CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, is changing how people view holistic health––especially women.
CBD can alleviate dozens of conditions, including anxiety, inflammation, nausea, migraines, sleeping disorders, and more; CBD can improve women’s overall health. It helps alleviate some of the unique issues in a woman’s body, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal imbalance, and cramps.
Get ready to learn how CBD can improve the health and lives of women everywhere. Here are five amazing health benefits of CBD for women, plus product recommendations.
Benefits of CBD for Women
1. CBD Can Alleviate PMS Symptoms
It’s the middle of the day… You’re halfway through your errands and… knock, knock….
Aunt Flo is at the door, and she’s back with all her baggage––bloating, cramps, mood swings, and this time she brought some more friends––anxiety and constipation…
Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, can occur before or during your period and involves one, or usually more, of the following symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Anxiety/Stress
- Bloating
- Extreme Tiredness or Fatigue
- Constipation
- Cravings
As most women can probably agree… PMS is not very fun.
There’s good news, though. Studies show that CBD can alleviate many of the PMS symptoms described above by interacting with the receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Refer to the graphic below to learn how CBD can help you say “Peace out!” to Aunt Flo and all her icky baggage!
2. CBD Can Help Manage Hormonal Imbalance
Most of us are familiar with hormones, but what are they exactly?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the endocrine system and play a vital role in regulating essential functions in our body, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Ideally, our hormones should be produced at a regular rate; however, if the body is producing too much or too little of a hormone, this can seriously affect the body.
This is referred to as hormonal imbalance.
The Women in Balance Institute explains that hormonal fluctuations can occur naturally during puberty, menopause, and perimenopause, but toxins or an unbalanced lifestyle can also cause them.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include menstrual irregularity, weight gain, mood swings, vaginal atrophy, and hair loss.
Based on the findings from several studies, CBD may provide relief for those suffering from hormonal imbalance.
In one study investigating the effects of CBD on plasma prolactin, growth hormones, and cortisol, researchers found that CBD helped regulate the secretion of cortisol, the stress-activating hormone.
In another study, researchers found that “cannabinoid exposure could have profound effects on the function of the reproductive system, lactation, metabolism, and on the endocrine stress axis.” Furthermore, they concluded that these effects are consistent with cannabinoids’ impact on the brain neurotransmitters involved with the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion.
By influencing the regulation of hormones, CBD can act as a preventative measure against hormonal imbalance.
In addition, using CBD products can be especially helpful in regulating hormones because Hemp is loaded with omega fatty acids and is high in gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in egg yolks, which is known to help regulate hormones.
3. CBD Can Maintain Cholesterol Levels
Although egg yolks may assist in regulating our hormones, they won’t help with your cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fatty lipid molecule found in every cell in the body.
There are two primary types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Slightly different in structure, HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol, while LDL Cholesterol is considered bad cholesterol.
A 2011 study found that CBD can affect metabolism-related genes to manage the level of cholesterol in microglial cells. By doing so, CBD may help prevent high levels of LDL cholesterol.
4. CBD Promotes Healthy Digestion
It’s time to go over a subject most of us don’t like to talk about –– digestion issues.
While men and women both deal with digestion issues, studies have found that women are more commonly affected by digestion issues than men.
According to a 2016 survey, nearly 72% of women have suffered from digestive problems, such as Irritable Bowel System (IBS), within the previous year.
Affecting over 20% of women, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition characterized by chronic bloating, constipation, and severe abdominal pain.
This is just one of the many digestion-related conditions women suffer from.
So how can CBD help alleviate digestive conditions like IBS?
Based on a recent study, when introduced to the digestive tract, CBD can help regulate digestion and modulate the body’s digestive functions.
In addition, numerous studies have found that CBD can alleviate the symptoms associated with digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, inflammation, and nausea.
By improving digestion and alleviating the symptoms of digestive issues, CBD can help promote healthy digestion for women everywhere.
5. CBD Will Enhance Your Beauty Regime
Say hello to your vanity’s new best friend!
Packed with nutrient-rich, all-natural properties, CBD is the ultimate addition to your beauty regime.
From anti-aging serums to stress-reducing supplements, CBD beauty products have become the latest craze of the beauty industry, delivering amazing benefits such as, but not limited to:
- Enhanced skin repair and cell regeneration
- Anti-aging effects
- Stronger hair follicles and overall healthier hair
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and their direct effects
- Improved skin health and appearance
- Reduced appearance of dark spots
- Better quality of sleep
Continue reading about the many ways CBD can enhance your beauty regime in the full article here: CBD Beauty Products: The Latest Craze of the Beauty World.
Our Favorite CBD Products for Women
Nuleaf Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
There are many reasons why you should get healing from the whole plant since it improves both the mind and body. If you’re looking for full spectrum CBD oil, try this product from Nuleaf.
Nuleaf is a trustworthy name in the CBD business. This tincture only has hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract. The hemp they use is organically grown from Colorado.
If full spectrum isn’t your preference, Nuleaf Naturals sells various CBD oils and other products. This CBD oil is also available in a wide array of potencies.
Pros
- Hempseed oil is rich in nutrients
- CBD potency variations
- Full spectrum CBD
- Only two ingredients
- Organically grown hemp
Cons
- No flavor options
FAB CBD Gummies – Anytime
FAB CBD is another high-quality CBD company. They only use organically grown hemp, free of pesticides in their product. These gummies are completely vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
The ingredients are simple and easy to pronounce. Plus, they’re fruit-flavored and delicious!
I chose these Anytime gummies because they sound like ones I would use. However, FAB CBD also offers broad spectrum nighttime gummies made with sleep-inducing and relaxing ingredients such as melatonin and ashwagandha.
Pros
- 25 mg CBD per gummy – strong dose
- Broad-spectrum contains no THC
- Free shipping on orders over $99
- Two different gummy options
- Host sales regularly
Cons
- Only sold in the USA
Joy Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels
When it comes to edibles, I prefer softgels. This is why I recommend trying these capsules from Joy Organics.
These capsules are made with broad-spectrum and organic CBD, so there’s no THC. But what really makes Joy Organics stand out are the extra ingredients to help your body better absorb the product.
For example, these softgels are made with nanoemulsion technology so your body easily absorbs the CBD compared to other capsules.
Joy Organics is a woman-owned company, founded by Joy Smith. She wanted natural body support and fell in love with CBD. From hee, she strived to create excellent and innovative CBD products.
Pros
- Two strength options (10 mg and 25 mg per serving)
- Broad spectrum CBD contains no THC
- Innovative technology improves bioavailability
- Diverse softgel catalog
- Offer other products if you don’t like softgels (they even sell CBD energy drinks)
- Made with organic hemp
Cons
- No size options
Blessed CBD 750mg CBD Balm
If you’re based in the UK, this is one of the best CBD companies.
Balms and other topicals are also perfect for those days when your cramps are terrible. I really like the strength of this balm. 750mg is pretty generous for a topical. This balm is made with full spectrum hemp that’s non-GMO, organically grown, and free of pesticides.
Pros
- Potent balm
- Full spectrum CBD
- Vegan ingredients
- Made with other moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil
- Made with organically grown hemp
Cons
- Made with fragrance, don’t use if you’re allergic to scents
Goodekind Broad-Spectrum CBD Vape
If you would rather smoke CBD, Goodekind has many options. In addition to vapes, they also sell hemp flower. I’m weird about smoking CBD flower, so that’s why I’m recommending a vape instead.
These vapes have two ingredients: organic MCT oil and organic broad-spectrum CBD oil. The broad-spectrum vape is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, except for THC. The terpenes also give this CBD a bright and earthy flavor that I enjoy.
Goodekind is also transparent. They include a COA with this vape and mention their ingredients on the website. Goodekind is a woman-owned, minority-owned, and family-owned business. They also partner with woman-owned and BIPOC-owned farms.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Free of additives
Cons
- Customers complained about shipping and delivery issues
- It might be too potent for new users
FAQ
Question: Does CBD Increase Estrogen?
Answer: It does the opposite. Studies show that CBD decreases estrogen production by inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase. This has many benefits. For example, increased estrogen production increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer. However, decreased estrogen production may come with additional or worse menopausal symptoms.
Question: Will CBD Affect My Menstrual Cycle?
Answer: While this is debated, studies show that CBD won’t affect your menstrual cycle.
Question: How Much CBD Should I Take?
Answer: If you’re a beginner, I would start with 30 mg/day. If you’re an experienced CBD user, increase your dosage to 40 mg/day if you feel it’s necessary. Ideally, you should split this dose over two doses.
The Journey to a Truly Health Lifestyle
With the potential to provide so many natural benefits for women, using CBD was a no brainer for me. are
As a woman in my late 20s, I’ve dealt with many of the conditions discussed in this article, and CBD’s impact on my life is amazing.
One thing I do want to clarify is that It’s essential to remember that CBD isn’t a “cure-all miracle solution.”
While I can attest to its many health benefits from my own experience, you can’t expect to take CBD. Then all your problems magically go away––that’s not how it works (If only that were the case, right?).
If I want to truly be healthy, I realize that I have to stop doing the things causing my health problems and make a lifestyle change.
CBD may help lower my cholesterol, but if I continue to eat junk food, the benefits CBD delivers are only prolonging the inevitable.
An unbalanced lifestyle will lead to an unbalanced state of health––it only makes sense.
On that note, CBD works as more of a tool that helps restore our health and body to a state of balance, then maintains that balance by supporting our health and acting as a preventative measure against degradation.
Combined with a shift to a healthier lifestyle, the impact is astounding.
In closing, I encourage you guys to not only consider the impact CBD can have on your life but the impact of a truly healthy lifestyle. With a few changes, you can start leading a healthier life today.
Thank you so much for reading this article and supporting the CBD movement. The impact it has had on women is amazing, and I’m truly excited to discover the role we will play in its future.
If you have any questions, comments, or ways CBD benefits you as a woman, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Men: if you’ve reached the end of this article… you’re doing pretty good too.