Ahh, periods.

 

All in all, they’re just pretty nasty, right?

 

Even if you’re one of the ‘luckier ones’, getting your period usually entails a week of feeling moody, spotty, bloated and generally rubbish. And that’s without the sugary cravings and cramps!

 

And if you’re one of the unfortunate souls that really suffers when Aunt Flo comes to visit, your symptoms may be debilitating- from heavy bleeding to crippling menstrual pain.

 

Many people with serious medical conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, are dealt an even bigger blow- as these conditions often make period symptoms even worse.

 

And if you are someone who really struggles with their period, you may feel as if you’ve tried every trick in the book on how to ease your ails…

 

Hot water bottles? Check. Warm bubble bath? Check. Share Bar of Chocolate? Umm… Triple Check.

 

And while many of these remedies are sure to bring you a little bit of comfort, a lot of the time, they just don’t work to help the real issue at hand.

 

And that’s where CBD comes in.

 

By now, we’re sure you’re pretty clued up about CBD. But just in case you need a little refresher, let us give you a really quick crash course…

 

CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is a powerful compound that is found within the hemp plant. 100% natural and non-intoxicating, cannabidiol is not to be confused with cannabis.

 

And CBD has been increasingly applauded for its plethora of health benefits, from easing anxiety, aiding insomnia and helping with chronic pain. And yes, that last bit includes menstrual pain, too.

 

Many people have claimed that CBD has worked to significantly improve their symptoms during their periods- from bringing them a feeling of calm to actually reducing their cramps.

 

Sounds pretty good, right? And if you’re reading this, shuddering at the thought of your next painful Code Red, then trying CBD may be the perfect option for you…

 

Period Pain: What’s actually happening?

 

Now, before we jump straight into the nitty-gritty on how CBD can work to alleviate period-related problems, it may be time for a quick biology lesson.

 

So… what actually is period pain?

 

Let’s go back to basics. During your monthly cycle, your uterus works to get prepared to support a pregnancy. It does this by creating a thick lining of blood and tissue, which creates the perfect environment for a fertilized egg to grow in.

 

If you don’t get pregnant, your body expels this lining alongside the unfertilized egg. The muscle walls of your uterus continuously contract during this time, to encourage the lining to shed away. As the wall contracts, blood vessels in your womb get temporarily ‘squashed’, which then leads to the release of pain-triggering chemicals.

 

So basically, it’s those pesky contractions that are causing you all of that nasty period pain.

 

Although, for some people the contractions will be so mild you can hardly feel them. But for others, the contractions are intense and can lead to significant discomfort.

 

In addition, medical conditions such as PCOS, a hormonal disorder that causes cysts to form on the ovaries, and endometriosis, a condition whereby uterine tissue grows outside of the womb, such as on the fallopian tubes, can cause debilitating period pain.

 

While period pain can be tough to tackle, many sufferers, even those with PCOS and endometriosis, have noticed significant improvements after taking regular doses of CBD.

 

So, let’s move on to how exactly you can use CBD to help your pesky period pains.

 

CBD for Period Pain

 

So how does CBD work to help period pain? Well, now it’s time to get into some serious science (but just for a moment, so don’t worry!).

 

In our bodies, we have hundreds of intricate biological systems. And one of these is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is composed of endocannabinoids, which are special chemical messengers that connect with cannabinoid receptors (which are found all over your body, even in your uterus!).

 

While there is still research to be done on the ECS, many studies have found clear links with the system in regulating chronic pain, mood, memory, sleep, stress and reproductive functions.

 

So, what role does CBD play in the ECS? And how can this help your periods? Hold on, we’re getting there!

 

It’s likely that the primary way CBD works within the body is directly through the ECS- CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors, and it’s thought that the CBD increases the efficiency of the receptors, meaning that positive effects (such as reduced pain) are heightened with regular dosing of CBD.

 

So in short, CBD helps your body do a better job at alleviating pain- and that’s why we love it.

 

So now you’re eager to try out CBD to help your period pains, you may be thinking what CBD is best for you?

 

And that part completely comes down to personal preference.

 

For example, our Adaptogenic 5% CBD Oil offers a highly concentrated blend of CBD and adaptogens (plant-powered compounds). The oil includes maca root and Indian ginseng, two effective adaptogens that work to enhance your mood, with maca also being applauded for its ability to ease menstrual pain.

 

Similarly, our Rise and Shine adaptogenic 3% CBD Oil is formulated with Guarana and Rhodiola- both adaptogens encourage focus and provide energy. Paired with our top-quality CBD, this oil is just perfect for when you’re feeling sluggish on your period.

 

If you want to opt for something a little lighter, then our Good Vibes Gummies may be the perfect way to beat the period blues and ease your nasty cramps. Our gummies include the compound 5-HTP, which our bodies need in order to make serotonin (the happiness hormone!).

 

And if you are a regular CBD lover, and still suffer with pain through your period, we would recommend temporarily increasing your dose over especially intense period days. Although please remember not to exceed the recommended daily dose of 70mg per day.

 

If you’re a newbie to CBD, then just remember to take it slow and start with smaller doses and work your way up. If you require further information on dosing, we have a full blog post on our site.

 

We know that period pain can be a total nightmare but introducing CBD to your routine is a brilliant step forward.

 

And if you don’t see any improvements and your pain is severe, we would always recommend booking an appointment with your doctor- as there may be other factors at play.

 

But hopefully, next time Aunt Flo comes to stay- you’ll be totally prepared for her. Good luck!