{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/menopause/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2454-markdown","title":"Women’s Health & Marijuana: PMS, Dysmenorrhea & Menopause ","slug":"womens-health-and-marijuana-pms-dysmenorrhea-and-menopause","content":"Whether it’s feeling depressed in the days leading up to your period, experiencing painful cramps during menstruation or lying in bed awake due to hot flashes—pain, mood swings and insomnia are symptoms that women of all ages experience due to their complex and nuanced reproductive systems. When we think of women’s health and cannabis, we often think of these symptoms and their associated conditions: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea and menopause. Fortunately, cannabis—with its varied therapeutic properties—can offer many avenues of relief. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### What Is PMS, Dysmenorrhea & Menopause?\r\n\r\n**PMS**\r\n\r\nPMS or premenstrual syndrome encompasses a wide range of unpleasant symptoms including: bloating, fatigue, headaches, cramping, lower back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, constipation, diarrhea and change in mood. These symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before menstruation, typically lasting six days. The cause of PMS is unknown, but it’s thought that hormone changes play a role.  \r\n\r\n**Dysmenorrhea**\r\n\r\nA majority of women have experienced a painful period at some point in their lives—this type of menstrual pain has a medical term: dysmenorrhea. Symptoms typically include cramping or pressure in the abdomen as well as pain in the hips, back and inner thighs. Menstrual cramping is caused by strong contractions of the uterus that briefly cut off oxygen to the organ, resulting in pain. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. \r\n\r\nPrimary dysmenorrhea is what women typically associate with being on their period—pain that can begin one to two days before the period starts and that lasts up to 72 hours. Pain can be mild to severe and can be accompanied by nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. Dysmenorrhea typically improves with age, especially if the woman has a baby. \r\n\r\nSecondary dysmenorrhea is pain due to a disorder in the reproductive organs—examples include endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. With secondary dysmenorrhea, pain usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and typically lasts longer than pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea.   \r\n\r\n**Menopause**\r\n\r\nMenopause begins when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 months. At this point, a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, leading to a host of symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, night sweats, slowed metabolism and mood changes—the severity of these symptoms depends on the individual. Menopausal women are also at greater risk for certain medical conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. \r\n\r\n### Who’s Affected by PMS, Dysmenorrhea & Menopause? \r\n\r\n**PMS**\r\n\r\nThe majority of women will experience PMS in their lifetimes, but clinically significant PMS—symptoms that are moderate or severe enough to affect a woman’s day-to-day functioning—occurs in about 20% to 30% of women. PMS tends to worsen as a woman approaches menopause, typically in her late 30s to 40s. A more severe form of PMS, PMDD—premenstrual dysphoric disorder, [affects 3% to 8% of menstruating women](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24161307).\r\n\r\n**Dysmenorrhea**\r\n\r\nDysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder that usually occurs within the first year of a girl’s menstrual period. More than 50% of women who menstruate experience some kind of pain for one to two days each month. The prevalence of secondary dysmenorrhea is more difficult to determine because there are various conditions that can cause this type of pain. Typical causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids are common in the U.S. with more than 200,000 new cases of each condition being diagnosed each year, according to the Mayo Clinic.  \r\n\r\n**Menopause**\r\n\r\nMenopause refers to the transition that all women will experience as they age. Interestingly, the onset of menopause can vary depending on the country—for women in Western societies, the typical age of onset is between 40 to 61 years old, with an average of 51 years of age. Women with certain reproductive disorders, who experience premature ovarian failure, or who’ve had surgery to remove reproductive organs may experience menopause earlier than normal. \r\n\r\n### How Can Cannabis Help With PMS, Dysmenorrhea & Menopause?\r\n\r\nThe [endocannabinoid system likely plays a role in all aspects of female reproduction](http://jme.endocrinology-journals.org/content/50/1/R1.full). However, the exact mechanisms of how it does this still needs further study. What we do know is that cannabis anecdotally (and in some cases scientifically) can help with the many symptoms women experience due to PMS and dysmenorrhea—among them abdominal pain, gastrointestinal issues, nausea and mood changes. \r\n\r\nLevels of anandamide (AEA)—one of our body’s own cannabinoids that’s associated with emotional responses—are [influenced by levels of progesterone](http://www.jbc.org/content/278/35/32726.short) and [estrogen in women’s bodies](http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/100/12/4040.short?sso-checked=true). Moreover, research suggests that [AEA itself can be produced in the ovary](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2640464/) and is under hormonal control. These findings have implications for menopausal women, whose ovaries become less active and stop producing estrogen and progesterone, thereby causing a disruption in levels of AEA in the body. This imbalance may be tied to why women undergoing menopause are anecdotally finding relief with cannabis.\r\n\r\nMarijuana is also known to ease the symptoms that many women experience during menopause such as insomnia, mood swings and decreased sex drive; it may also play a role in the treatment of diseases that menopausal women are more susceptible to such as [osteoporosis](https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/14/22/3389/614315) and [heart disease](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707517/full). \r\n\r\nRELATED: [IS CANNABIS LESS EFFECTIVE DURING YOUR PERIOD?]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59dd94919ce4ed24c356c39e/is-cannabis-less-effective-during-your-period)\r\n\r\n### How Does Cannabis Fit Into a Traditional Treatment Regimen for PMS, Dysmenorrhea & Menopause?\r\n\r\nFor PMS and dysmenorrhea, traditional approaches to reduce abdominal cramping include taking over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs for pain, hormonal birth control to stop ovulation or antidepressants to help with mood changes. Some women find that cannabis’s multifaceted properties can supplement or even replace these OTC or prescription drugs. \r\n\r\nHormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used to treat the symptoms of menopause, but its use is associated with a higher risk for blood clots, breast cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, some women aren’t good candidates for this type of therapy if, for example, they have a current or past history of certain female cancers.\r\n\r\nWhile not much research has been done on the use of cannabis as a supplement or even replacement to HRT, existing studies pointing to cannabidiol’s (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol’s (THC) anti-proliferative actions on cancer cells, higher levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood as well as lower insulin levels in cannabis users, have led some women to augment or even replace their HRT regimen with marijuana. \r\n\r\n\r\n### What Ratios & Consumption Methods Are Best?   \r\n\r\nThere are no set cannabis dosages to alleviate the symptoms of PMS, dysmenorrhea and menopause, but a good place to start is with a product or strain that has a high CBD to THC ratio, due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and mood-balancing properties. Since CBD doesn’t affect the brain in the same way as THC does, it can be a good tool for daytime use. For help with insomnia or severe pain, strains or products with a higher THC content may prove more successful than just CBD alone. \r\n\r\nVaping, ingestion of edibles and the use of topical salves are usually recommended methods of cannabis consumption for women with these conditions. Many women are advised not to smoke cigarettes if they’re on birth control, as smoking can increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. As well, smoking is known to decrease estrogen levels in men and women—a finding that’s especially important for menopausal women who already lack estrogen. Therefore, it’s generally recommended that women on birth control or those experiencing menopausal symptoms avoid smoking cannabis as a precaution. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Tanja Heffner](https://unsplash.com/@tanjaheffner)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/14b42/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/f836f/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 200w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/2244e/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 400w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/14b42/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 800w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/47498/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/0e329/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 1600w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/3b958/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.jpg 2600w","srcWebp":"/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/58556/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/61e93/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 200w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/1f5c5/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 400w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/58556/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 800w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/99238/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 1200w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/7c22d/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 1600w,\n/static/dc88d4448761cb9fbf6f1f70588798a8/9b7ef/b5c84d184d3d82877610d43629e6d907.webp 2600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2362-markdown","title":"5 Products that Help with Insomnia During Menopause","slug":"5-products-that-help-with-insomnia-during-menopause","content":"### Insomnia During Menopause\n\nInsomnia is one of the more well known and talked about symptoms of menopause and many women often experience it before menopause even starts. Though women often experience menopause in their forties or fifties, peri-menopause can happen as early as in a woman’s mid-thirties. Insomnia during menopause or peri-menopause can be caused by a variety of different factors, many of which are induced by hormonal changes. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe decreased production of estrogen and progesterone during menopause can both contribute to problems with sleeping. Both estrogen and progesterone are helpful in inducing sleep, as well as keeping people asleep. Other general shifts in levels of hormones can disrupt the normal bodily cycle, leading to increased problems with sleep. Hormonal changes also make the body more vulnerable to environmental stressors that can cause increased sleep disruption like noise, smells, and sounds. \n\n[[image/10]](https://www.getsava.com/shop/alchemy-buy-one-get-one-cartridge/)\n[DEAL: Buy any Relax or Awaken Alchemy blend and battery on Sava and receive Inspire for FREE! ($35 value).](https://www.getsava.com/shop/alchemy-buy-one-get-one-cartridge/)  Limited time offer.\n \nOther side effects of menopause, like hot flashes and emotional changes, can also effect sleep. Hot flashes, which effect many women during menopause, results in a surge of adrenaline that can wake you up or keep you awake if you are trying to fall asleep. Hot flashes also cause general discomfort that can make it difficult for sufferers to relax into sleep. \n\nSome women also experience heightened emotional issues, including depression and anxiety, which can effect sleep as well. Depression and anxiety can increase insomnia by making it particularly hard to fall asleep or disrupting normal sleep patterns. Depression and anxiety can also disrupt sleep patterns by heightening daily stresses and making it harder to handle different events that life brings. \n\n### Cannabis May Help \n\nThere is a close tie between estrogen and the endocannabinoid system. Cannabis can help replace anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid, which works on both the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. Anandamide plays an important role in hormonal balance and the regulation of bodily feelings like appetite and pleasure. Cannabis can supplement anandamide, which is broken down more quickly during menopause and peri-menopause. Cannabis helps maintain equilibrium in the body, which can lead to a decrease in symptom severity. \n\nCBD can help reduce anxiety and alleviate depression that can come with menopause. CBD is non-psychoactive and provides calming properties, especially in the form of an Indicia strain. CBD can also provide anti-inflammatory properties and muscle relaxation to aid people with easing themselves into sleep. \n\nTHC is also known to help induce sleep and is a great way to fight many symptoms associated with hormone imbalance. Cannabis has been found to elongate all of the stages of sleep leading up to the REM cycle, allowing people to feel refreshed and rested in the morning. Cannabis allows people to move away from using harsher pharmaceuticals such as Ambian, which can also help improve an overall sense of well being.\n\nIndica strains are a great choice because they provide more sedative and relaxing qualities that make them a successful strain for fighting insomnia. However, many people find that edibles are the best choice for relieving insomnia because edibles allow for a slow release of cannabinoids as they are digested, providing people with a slow and constant release of medication to help keep them asleep throughout the night and the early morning. Often edibles work well when paired with a tincture or a quick hit from a vaporizer to supplement the slow release time and help with the immediate process of falling asleep. \n\n### 5 Cannabis Products \n\n The evidence may be anecdotal, but many women seem to think that marijuana is the best bet for beating the sleepless menopausal nights. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all. The best way to find out if a product works for you is to start low and slow and keep a sleep diary. Over a period of a week or two, you will know whether a product may work for you and adjust dosages slowly. Be cautious, as too much THC or CBD can often have the opposite effect and may keep you awake. Cannabis consumption is highly personal and what works for one person may not work for another.\n\nThe following products are available throughout California:\n\n### 1. Edible: [Kiva Blueberry Terra Bites](https://hellomd.com/products/5780034cfa0254000b000058/)\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58d0765d6136421ab3721aa9/embedded_images/58d0765f6136421ab3721aaa/Screen_Shot_2017-03-20_at_5.08.39_PM.png) \n\nKiva is popular and readily available throughout California. The blueberries are covered in milk chocolate and are 5mg a piece. At this low dose it is easy to self titrate. \n\n### 2. Edible: Swerve Snooze Bar\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58d0765d6136421ab3721aa9/embedded_images/58d076606136421ab3721aab/Screen_Shot_2017-03-20_at_5.14.29_PM.png) \n\nSwerve has a unique vision as a company which is to incoporate the principles of Ayurveda into every product they make. The Snooze bar has four servings and a total of 200mg of THC derived from an indica hybrid. In addition to cannabis, the bar includes almonds, nutmeg and poppyseeds and Ayurvedic herbs to support a more peaceful slumber.\n\n### 3. Vape Pen: [Bloom Farms ACDC Cartridge](https://www.getsava.com/shop/bloom-farms-acdc-cbd-cartridge/)\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58d0765d6136421ab3721aa9/embedded_images/58d076616136421ab3721aac/Screen_Shot_2017-03-20_at_5.17.17_PM.png) \n\nFor those that want to relax but don't necessarily want to feel high, the 3:1 (CBD to THC)ACDC vape cartridge from Bloom may just do the trick. This is a high CBD oil cartridge that may help you fell to sleep more easily.\n\n### 4. Indica Flower: [Tahoe OG](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/tahoe-og)\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58d0765d6136421ab3721aa9/embedded_images/58d076616136421ab3721aad/Screen_Shot_2017-03-20_at_5.22.13_PM.png) \n\nThis indica hybrid is easily found and helps ease the symptoms of insomnia as well as pain and loss of appetite. People often describe it as causing a heavy feeling that lends itself to being sedating. It is strong and fast acting. The THC content is usually around 20%-25%.\n\n### 5. Tincture: [Lullaby Soothing Cannabis Elixir](https://www.getsava.com/shop/lullaby-soothing-cannabis-elixir/)\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58d0765d6136421ab3721aa9/embedded_images/58d076626136421ab3721aae/Screen_Shot_2017-03-20_at_5.28.27_PM.png) \n\nThis tincture is great for nights when you just can't go to sleep. The HerbaBuena site states that this tincture is \"a synergistic blend of critically extracted organic herbs including whole flower, strain-specific cannabis, passionflower, hops, flower essences, gemstone essences and vegetable glycerin.\"  It is produced by the only biodynamic cannabis company in California.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/14b42/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/f836f/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg 200w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/2244e/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg 400w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/14b42/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/47498/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/3a12e/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/58556/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/61e93/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp 200w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/1f5c5/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp 400w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/58556/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp 800w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/99238/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp 1200w,\n/static/3ad37530bf70bde5d0bbf3877c6dc7cc/b5697/069f0016bcb0a447f0b5a635eeab2ec3.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2225-markdown","title":"Top 5 Marijuana Strains for PMS & Menopause","slug":"top-5-marijuana-strains-for-pms-and-menopause","content":"### Cannabis Helps with Symptoms\n\nCannabis can help with many of the different symptoms of menopause and PMS. Each woman experiences menopause and PMS differently, so it is important to choose a strain that works against the strongest symptoms that you experience. \n\nCannabis can help with pain, cramps, headaches, migraines, stress and other mood related problems, as well as aid in balancing hormone levels. As with many other conditions, sometimes certain strains can be helpful for symptoms experienced during evening time, while others are helpful for fighting off symptoms and energizing women throughout the day. A number of symptoms of PMS and menopause overlap, so many strains can help with both conditions. \n\nRELATED QUESTION: [CAN CANNABIS HELP WITH MENOPAUSE?](https://hellomd.com/articles/marijuana-relieves-symptoms-of-menopause/)\n\n### Vaporizing: A Discreet Method\n\nAdministration methods of cannabis are also very important to consider when it comes to PMS and menopause. Symptoms of both can come on quickly, leaving women stressed, anxious, or in pain with the need for instant relief. Vaporizing is a great choice for control of PMS and menopause symptoms, because it provides quick acting relief without the negatives of smoking. Vaporizing is also discreet because it does not provide a marijuana smell, so it is a great choice for receiving small doses throughout the day wherever you may be. \n\nHere are some top strains for a variety of symptoms and situations for both PMS and menopause: \n\n### Sweet Tooth\n\nSweet Tooth is an indica heavy hybrid that is known for its sweet smell. It won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2001 and it is known for its uplifting and happy effects. Sweet Tooth is a great strain to choose for headaches and stress related problems, as well as pain and depression. It is also known to provide relaxed effects without the tendency to produce high levels of paranoia. \n\n### Jilly Bean\n\nJilly Bean is a hybrid strain that produces upbeat and happy effects. It is known for being a great choice for day-time use because it tends to make people feel very social and creatively stimulated. Jilly Bean is also great for combating stress, depression, pain, and fatigue. Its uplifting effects are great for people with mood-related symptoms, like mood swings or depression. \n\n### Super Silver Haze\n\nSuper Silver Haze is a sativa strain that won the _High Times_ Cannabis Cup three years in a row from 1997 to 1999. It is a mix of Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. Super Silver Haze is known to produce energetic and long lasting effects that uplift people. It is known for its ability to knock out stress while relieving symptoms like nausea, depression, and pain. Super Silver Haze’s happy effects make it a great choice for day-time symptom relief. \n\n### Pineapple\n\nPineapple is a hybrid strain that has many indica heavy qualities, making it a great choice for nighttime relief. It is known for its happy and relaxed effects. Pineapple is a great choice for stress and pain relief, as well as relief of muscle spasms. Pineapple’s pain relieving and muscle spasm reducing qualities can make it a great choice for cramps and headaches. \n\n### Vanilla Kush\n\nVanilla Kush is an indica strain that is known for its extremely high levels of THC. It has THC percentages of over 20%, making it a very potent strain. It is known to produce relaxed and happy feelings and it is a great strain choice for fighting pain and stress while inducing relaxation or sleep. Its potency and its indica qualities make it a good choice for nighttime use. Users should be cautious with the strength of Vanilla Kush and start with low doses. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAD/8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAEeoN9ExKv/xAAcEAACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgARAxMEEjH/2gAIAQEAAQUC49M5OtvZjNF26tvaf//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQIBAT8BP//EABoQAAMBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAjESIXH/2gAIAQEABj8CdUuRSXU6aaemI//EABoQAQEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACExUYH/2gAIAQEAAT8hSDS+Z6tEB5clq4wdC2ay9wZpwfzf/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABBbz//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8QP//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAgEBPxCNf//EABsQAQADAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESExUUFh/9oACAEBAAE/EFGv7fe15DTQfmWn5O6V1rKbYBfCkJOixHgjLmi8MT//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/14b42/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/f836f/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg 200w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/2244e/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg 400w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/14b42/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/47498/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/54ac5/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/58556/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/61e93/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp 200w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/1f5c5/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp 400w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/58556/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp 800w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/99238/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp 1200w,\n/static/e1e55353c3699b81c1cf8a62ff424657/5e0b8/d60db236c983985b714e00d78bcb823f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2169-markdown","title":"Marijuana Relieves Symptoms of Menopause","slug":"marijuana-relieves-symptoms-of-menopause","content":"Every woman will experience menopause at some point in their life, but similarly to PMS, every woman experiences it with different symptoms and severity. The most common symptoms of menopause range from emotional symptoms, like mood swings and anxiety, to physical symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and uncomfortable sex. Marijuana can help with a variety of symptoms caused by menopause, as well as help women who have problems with early onset menopause. \n\n### Estrogen Levels & the Endocannabinoid System\n\n[Endocannabinoid levels are closely linked](http://www.theimpactnetwork.org/medical-marijuana-menopause/) to estrogen levels. Endocannabinoid levels, like estrogen levels, are highest during ovulation. Estrogen helps to regulate the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down the naturally occurring endocannabinoid anandamide. When there's an insufficient amount of estrogen in the system, endocannabinoids will begin to be broken down by the larger presence of FAAH. The body's naturally occurring endocannabinoids can be supplemented with cannabinoids from marijuana to reduce the effects of the breakdown of naturally occurring endocannabinoids and other symptoms related to endocannabinoid deficiency.\n\nVarious medical conditions can cause menopause to come on early, which can sometimes cause even stronger symptoms. Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency is believed to be a cause of early onset menopause, as well as medical conditions such as breast cancer. Estrogen Replacement Therapy, or ERT, is a common treatment for many menopausal and post menopausal women who experience extreme symptoms, but it is not available or recommended for everyone. \n\n### Cannabis Instead of ERT\n\nCannabis can be a great alternative for women who cannot take ERT because of conditions like ovarian cancer or heart disease. ERT is often administered to help prevent adverse problems from menopause like bone loss. The cannabinoids CBD, CBG, CBC, and TCHV have been found to help stimulate bone growth and help prevent the onset of osteoporosis after menopause. Supplementing endocannabinoids from cannabis can help stimulate the body and delay some of the effects of early menopause. \n\nCannabis can also work to regulate the body after menopause. Less estrogen is produced in the body post menopause, so in turn the body produces less natural endocannabinoids. The decrease in endocannabinoids can cause a variety of problems, like poor ability to respond to stress. Cannabis can help supplement the body's natural endocannabinoids and decrease the symptoms associated with lower levels of estrogen and endocannabinoids. \n\nRELATED:[MARIJUANA HELPS RELIEVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dcd66a3961660006470000/marijuana-brings-relief-to-women-suffering-from-pms-symptoms)\n\n### Cannabis for Symptom Relief\n\nCannabis can also help fight many of the most common symptoms associated with menopause. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can be a common part of mood swings associated with menopause. CBD heavy strains can be particularly helpful for women who experience anxiety with menopause because of CBD’s ability to ease anxiety problems. \n\nCannabis can also help with insomnia by promoting sleep. THC heavy indica strains are known to be the best at promoting sleep because of THC’s ability to help ease people into sleep. One of the ways marijuana can be the most helpful for women experiencing menopause is easing sexual discomfort during menopause. Women going through menopause often find sex to be uncomfortable due to a decrease in sexual desire or other related issues, such as increased vaginal dryness. The bottom line; marijuana can help with a variety of menopause symptoms for women experiencing it at all points in their life and with various levels of severity. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/14b42/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/f836f/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg 200w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/2244e/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg 400w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/14b42/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg 800w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/47498/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/54ac5/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/58556/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/61e93/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp 200w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/1f5c5/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp 400w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/58556/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp 800w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/99238/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp 1200w,\n/static/11862b6483d2b4469a5e196b8d2c2173/5e0b8/226ea4f032da43c831b50e59f9e242d1.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":2,"currentPage":2,"id":5501,"name":"Menopause","slug":"menopause","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}