CBD For Menstrual Cramps: Are There Benefits?
When it comes to navigating the monthly discomfort of menstrual cramps, many of us are constantly on the lookout for relief. One potentially promising solution has been making rounds in our conversations: CBD.
This non-intoxicating component of cannabis is increasingly finding its place in the wellness industry, with discussions hinting at its potential to provide support for those coping with menstrual cramps.
Ready to experience elevated relief during your cycle? Let’s dive into how CBD can help.
What Are Menstrual Cramps?
For many of us, menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are an all-too-familiar part of the monthly cycle. These uncomfortable sensations are a result of the uterus contracting to shed its lining during a period and can affect the abdomen, pelvic area, back, or thighs.
The intensity of these cramps can vary greatly from person to person, with some experiencing mild discomfort and others finding the discomfort severe enough to disrupt their daily activities.
Many of us prefer natural ways to maintain comfort during our periods, which is where CBD enters the conversation.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the numerous naturally occurring compounds — known as cannabinoids — found in the cannabis plant, including hemp. Hemp is a variety of cannabis plant that is specifically cultivated for industrial purposes and contains low levels of THC.
CBD has been catapulted to the forefront of the wellness industry due to its potential to promote balance and overall well-being without causing a 'high' like its fellow compound, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The secret behind CBD's growing acclaim lies within the intricate interplay it shares with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). An extensive cell-signaling system that helps maintain the body's internal equilibrium, or homeostasis, the ECS plays a vital role in various functions and processes, including mood regulation, sleep patterns, immune response, and discomfort management.
How Does the ECS Work?
The ECS is made up of three primary components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced compounds in our body that resemble plant-based cannabinoids like CBD. These endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2, found throughout the body to signal the ECS to take action.
Here's where CBD comes into play. Unlike THC, which is believed to bind directly to CB1 receptors, CBD doesn't bind to these receptors directly. Instead, initial research suggests that CBD may help maintain the body's natural balance by interacting with these receptors, guiding them toward your desired benefits.
How Can CBD Provide Support for Menstrual Cramps?
The potential benefits of CBD for menstrual discomfort stem from its interaction with various physiological systems. Let's explore some of the ways CBD might be able to provide support during menstrual cycles.
Supporting the Body's Response to Discomfort
One of the key areas where CBD has been studied is its potential influence on our body's response to discomfort. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. These contractions are facilitated by a compound called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins can lead to more severe menstrual cramps.
While CBD is not a direct pain reliever, research suggests it could interact with the body's ECS, which plays a role in modulating the response to discomfort. By interacting with this system, CBD might help promote a more comfortable experience during periods.
Promoting Relaxation
Many of us who have gone through menstrual cycles are well aware of the tension and stress that can accompany this time. CBD has been explored for its potential to support relaxation, both physical and mental.
Physically, CBD might help support the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue. Our uterus is primarily made up of this kind of tissue. By supporting the relaxation of these muscles, CBD may help ease this discomfort.
Mentally, CBD may support relaxation by encouraging serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood regulation. By interacting with serotonin receptors, CBD could potentially help with mood swings commonly experienced during menstruation.
Enhancing Sleep Quality
A good night's sleep can often make a difference when dealing with menstrual discomfort. Unfortunately, the discomfort and stress associated with periods can sometimes disrupt our sleep patterns. Luckily, CBD has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy sleep.
The interaction of CBD with the ECS may influence our sleep-wake cycle, helping us maintain a regular sleep pattern. By supporting sound sleep, CBD could support the rest we need to manage menstrual discomfort.
Supporting Overall Well-Being
Menstruation can sometimes feel like it's throwing our whole body out of balance. CBD, with its potential regulatory effects on the ECS, might help support overall well-being during our menstrual cycle. By promoting homeostasis, or internal balance, CBD may help us feel more at ease during this time, further supporting comfort.
How To Use CBD for Menstrual Cramps
Incorporating CBD into your wellness routine for menstrual cramp support can be done in several ways, each with its unique benefits. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular methods: topical CBD, CBD oil, and CBD gummies.
Topical CBD: Immediate, Localized Support
One way to use CBD is to apply it directly to the area where discomfort is occurring. Topical CBD products, such as balms or creams, can be absorbed quickly through the skin, where they can connect with endocannabinoids at nearby cannabinoid receptors to encourage fast, localized relief.
Whether you’re experiencing menstrual discomfort in your lower back, abdomen, thighs, or any other area, a topical CBD product might offer some much-needed support.
An excellent example of a high-quality topical CBD product is our Recovery CBD Balm. This balm combines the potential benefits of CBD with other natural ingredients like menthol, tea tree, and eucalyptus, which can provide cooling effects and support discomfort relief. The no-mess application makes it easy to apply anywhere you need support, making it a helpful companion during your period.
CBD Oil: Sublingual for Systemic Support
One of the most common ways to use CBD for menstrual discomfort is in the form of oil. CBD oil, often taken sublingually (under the tongue), offers a method to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine that can provide systemic support.
When CBD oil like our Balance CBD Drops is taken sublingually, it bypasses the digestive system and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes under your tongue.
This method potentially allows for faster effects than some ingestible forms, as it doesn't need to be processed by your liver. Moreover, it can offer support over a more extended period, making it a good option if you're looking for long-lasting relief.
CBD Gummies: Convenient, Long-lasting Relief
If you're seeking a more delightful way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine, CBD gummies could be your answer. These tasty morsels are not just convenient — they also offer an enjoyable way to take your daily CBD dose.
CBD gummies need to pass through the digestive system, which means their effects might take a bit longer to kick in than CBD oil or topicals. But don't let this discourage you; this process can also lead to long-lasting effects, offering sustained support over several hours.
For a CBD gummy option, consider our Bliss CBD Gummies. These berry-flavored gems are packed with our unique ULTRA Broad Spectrum CBD to take your CBD experience to the next level.
Offering the full benefits of CBD and other potent cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and natural terpenes, our ULTRA Broad Spectrum CBD extract boasts a potent 10:1 CBD to other cannabinoids ratio, ensuring you get a powerful serving of CBD with every bite, but without any THC.
This formula is designed to help ease mental tension and discomfort and support a balanced state of happiness, making our Bliss Gummies a beneficial companion during your menstrual cycle.
Which Type of CBD Is Right for Me?
Determining the right CBD product for you depends on your unique needs, preferences, and body response. Let's dive into some factors to consider when choosing a CBD product.
Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD contains all the components of the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (under the 0.3 percent legal limit). On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD contains all the components of the hemp plant but with the THC removed.
Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products can provide what's known as the "entourage effect," where the combined components of the hemp plant work together to enhance each other's potential benefits.
If you're interested in the comprehensive benefits of full-spectrum CBD, we recommend trying our Balance CBD Drops. However, if you'd prefer a THC-free approach to menstrual relief, you can find the support you're after with our Relax CBD Drops or our collection of CBD-infused topicals or gummies.
Quality and Safety
When choosing a CBD product, it's crucial to consider its quality and safety. Look for products that are third-party tested, made in the USA, chemical-free, and paraben-free. Third-party testing ensures that the CBD product you're using meets quality standards and contains the amount of CBD it claims.
At Muscle MX, our CBD products undergo rigorous third-party testing, and full lab reports are available on our website, ensuring you're getting high-quality, safe products.
Listening to Your Body
Remember, the right CBD product for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Listen to your body and observe how it responds to different CBD products. Some might find more relief with topical CBD, while others might prefer the lasting relief offered by ingestible forms.
Whether you're using CBD oil, gummies, or topicals, consistency is key. Start slow and work your way up to find the right dose for you. Regular, consistent use can help maintain a steady level of CBD in your body, potentially providing ongoing support for menstrual discomfort.
How To Pair CBD With Other Forms of Menstrual Relief
While CBD may offer significant support for menstrual discomfort, it's even more beneficial when paired with other holistic wellness practices.
Stay Hydrated
One simple yet crucial practice is staying hydrated. Water helps in maintaining body balance and can help alleviate common period-related concerns like bloating and digestion issues. By ensuring you're drinking enough water, you're supporting your body's natural processes and enhancing your overall wellness.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Regular physical activity can also provide relief during your menstrual cycle. Using our Activate and Recovery CBD Balm before or after engaging in a light exercise like yoga, stretching, or walking can help support blood circulation, potentially easing discomfort. However, always listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard — some days, a gentle stretch or leisurely walk might be enough.
Try Heat Therapy
Applying heat to the lower abdomen is a tried and true method for alleviating menstrual discomfort. Whether in the form of a heating pad or warm bath, heat can help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort.
For an enhanced effect, consider applying our Recovery CBD Balm to areas of discomfort before using a heating pad. The potential soothing properties of the balm, combined with the comforting warmth, could provide added relief.
Break the Cycle of Discomfort With Muscle MX
Menstruation is a natural part of life, but that doesn't mean you should have to put up with discomfort and distress every month. Remember, you're not alone, and you certainly don't have to suffer in silence. Here at Muscle MX, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
Our range of high-quality CBD products may help provide that much-needed support during your cycle. Whether it's the Balance CBD Drops for overall support, the Bliss CBD Gummies for a tasty, long-lasting relief option, or the Recovery CBD Balm for fast, localized comfort, we're committed to helping you feel your best, even during your period.
Don't let menstrual discomfort keep you from enjoying your life. Take the first step towards menstrual health today. We’re here to provide support as you empower yourself with solution-based wellness. After all, you deserve it.
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
Cannabinoid Receptor | ScienceDirect Topics
The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain | Frontiers
The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol | PMC
Cannabinol | ScienceDirect Topics
The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study | PMC
Why Does Heat Relax Your Muscles? | Britannica
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 525.5 525.5"><path d="M375.5 345.2c0-.1 0-.1 0 0 0-.1 0-.1 0 0-1.1-2.9-2.3-5.5-3.4-7.8-1.4-4.7-2.4-13.8-.5-19.8 3.4-10.6 3.6-40.6 1.2-54.5-2.3-14-12.3-29.8-18.5-36.9-5.3-6.2-12.8-14.9-15.4-17.9 8.6-5.6 13.3-13.3 14-23 0-.3 0-.6.1-.8.4-4.1-.6-9.9-3.9-13.5-2.1-2.3-4.8-3.5-8-3.5h-54.9c-.8-7.1-3-13-5.2-17.5-6.8-13.9-12.5-16.5-21.2-16.5h-.7c-8.7 0-14.4 2.5-21.2 16.5-2.2 4.5-4.4 10.4-5.2 17.5h-48.5c-3.2 0-5.9 1.2-8 3.5-3.2 3.6-4.3 9.3-3.9 13.5 0 .2 0 .5.1.8.7 9.8 5.4 17.4 14 23-2.6 3.1-10.1 11.7-15.4 17.9-6.1 7.2-16.1 22.9-18.5 36.9-2.2 13.3-1.2 47.4 1 54.9 1.1 3.8 1.4 14.5-.2 19.4-1.2 2.4-2.3 5-3.4 7.9-4.4 11.6-6.2 26.3-5 32.6 1.8 9.9 16.5 14.4 29.4 14.4h176.8c12.9 0 27.6-4.5 29.4-14.4 1.2-6.5-.5-21.1-5-32.7zm-97.7-178c.3-3.2.8-10.6-.2-18 2.4 4.3 5 10.5 5.9 18h-5.7zm-36.3-17.9c-1 7.4-.5 14.8-.2 18h-5.7c.9-7.5 3.5-13.7 5.9-18zm4.5-6.9c0-.1.1-.2.1-.4 4.4-5.3 8.4-5.8 13.1-5.8h.7c4.7 0 8.7.6 13.1 5.8 0 .1 0 .2.1.4 3.2 8.9 2.2 21.2 1.8 25h-30.7c-.4-3.8-1.3-16.1 1.8-25zm-70.7 42.5c0-.3 0-.6-.1-.9-.3-3.4.5-8.4 3.1-11.3 1-1.1 2.1-1.7 3.4-2.1l-.6.6c-2.8 3.1-3.7 8.1-3.3 11.6 0 .2 0 .5.1.8.3 3.5.9 11.7 10.6 18.8.3.2.8.2 1-.2.2-.3.2-.8-.2-1-9.2-6.7-9.8-14.4-10-17.7 0-.3 0-.6-.1-.8-.3-3.2.5-7.7 3-10.5.8-.8 1.7-1.5 2.6-1.9h155.7c1 .4 1.9 1.1 2.6 1.9 2.5 2.8 3.3 7.3 3 10.5 0 .2 0 .5-.1.8-.3 3.6-1 13.1-13.8 20.1-.3.2-.5.6-.3 1 .1.2.4.4.6.4.1 0 .2 0 .3-.1 13.5-7.5 14.3-17.5 14.6-21.3 0-.3 0-.5.1-.8.4-3.5-.5-8.5-3.3-11.6l-.6-.6c1.3.4 2.5 1.1 3.4 2.1 2.6 2.9 3.5 7.9 3.1 11.3 0 .3 0 .6-.1.9-1.5 20.9-23.6 31.4-65.5 31.4h-43.8c-41.8 0-63.9-10.5-65.4-31.4zm91 89.1h-7c0-1.5 0-3-.1-4.2-.2-12.5-2.2-31.1-2.7-35.1h3.6c.8 0 1.4-.6 1.4-1.4v-14.1h2.4v14.1c0 .8.6 1.4 1.4 1.4h3.7c-.4 3.9-2.4 22.6-2.7 35.1v4.2zm65.3 11.9h-16.8c-.4 0-.7.3-.7.7 0 .4.3.7.7.7h16.8v2.8h-62.2c0-.9-.1-1.9-.1-2.8h33.9c.4 0 .7-.3.7-.7 0-.4-.3-.7-.7-.7h-33.9c-.1-3.2-.1-6.3-.1-9h62.5v9zm-12.5 24.4h-6.3l.2-1.6h5.9l.2 1.6zm-5.8-4.5l1.6-12.3h2l1.6 12.3h-5.2zm-57-19.9h-62.4v-9h62.5c0 2.7 0 5.8-.1 9zm-62.4 1.4h62.4c0 .9-.1 1.8-.1 2.8H194v-2.8zm65.2 0h7.3c0 .9.1 1.8.1 2.8H259c.1-.9.1-1.8.1-2.8zm7.2-1.4h-7.2c.1-3.2.1-6.3.1-9h7c0 2.7 0 5.8.1 9zm-7.7-66.7v6.8h-9v-6.8h9zm-8.9 8.3h9v.7h-9v-.7zm0 2.1h9v2.3h-9v-2.3zm26-1.4h-9v-.7h9v.7zm-9 3.7v-2.3h9v2.3h-9zm9-5.9h-9v-6.8h9v6.8zm-119.3 91.1c-2.1-7.1-3-40.9-.9-53.6 2.2-13.5 11.9-28.6 17.8-35.6 5.6-6.5 13.5-15.7 15.7-18.3 11.4 6.4 28.7 9.6 51.8 9.6h6v14.1c0 .8.6 1.4 1.4 1.4h5.4c.3 3.1 2.4 22.4 2.7 35.1 0 1.2.1 2.6.1 4.2h-63.9c-.8 0-1.4.6-1.4 1.4v16.1c0 .8.6 1.4 1.4 1.4H256c-.8 11.8-2.8 24.7-8 33.3-2.6 4.4-4.9 8.5-6.9 12.2-.4.7-.1 1.6.6 1.9.2.1.4.2.6.2.5 0 1-.3 1.3-.8 1.9-3.7 4.2-7.7 6.8-12.1 5.4-9.1 7.6-22.5 8.4-34.7h7.8c.7 11.2 2.6 23.5 7.1 32.4.2.5.8.8 1.3.8.2 0 .4 0 .6-.2.7-.4 1-1.2.6-1.9-4.3-8.5-6.1-20.3-6.8-31.1H312l-2.4 18.6c-.1.4.1.8.3 1.1.3.3.7.5 1.1.5h9.6c.4 0 .8-.2 1.1-.5.3-.3.4-.7.3-1.1l-2.4-18.6H333c.8 0 1.4-.6 1.4-1.4v-16.1c0-.8-.6-1.4-1.4-1.4h-63.9c0-1.5 0-2.9.1-4.2.2-12.7 2.3-32 2.7-35.1h5.2c.8 0 1.4-.6 1.4-1.4v-14.1h6.2c23.1 0 40.4-3.2 51.8-9.6 2.3 2.6 10.1 11.8 15.7 18.3 5.9 6.9 15.6 22.1 17.8 35.6 2.2 13.4 2 43.2-1.1 53.1-1.2 3.9-1.4 8.7-1 13-1.7-2.8-2.9-4.4-3-4.6-.2-.3-.6-.5-.9-.6h-.5c-.2 0-.4.1-.5.2-.6.5-.8 1.4-.3 2 0 0 .2.3.5.8 1.4 2.1 5.6 8.4 8.9 16.7h-42.9v-43.8c0-.8-.6-1.4-1.4-1.4s-1.4.6-1.4 1.4v44.9c0 .1-.1.2-.1.3 0 .1 0 .2.1.3v9c-1.1 2-3.9 3.7-10.5 3.7h-7.5c-.4 0-.7.3-.7.7 0 .4.3.7.7.7h7.5c5 0 8.5-.9 10.5-2.8-.1 3.1-1.5 6.5-10.5 6.5H210.4c-9 0-10.5-3.4-10.5-6.5 2 1.9 5.5 2.8 10.5 2.8h67.4c.4 0 .7-.3.7-.7 0-.4-.3-.7-.7-.7h-67.4c-6.7 0-9.4-1.7-10.5-3.7v-54.5c0-.8-.6-1.4-1.4-1.4s-1.4.6-1.4 1.4v43.8h-43.6c4.2-10.2 9.4-17.4 9.5-17.5.5-.6.3-1.5-.3-2s-1.5-.3-2 .3c-.1.2-1.4 2-3.2 5 .1-4.9-.4-10.2-1.1-12.8zm221.4 60.2c-1.5 8.3-14.9 12-26.6 12H174.4c-11.8 0-25.1-3.8-26.6-12-1-5.7.6-19.3 4.6-30.2H197v9.8c0 6.4 4.5 9.7 13.4 9.7h105.4c8.9 0 13.4-3.3 13.4-9.7v-9.8h44c4 10.9 5.6 24.5 4.6 30.2z"/><path d="M286.1 359.3c0 .4.3.7.7.7h14.7c.4 0 .7-.3.7-.7 0-.4-.3-.7-.7-.7h-14.7c-.3 0-.7.3-.7.7zm5.3-145.6c13.5-.5 24.7-2.3 33.5-5.3.4-.1.6-.5.4-.9-.1-.4-.5-.6-.9-.4-8.6 3-19.7 4.7-33 5.2-.4 0-.7.3-.7.7 0 .4.3.7.7.7zm-11.3.1c.4 0 .7-.3.7-.7 0-.4-.3-.7-.7-.7H242c-19.9 0-35.3-2.5-45.9-7.4-.4-.2-.8 0-.9.3-.2.4 0 .8.3.9 10.8 5 26.4 7.5 46.5 7.5h38.1zm-7.2 116.9c.4.1.9.1 1.4.1 1.7 0 3.4-.7 4.7-1.9 1.4-1.4 1.9-3.2 1.5-5-.2-.8-.9-1.2-1.7-1.1-.8.2-1.2.9-1.1 1.7.3 1.2-.4 2-.7 2.4-.9.9-2.2 1.3-3.4 1-.8-.2-1.5.3-1.7 1.1s.2 1.5 1 1.7z"/><path d="M275.5 331.6c-.8 0-1.4.6-1.5 1.4 0 .8.6 1.4 1.4 1.5h.3c3.6 0 7-2.8 7.7-6.3.2-.8-.4-1.5-1.1-1.7-.8-.2-1.5.4-1.7 1.1-.4 2.3-2.8 4.2-5.1 4zm5.4 1.6c-.6.5-.6 1.4-.1 2 1.1 1.3 2.5 2.2 4.2 2.8.2.1.3.1.5.1.6 0 1.1-.3 1.3-.9.3-.7-.1-1.6-.8-1.8-1.2-.5-2.2-1.2-3-2.1-.6-.6-1.5-.6-2.1-.1zm-38.2 12.7c.5 0 .9 0 1.4-.1.8-.2 1.3-.9 1.1-1.7-.2-.8-.9-1.3-1.7-1.1-1.2.3-2.5-.1-3.4-1-.4-.4-1-1.2-.8-2.4.2-.8-.3-1.5-1.1-1.7-.8-.2-1.5.3-1.7 1.1-.4 1.8.1 3.7 1.5 5 1.2 1.2 2.9 1.9 4.7 1.9z"/><path d="M241.2 349.6h.3c.8 0 1.4-.7 1.4-1.5s-.7-1.4-1.5-1.4c-2.3.1-4.6-1.7-5.1-4-.2-.8-.9-1.3-1.7-1.1-.8.2-1.3.9-1.1 1.7.7 3.5 4.1 6.3 7.7 6.3zm-9.7 3.6c.2 0 .3 0 .5-.1 1.6-.6 3-1.6 4.2-2.8.5-.6.5-1.5-.1-2s-1.5-.5-2 .1c-.8.9-1.8 1.6-3 2.1-.7.3-1.1 1.1-.8 1.8 0 .6.6.9 1.2.9z"/></svg>)
