Cramps occur when the smooth muscle of the uterus contracts. The uterus contracts toward the end of a menstrual cycle to stimulate the shedding of the uterine lining called the endometrium. CBD targets receptors in muscles that keep the smooth muscle from contracting.
Estrogen levels fluctuate widely during the menstrual cycle, and low levels are responsible for a dramatic decrease in pain tolerance during the premenstrual phase. Cramping sometimes feels severe because of this.
CBD is a known anti-inflammatory and acts as a muscle relaxer. Endocannabinoid receptors exist throughout the female reproductive tract with a large density being in the uterus. As every sufferer from PMS knows, the pain and discomfort from bloating and diarrhea can wreak havoc on a woman’s life. CBD reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and aids in passing better bowel movements which is a relief to a woman in the throes of PMS.
Prostaglandins are a chemical in the body that plays a huge role in uterine shedding while also stimulating cramps. This chemical is also responsible for the inflammation that causes painful cramping. CBD stops an enzyme that’s used to create prostaglandins, therefore reducing their quantity when it counts. If there aren’t as many prostaglandins in your system, then symptoms of bloating and cramping can be reduced.
Traditional pain medications for cramps inhibit another enzyme as well as the enzyme affected by CBD. This contributes to symptoms like diarrhea and bloating because the extra blocked enzyme is associated with the stomach and intestinal lining.
Instead of ingesting CBD for pain, you have the option of using a vaginal suppository. Using cannabis vaginally to relieve symptoms is over 4000 years old, and the rectal and vaginal walls quickly absorb CBD. The vagina has receptors that respond positively to the presence of CBD and CBD also bypasses the liver and digestive tract. One way to do this is to use a nontoxic CBD mixture designed for vaginas on a tampon. Some women swear by this saying the pain relief far surpasses heating pads and pain pills.
If you do go the suppository route, be very careful that the product you’re using will break down properly in the vagina. Too much oil or another irritant can lead to discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, and thrush.
The most effective dose for period cramping isn’t known, but it’s recommended that it be a heftier dose than you’d take for something milder. Take this dose every day, and after approximately 3 months, noticeable symptom reduction should occur on a reliable basis.