Cannabis and PMS: Can Cannabis Provide Relief for a Woman's Monthly Challenges?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS, a monthly visitor in the life of a woman, brings along a range of emotional and physical issues that can be challenging. If you’re a woman, you can relate to how it disrupts your routine and makes you cranky, thanks to all the mood swings, painful cramps, and discomfort. 

Although it doesn’t affect all women the same way, it can be incredibly difficult for some. Thankfully, there are quite a few products, including medicines that women have turned to, and surprisingly, cannabis is one among those. 

Marijuana has gained significant attention for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with many issues, including PMS. It’s an unconventional way to deal with the pain, but many women state that it helps. 

Of course, individual results can vary, which is why we are going to look at some facts in this article. We will also delve into the connection between PMS and cannabis and explore how this intricate plant affects a woman’s body. However, if you’re suffering from painful symptoms during PMS, you should consult a doctor who can help you with the dosage. 

Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome 

Premenstrual Syndrome is a stressful, recurring condition that affects women. Typically, it occurs a few days or even weeks before your period. Although PMS is natural and is very much a part of your cycle, it can affect people differently. Thus, while some women may feel slight pain, others may not be able to even move from their bed! In short, the duration can intensity can vary significantly among women. 

PMS can be categorized into four types: PMS-A (Anxiety), PMS-C (Cravings), PMS-D (Depression), and PMS-H (Hydration or water retention). As the names suggest, PMS-A can make an individual experience symptoms associated with anxiety, including irritability and mood swings. With PMS-C, a woman can experience craving for food, while PMS-H can make you retain water, causing abdominal bloating, and PMS-D can bring along some feelings related to depression, lethargy, and confusion. 

Some women can experience combinations of some of these types, making their experience even more challenging. 

Symptoms of PMS

PMS symptoms can vary, depending on several aspects of an individual’s life. Here are a few common symptoms of PMS, and how it affects a woman’s life:

1. Mood fluctuations: This is very common among women, and the culprit is usually PMS which also brings some anger and irritability into the mix. Some women also feel a heightened state of emotions. 
2. Anxiety: Again, this is a typical symptom of PMS if you’re experiencing it a few days before your menstrual cycle. You may feel a change in mood, and feel so anxious that even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
3. Depression: Some women may feel sad, and hopeless and have no interest in various activities that they previously enjoyed. 
4. Physical Discomfort: PMS symptoms can be mild or severe, and while some women may experience debilitating stomach pain, others can also have problems with digestion. Headaches, bloating, and tenderness in the breasts are some more symptoms associated with PMS. 
5. Cravings: If you’re trying to reduce weight, cravings can be a real bummer. While some women can have an insane urge to eat salty food, some may want to eat foods loaded with carbs. You may also feel super tired, which is another common symptom. 

Though these symptoms are temporary, most women will agree that they hamper their quality of life, especially if they are severe. Again, remember that these vary from one person to another — some may experience mild discomfort while others face debilitating effects.

Considering how much PMS affects women's lives, finding effective treatments is crucial. You can use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain to some extent. You can also try making some changes in your diet, exercise (it’s tough, we know), and engage in some relaxation techniques.

However, these methods may be less effective for some women. Worse, it may not offer any relief at all in complex cases. Thus, more and more women are interested in finding alternative therapies, and cannabis may be of some use to them. 

Understanding How Cannabis Works

Cannabis contains a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes that are responsible for producing certain effects. For example, if you’ve ever used cannabis, you’re familiar with the high it produces. This high is due to THC which produces psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CBD, another cannabinoid, doesn’t produce such effects. Most cannabinoids have great potential and offer many benefits, but we need more research to conclude anything. 

Cannabinoids play a major role in how cannabis affects the human body. The interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoids is intriguing indeed. The ECS is nothing but a network of receptors. Now, our body also produces chemicals like Anandamide (which regulates reward and pleasure), and these chemicals are called endocannabinoids. The ECS regulates several physiological processes in our body. We will discuss this further in the next section. 

Cannabis contains many cannabinoids but the most popular and extensively studied ones are CBD and THC. Both these cannabinoids are known to offer several medical benefits for various issues, including PMS. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The ECS is vital for the human body as it strives to maintain balance and stability, meaning homeostasis. For example, it regulates body temperature. As soon as your body temperature gets higher or lower than the desired range, the ECS brings it back to normal levels, thereby maintaining a balance. 

Primarily, the ECS has three components:

• Cannabinoid Receptors: Also known as CB1 and CB2, they are present in various parts of the body. While CB1 is found mostly in the nervous system, CB2 is found in concentrated amounts in the immune system and cells. To understand the interaction between the cannabinoids in a better manner, think of these receptors serving as docking stations for the cannabinoids. 
• Endocannabinoids: As you already know, our body produces chemicals like anandamide and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2 AG), known as endocannabinoids. They bind to the receptors to regulate physiological processes.
• Enzymes: Enzymes help to break the endocannabinoids down after fulfilling their functions. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) works on anandamide, and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) helps in breaking down 2-AG.
• The ECS also regulates other bodily functions, including your appetite, pain perception, immune response, sleep, mood, and appetite. Think of it as a feedback system that helps other systems maintain balance. And, since you may experience imbalances in your menstrual cycle or during PMS, the ECS becomes useful to attain relief. 
• Whether the cannabinoids are produced by the body (endocannabinoids) or from your cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids), they interact with the ECS. Even when phytocannabinoids are released into the system after you use cannabis, they bind to the receptors and mimic the endocannabinoids, thereby modulating the ECS and influencing its functions. 

THC exhibits an affinity to bind to CB1 receptors, which is why it can influence your perception of pain, mood, and cognition. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t bind to the receptors. It functions intricately by affecting the ECS indirectly. It does this by interacting with other enzymes. Although indirect, CBD has a major impact on the ECS, so it’s no wonder that its properties to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation are studied extensively. 

The Relevance of ECS to PMS

The relevance of the ECS to PMS is multi-faceted. Many symptoms you experience during PMS align with the processes that are regulated by the ECS. For instance, the ECS may help with irritability, mood fluctuations, and other symptoms associated with PMS by regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Also, since the ECS can affect how you perceive pain, it becomes particularly significant for women experiencing cramps and discomfort.

Having an understanding of how the ECS functions and interacts with cannabinoids gives us a foundation to explore how cannabis could potentially benefit those dealing with PMS symptoms. In the next sections, let’s find out how THC and CBD might offer relief for women suffering from PMS. 

Cannabis and Pain Management

When it comes to finding relief from pain, cannabis is a common choice for those who understand how it works. And, since pain is a frequent symptom in PMS, whether it’s in the form of cramps, discomfort, or pelvic pain, cannabis can help manage that too. Now that you know how cannabis interacts with the ECS and mimics endocannabinoids, you can understand how it works to regulate pain. 

Now, you already know that two cannabinoids — THC and CBD — are particularly interesting to people in relieving pain. They interact with the ECS influencing how pain signals are transmitted and perceived. THC specifically has analgesic properties that make it an attractive choice for those seeking relief from various types of pain.

THC activates receptors present in both the nerve and immune cells, and when the receptors in the nerve cells are activated, it can reduce pain sensation. In other words, it effectively modulates one's perception of pain. This interaction can offer respite from various types of discomfort including cramping you may be experiencing during PMS.

But, not everyone can tolerate THC. For such individuals, CBD holds promise, and it’s not psychoactive either. However, although it influences pain-path receptors and pathways by interacting with the ECS, it may not provide as much relief from pain as THC, but its anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful when inflammation is the cause of PMS-related pain.

Truth be told, though, there are too many restrictions around cannabis as THC is still illegal and research is limited in such circumstances. Unfortunately, we cannot take advantage of the wealth of benefits the plant has to offer yet, so we haven’t arrived at solid conclusions. 

However, a review funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals a few things. The review, published in Annals of Internal Medicine states that cannabinoids can offer some relief from pain, albeit temporarily. They also state that products containing higher percentages of THC than CBD can be helpful. 

That said, you should take anything related to cannabis with a grain of salt, whether it’s positive or negative. Just like some believe that it can cause adverse reactions without any evidence, you should also be skeptical about its magical powers that can cure everything from cancer to arthritis. Sure, it holds a ton of potential, but like everything else, we need lots of evidence. 

And, this is especially true for pain because something that works for you might not be effective on another individual at all. Pain also depends on various other factors including our stress levels, environment, severity of the medical condition, and a lot more. Plus, every individual is unique, so you must conduct some research and talk to a doctor if you want to rely on cannabis alone for pain. The good news, however, is that we are learning more about cannabis every passing day. Hopefully, one day, we will know everything we need to know about this amazing plant. 

How Can Cannabis Help With PMS?

Some women continue using cannabis due to their personal experiences. Let’s take a look at some symptoms associated with PMS and how cannabis can help:

1. Cramps

For many women, especially the ones suffering from endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining begins growing in the uterus and causes extreme pain), menstrual cramps can be a nightmare as they bring extreme pain. Typically, menstrual cramps occur when the muscles surrounding the womb begin to contract. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the body expels the womb lining when a woman menstruates. 

Although it isn’t very painful and is slightly discomforting for many women, it could be days of hell for others. The spasms could be continuous or occur suddenly, meaning it’s a scary affair for some women. 

Of course, you get OTC medications or painkillers to reduce the pain, but research suggests that long-term use of painkillers can produce negative side effects that could even affect the kidney and cardiovascular system. So, you should talk to your physician if you’re consistently advised to take painkillers. 

As a result, many women constantly search for alternative treatment that doesn’t produce negative side effects or at least reduces them.  

Some individuals state that using cannabis has helped them reduce intense cramps. In fact, even women suffering from endometriosis claim to use cannabis to reduce the pain. 

These personal accounts align with some studies that show the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing pain and discomfort. THC, thanks to its analgesic characteristics, is particularly helpful in reducing the intensity of the contractions in the uterus that cause pain when a woman menstruates. 

A journal published in the IJMS or International Journal of Molecular Sciences has a thorough research of all the clinical trials published for cannabis and its effects on reducing pain. The authors state that there were many trials, but they only selected the ones associated with pain management. 

Out of about 27 trials, they found that at least 18 had a majority of the subjects gaining relief from pain. This is fantastic because they aren’t analyzing one or two trials, but a collection of trials, and cannabis has shown positive effects. But, this journal is more about general pain, and not necessarily related to menstrual cramps. However, they state that the current medications to reduce painful cramps are not very efficient and come with a lot of side effects. 

Finally, they insist that it's critical to conduct more clinical trials on how cannabis — THC, in particular — can reduce pain as it has already shown its efficacy in other types of pain. 

Coming to CBD, you’re probably aware that it’s studied extensively, particularly about how it can reduce pain. Thus, it may help with period pain as well. There’s limited research, but a study conducted by the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology highlights some clinical studies suggesting that CBD can reduce chronic pain and could also be used as an alternative to opioids. 

2. Mood Swings

Anxiety, irritability, and fluctuations in mood are common symptoms of PMS that can significantly impact a woman's daily life. So, that’s where you can explore the benefits of cannabis as it contains cannabinoids that can help stabilize your mood. 

Since the cannabinoids present in cannabis interact with the ECS and influence neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, we can expect them to control irritation and mood swings. Specifically, cannabis does this by influencing certain neurochemical pathways present in the brain. 

So, what kind of impact do cannabinoids have on your emotions?

• THC: THC works by activating the reward system present in the brain. It also influences regions that are associated with producing pleasure, like indulging in sex or eating your favorite food. In short, THC Produces euphoric feelings that can be beneficial if you’re feeling low. However, beware that high doses can produce opposite effects of anxiety and paranoia as THC is biphasic. Also, since it makes you feel good, many people abuse cannabis, which can ultimately lead to addiction. Therefore, you should research more about dosing or simply consult a professional who can tell you exactly what you should do.
• CBD: Unlike THC, most medical cannabis users can tolerate CBD. It has gained attention for its potential to reduce anxiety due to its anxiolytic effects. Some users report that CBD helps to make them calm without causing intoxication like THC. However, you may feel a sense of floating when you consume CBD. 

A small study conducted in 2020 states that CBD can influence mood disorders and even hormonal fluctuations. These symptoms are commonly associated with PMS. Moreover, since CBD can reduce anxiety, there could be a positive change in how you feel. Physicians state that although the research is limited currently, CBD has shown promising effects so far. 

Yet another study conducted in 2019 published in Frontiers in Immunology states that CBD can modulate one’s immune response and reduce inflammation. Therefore, it can be beneficial for women dealing with breast tenderness and bloating during PMS.

• Cannabinoids: Apart from THC and CBD, other cannabinoids like cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) present in marijuana can also have an impact on emotions and mood, but the research is still in its infancy. 

Remember, the way cannabis influences people will vary from one individual to another. A lot of factors such as the strain, dosage, and sensitivity to cannabis will also play a role. 

3. Inflammation

Many people are interested in the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis, especially CBD. CBD, as you already know, interacts with receptors in our body and influences the immune response and inflammation.

This is particularly important for those suffering from PMS as inflammation is the culprit that triggers discomfort and pain. If you reduce inflammation, you can gain relief from many symptoms, including pain and bloating. 

A few days before their menstruation begins, many women experience an increase in cytokines and prostaglandins levels — compounds that are associated with inflammation. Due to this, you can experience cramping, severe pain, and discomfort. 

CBD could help to reduce this inflammation as it influences the immune response and also releases pro-inflammatory substances. This action could potentially lessen the severity of PMS symptoms related to inflammation.

In addition, as CBD interacts with CB2 receptors, it could reduce the production of cytokines and other compounds that contribute to inflammation. Research investigating the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, specifically CBD, explores the potential of various cannabinoids and terpenes that can alleviate inflammation in several disorders, including chronic pain. 

Although research regarding PMS and cannabinoids specifically is limited, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis possesses anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers are always interested in understanding how these characteristics can be beneficial for women's health.

4. Nausea

Nausea, along with vomiting is one of the most common symptoms women experience during PMS. As you can guess, it can be very distressing for a woman to go through this every month.  Plus, women also experience hormonal changes and an increase in prostaglandin levels during PMS.

Cannabis has shown evidence in various cases that it can reduce nausea in animals and humans, which can be very beneficial for those who are unable to gain relief from approved medicines after chemotherapy.  THC is particularly hailed for its properties that can reduce nausea as its interaction with the ECS can influence parts of the brain that control vomiting and nausea. 

Similarly, this can be great for women suffering from vomiting and nausea particularly during PMS. This is because THC interacts with the CB1 receptors that prevent vomiting and alleviate feelings of nausea. In addition, it can make the user relax and promote a sense of well-being. 

Of course, as mentioned already, you must be careful with the dosage. THC does help, but it can be a scary experience if you increase the dosage erratically. This is especially true for those who have no experience with cannabis previously. 

Although there’s limited research about nausea specifically induced by PMS, there are some anecdotal reports of users resorting to using cannabis more during their menstruation. However, most of these studies also highlight the risk of using marijuana without proper knowledge about dosing. 

Also, since research is limited (we’ve probably said this too many times already) most physicians aren’t very open about prescribing cannabis. As a result, women try to access cannabis illegally in banned regions. If you want to reduce nausea, you will have to depend on your previous experience or talk to like-minded individuals to know more about their experiences if you don’t have a supportive doctor. 

Types of Cannabis Products for Managing PMS

There’s a wide range of cannabis products each with its unique characteristics and methods of consumption. If you want to use cannabis for managing PMS symptoms, it’s best to understand these types of products. 

1. Flower (Buds): Smoking or vaporizing dried cannabis flower provides fast relief as its effects kick in rapidly. This method is suitable if you’re experiencing acute symptoms, but the effects don’t last long. 
2. Edibles: Edibles are beverages or candies and other types of food infused with cannabinoids. Unlike smoking, it takes some time (at least 10 minutes to an hour) for you to feel the effects. However, the effects last longer and are more intense.
3. Tinctures: Cannabis tinctures are extracts that you take by placing them under your tongue. They are faster than edibles when it comes to showing effects, but are slower than vaporizing or smoking. One good thing about using tinctures is that they are discreet and you can control the dosage precisely, like edibles. 
4. Topicals: Topicals are lotions, creams, balms, and moisturizers infused with cannabinoids. They don’t produce effects like cannabis would when you consume or smoke it; however, the skin will absorb the cannabinoids and may provide relief from pain and other issues in localized areas. You can use this to reduce bloating or tenderness. 

Each type of cannabis product has its advantages and considerations. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and the specific nature of PMS symptoms.

Tips for Selecting the Right Cannabis Product for PMS

At the end of the day, you may find it difficult to choose products for PMS as there’s a dearth of information. So, here are some tips to help:

1. Symptoms: The product you use will depend on the symptoms you’re facing, so learn everything about it and then make a decision. If your symptoms are mild and you occasionally experience anxiety or irritability, vaporizing may be a good choice for quick relief. If you’re facing menstrual cramps regularly, topicals may be a better solution. That said, if the symptoms are too severe, consider consuming edibles. 
2. Dosage Control: Edibles and tinctures offer better control over the amount of cannabis you consume, making them a good choice if you’re particular about how much you consume. This is very beneficial if you’re using cannabis for the first time. 

Determining the exact dosage can be tough as it depends on various factors, including body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and your experience using cannabis. Therefore, be cautious and start with a small dose if you’re a beginner. Also, be aware that you may experience side effects such as dry mouth, increased appetite (munchies), dry eyes, red eyes, and an increased heart rate. Don’t panic as these effects are temporary and go away within a short while. 

In any case, we want to reiterate that you must talk to a doctor before using cannabis to be safe. 

Summary: Cannabis and PMS: Can Cannabis Provide Relief for a Woman's Monthly Challenges?

Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is an unwanted yet frequent visitor in the lives of many women. Most women experience slight discomfort but others can experience severe pain that makes it tough to carry on with their lives. 

Premenstrual syndrome is common among many women now, and although it’s natural, it brings along painful cramps and discomfort. Various OTC medicines can help reduce the pain, but they also carry the risk of long-term side effects that can affect the kidneys. 

As a result, many women resort to alternative therapies like marijuana. Indeed, we need more research but the preliminary findings are very promising, giving us hope that cannabis can be introduced as a medication in the distant future.