Can Cannabis Be Used to Treat Menopause

Hot flashes. Mood swings. Insomnia. Low sex drive. Depression.

And that’s just some of the symptoms of menopause. When you read the entire list of symptoms out loud, it sounds like you’re reading out a sentence for a crime you didn’t commit.

But we’re guessing you’re already familiar with the symptoms.

So let’s put those aside for a second and focus on what you really want: symptom relief.

39% of Women Who Use Cannabis Say Menopause is One of the Main Reasons

According to a study by BDS Analytics, 39 percent of female cannabis users are using the plant to treat symptoms related to a mental health condition, menstruation, or menopause.
37 percent of women in the same study claimed that cannabis had given them greater control over their health.

Why Women are Using Cannabis to Treat Menopause

They Want a Natural Remedy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly prescribed treatment for women with menopause.
But two studies by the Women’s Health Initiative showed that HRT can increase your risk of breast and lung cancer.
Women who are at risk for either types of cancer may opt for non-HRT forms of treatment. This includes prescription drugs like Effexor, Prozac, and Gabapentin.
However, patients that take these drugs may experience unwanted side effects like weight gain, intestinal problems, and sexual dysfunction.

Cannabis Might Actually Help (And Has More Manageable Side Effects)

Cannabis works directly with body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for helping the body maintain homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system is also responsible for managing our moods, sensations of pain, appetite, and fertility.
According to IMPACT Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated in part to educating women on the medical benefits of cannabis, the endocannabinoid system is linked to estrogen production.
They’ve noted a correlation between low estrogen levels and low levels of endocannabinoids, which are key in helping the endocannabinoid system operate properly.
More research needs to be done, but these connecting links may be the reason why women find physical and emotional relief when using cannabis to treat menopause.
The theory is that cannabis can help the endocannabinoid system regulate itself, which in turn allows it to alleviate menopause symptoms.
Cannabis can also be a substitute for non-HRT prescription drugs, offering patients less severe side effects.

Using Cannabis to Treat Menopause

IMPACT Network recommends the daily consumption of cannabis in order to stabilize hormone levels.
For help sleeping at night, try edibles. Your mileage may vary in terms of dosage, but if you’re a new user, 5-10 mg should be sufficient.
If you find that you need an edible dose that’s lower than 10 mg, look for products that are easy to break in half and divide into pieces.
As always, you should consult with a doctor before using cannabis to treat any medical condition.

If you live in Las Vegas or you’re visiting from out of town, and you’re interested in using cannabis to treat menopause, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our on-site registered nurse!