Years ago, while working at our local farmers market, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman who shared with me that she was going through menopause and the hot flashes were unbearable. I suggested she try our CBD and sold her a bottle. The following week, that same woman ran to me and gave me the biggest hug, thanking me because the hot flashes were gone! At Lake Roots Company, we want to help others navigate menopause with natural solutions.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing can vary widely. The transition can bring a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. In this blog, we’ll explore how CBD can be a valuable ally in managing menopause symptoms naturally, blending insights from both Western and Eastern medicine perspectives.
What is Menopause?
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decline. This hormonal shift can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden feelings of warmth, often intense, can be disruptive, especially during sleep.
- Mood Swings and Anxiety: Fluctuating hormone levels can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood changes and anxiety.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and disrupted sleep are common, often due to night sweats or anxiety.
- Bone Density Loss: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to a reduction in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
How CBD Can Help with Menopause Symptoms
Managing Anxiety and Mood Swings
CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. By interacting with receptors in the brain, CBD can help modulate the response to stress and improve mood stability. A study published in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” found that CBD has potential therapeutic effects for anxiety-related disorders.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is viewed as a time of Yin deficiency and Yang rising. Symptoms like mood swings and anxiety are considered signs of Yang energy becoming excessive as Yin declines. CBD’s calming properties can complement TCM practices, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, which aim to restore balance between Yin and Yang.
Improving Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are common during menopause. CBD may improve sleep by addressing some underlying causes, such as anxiety and chronic pain. Research in the “Journal of Pharmacology” suggests that CBD can have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which may help enhance sleep quality and duration.
In TCM, sleep disturbances during menopause are often linked to Kidney Yin deficiency. Acupuncture points such as Spleen 6 (SP6) and Kidney 3 (KD3) are commonly used to nourish Yin and promote restful sleep. Incorporating CBD into your nightly routine can enhance these effects, helping to regulate sleep patterns.
Alleviating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
While research specifically on CBD for hot flashes is limited, its overall anti-inflammatory and calming effects may help reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes. The ECS plays a role in thermoregulation, and by influencing this system, CBD could potentially help manage body temperature fluctuations.
From an Eastern medicine perspective, hot flashes and night sweats are signs of Heat and Yin deficiency. Herbal formulations such as Rehmannia, Anemarrhena, and Phellodendron are used to clear Heat and nourish Yin. Combining these herbs with CBD may provide a synergistic effect, offering relief from these symptoms.
Supporting Bone Health
Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to decreased estrogen levels. Some animal studies suggest that CBD may support bone density and reduce the risk of fractures by stimulating bone growth and reducing bone resorption.
In TCM, bone health is closely linked to Kidney essence (Jing). As women age, Jing naturally declines, leading to weaker bones. Treatments focus on strengthening the Kidneys and replenishing Jing through herbs like He Shou Wu and Goji berries. Using CBD in conjunction with these traditional remedies can provide comprehensive support for maintaining bone health.
Integrating CBD and Eastern Medicine into Your Routine
At Lake Roots Company, we focus on creating high-quality, small-batch CBD products that are natural and effective. Here are a few tips on incorporating CBD into your daily routine to help manage menopause symptoms, alongside TCM practices:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase until you find the optimal dose for your needs.
- Consistency is Key: Use CBD regularly for the best results. Incorporate it into your daily wellness routine.
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications.
- Combine Therapies: Integrate CBD use with acupuncture and herbal treatments tailored to your specific symptoms.
Conclusion
Menopause can be a challenging time, but natural remedies like CBD and traditional practices from Eastern medicine offer promising support. By addressing symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and bone density loss, CBD can help improve quality of life during this transitional phase. At Lake Roots Company, we are committed to providing natural, effective solutions to support your health and well-being.
For more information about our products and how they can help you, visit our website, or contact us directly. Let’s navigate this journey together with the power of natural health, CBD, and the wisdom of Eastern medicine.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. Products from www.lakeroots.com are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content in this post is not meant to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be used as such.
References
- Shannon, S., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
- Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. Journal of Pharmacology.
- Russo, E. B. (2016). Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 37(7), 594-605. Research on ECS and Thermoregulation.
- Kogan, N. M., et al. (2015). Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 30(10), 1905-1913. Study on CBD and Bone Health.
- Zhou, J., et al. (2016). Chinese Herbal Medicine for Hot Flashes Among Menopausal Women: Weighing the Evidence. Menopause, 23(3), 269-276. Herbal Remedies for Menopause.
- Maciocia, G. (2011). Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone. Balancing Yin and Yang in Menopause.
