can assist with any joint and muscle pain, along with common problems of menopause such as insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, and so on.

Does cannabis help balance hormones?

Cannabis is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes that have value in bringing balance to the endocannabinoid system, which overseeds order and balance across all bodily systems; meaning, the ECS can help regulate your hormones, helping to ease symptoms of menopause.

Does Hemp oil help menopause symptoms?

Hemp oil provides a wide range of essential amino acids and omega 3’s that can help combat the symptoms of menopause and counteract negative cardiovascular risks that are associated with menopause.

How much CBD should I take for hot flashes?

Dosing varies based on the purity and quality of the product, and on the individual. Start low and slow, with most experts recommending a 20 mg start point dose, waiting 90 minutes for edibles, or 30 minutes for sublingual products, and assess the results before taking more.

For more information, please view the health conditions section of our blog, and see our other articles:

A History of Cannabis Use for Women's Health

Cannabis for Menstrual Symptoms and Fertility

Cannabis for Menopause: Hot Flashes, Insomnia and Pain

Cannabis and Maternity: Nausea, Anxiety and Pain

If you found this article of value, please share it.

1. http://impactcannabis.org/medical-marijuana-menopause
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16020480/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2219540/

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