CBD for Menstrual Cramps: A Natural Pain Relief for Women

If you’re one of the millions of women who suffer from menstrual cramps, you’re probably always on the lookout for a natural way to relieve the pain. Well, look no further! Recent research suggests that CBD is an effective pain reliever for many different types of pain, meaning it might just help with menstrual cramps as well. 

Here’s what you need to know about CBD for menstrual cramps and how it can help relieve your pain.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have any intoxicating effects, so it won’t make you feel “high” on its own. 

CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The ECS helps regulate bodily functions like sleep, appetite, pain, and inflammation. (Learn more in our beginner's guide to the ECS here.)

When it comes to pain relief, CBD might work by reducing the inflammation and chronic pain typically associated with periods.

Does CBD Help Period Cramps?

There’s still a lot of research needed on the pain-relieving effects of CBD. However, what we know so far is promising. 

One study in 2016 looked at the effects of CBD on rats with arthritis. The rats were given CBD for four days. The researchers discovered that the rats treated with CBD had significantly less pain and inflammation. 

Another study published in 2017 found that CBD combined with THC effectively reduced chronic pain in mice. 

While more research is necessary, these studies suggest that CBD might be an effective way to reduce pain and discomfort associated with periods. 

How to Use CBD for Menstrual Cramps

If you’re interested in trying CBD for your menstrual cramps, there are a few different ways you can use it. 

You can take CBD oil orally by placing a few drops under your tongue and holding it there for 30-60 seconds before ingesting it. You can also add it to food or drink or take it in capsule form. 

If you prefer not to ingest CBD oil, you can use a topical CBD product like a cream, lotion, or salve. Simply apply it to the area of pain and massage until fully absorbed. This method might be especially helpful if you’re also dealing with lower back pain or sore breasts.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to using CBD for menstrual cramps. Instead, start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the best amount for you. 

Do Edibles Work on Your Period?

If smoking, vaping, or ingesting CBD oil doesn’t appeal to you, another option is to try edibles. Edibles are food items that contain THC, CBD, or a combination of both. 

While you’re on your period, edibles still work the same as they would any other time of the month. However, since your hormones and body chemistry are in flux, it’s important to remember that the effects may feel differently. This is because your body may not react to cannabinoids like CBD the same way due to the changes in your hormone levels. 

How Do Edibles Affect Your Period?

Edibles are an excellent, tasty way to get your CBD fix and can provide prolonged relief from cramps and other symptoms like irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Since your body metabolizes edibles differently from other CBD forms, they can take a bit longer to kick in—usually around 30-60 minutes. But once they do, they can last for four to six hours. This makes edibles a much more effective chronic pain reliever than other ingestion methods, which typically last only half as long. 

The only downside is that they can take up to two hours to kick in, so if you’re in a lot of pain, track your doses to avoid any adverse symptoms.

Using THC with CBD for Menstrual Cramps

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you might be wondering if using THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) with CBD would be more effective for relieving your menstrual cramps. 

While there’s some evidence that using THC and CBD together might provide more significant pain relief than taking CBD alone, the combination does show promise as a mood-boosting treatment for PMS. This can be helpful to those suffering from irritability and mood swings during their period. 

If you decide to use THC with CBD, remember THC may impair your judgment and reaction time, so it’s not advisable to use it if you plan on driving or operating heavy machinery.

Factors to Consider When Using CBD for Period Cramps

CBD is a promising therapeutic for pain relief, but there are a few things to consider if you’re considering using it for your menstrual cramps. 

First, do your research and buy CBD edibles and other CBD products from a reputable source. Secondly, everyone reacts differently to CBD, so track your body’s reaction to different ingestion methods and factors like time of day consumed and dosage. 

And finally, while CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications. So if you’re taking any other medication, talk to your doctor before using CBD.

Can CBD Help with Getting Period Back?

CBD is a great way to ease the pain and discomfort of your period, but it won’t actually make your period come any sooner. For that, you’ll need to talk to your doctor about other options. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps, CBD might be worth a try. However, if you are trying to regulate your cycle, it may not be the best treatment option. 

The Bottom Line: CBD for Period Cramps

CBD is a promising treatment for pain relief and other symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. If you’re considering using CBD for period cramps, start with a small dose and increase it until finding the right amount that works best for you. 

At Pantry Food Co, we make our CBD and THC edibles with all-natural ingredients. Shop our online store for a variety of CBD edibles with THC, including vegan Cacao Keto Bites, peppermint chocolate Glow Bites, and our Good Day Bites with turmeric and golden chocolate.