Hormones are chemical messengers, sent from endocrine glands to receptor sites in the organs and tissues where they cause changes to take place. Essential for all bodily processes, such as reproductive cycles and sexual function, general growth and development, mood and stress levels, metabolism, and even body temperature. Hormones may be small, but they are mighty – so even a slight excess or deficiency of a particular hormone can have a noticeable effect on your overall wellbeing.
Importance of hormonal balance for women
Over time, women may experience a whole variety of unique physical health conditions and concerns. Although many of them including PMS, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and menopause may come with their challenges and cause discomfort, most of them are inevitable parts of the female life cycle.
From mood swings to insomnia, problem skin and irregular periods, nearly all women have experienced symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Yet general knowledge of the endocrine system is poor, with many only stopping to think about their hormones during pregnancy or the menopause. In fact, hormone imbalance can cause serious health issues, so it’s worth understanding the role they play, problems to look out for and how to address them.
CBD may have the ability to provide relief for women who suffer from hormonal imbalances. A small-scale study has indicated that CBD may help to regulate the secretion of one of our stress-activating hormones cortisol. High levels of cortisol can impact other hormone levels including thyroid-stimulating hormones and sex hormones. Any cortisol-reducing activities can therefore help to support overall hormone balance. In addition, when choosing hemp-based CBD products, you get a boost of omega fatty acids and gamma-Linolenic acid, both of which can contribute to hormone health.
CBD and the endocrine system
As one of the most popular natural wellness trends, studies have suggested that CBD may benefit female health and improve the overall quality of life.
All of us have an endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in maintaining balance in the body. It is known to regulate stress, mood, memory, fertility, bone growth, pain and immune function and is closely linked to the endocrine system. The endocannabinoid system can be stimulated by the use of CBD, a cannabinoid produced by the hemp plant. As such, CBD could be used to influence major hormones including insulin, cortisol and melatonin, so is increasingly being cited as a natural treatment option for hormone problems.
Other potential benefits of CBD for women:
BEAUTY
One of the biggest beauty trends of 2020/2021 has been the rise of CBD skincare. It is believed that CBD may provide beauty benefits such as improving the look and health of skin, minimizing the appearance of dark spots, and helping to strengthen hair follicles. Studies have also indicated that CBD may help to prevent acne by regulating oil production and lowering inflammation, with the use of topical CBD also being used for skin rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
MENOPAUSE
CBD may have the ability to help balance out mood changes, reduce sleep disturbances and lower the rate of bone density loss that can happen during menopause. The endocannabinoid system is a group of cell receptors, called cannabinoid receptors, found in the brain, organs, and tissues throughout the body. This system plays a crucial role in menopause.
There are cannabinoid receptors throughout the female reproductive system too, with menopause disrupting the endocannabinoid system. This can explain some of the effects of pre menopause such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
It has been suggested that CBD may help to reduce symptoms of menopause, with a recent small-scale study finding CBD could help to relieve chronic pain, lower inflammation and improve sleep – all concerns that can occur during menopause.
PAIN RELIEF
Women have to face all sorts of pains throughout their life, from PMS to childbirth, with studies showing that CBD may help to decrease pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and interact with neurotransmitters.
Women suffering from chronic pain such as headaches, cramps, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more, have shown improvement in their pain levels by using CBD.
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Studies have indicated that CBD may reduce stress and anxiety. CBD oil is often used by alternative medicine practitioners for patients with OCD and social anxiety. Since CBD activates receptors in the brain that produce high levels of dopamine, it may be effective for relaxing the mind and body, potentially reducing anxiety levels.
GUT HEALTH
Studies have shown that almost 72% of women have suffered from digestive problems, such as IBS within the past year. It has been suggested that CBD may help to regulate digestion and modulate bowel movements, with a study finding that CBD can alleviate the symptoms linked with digestive issues such as cramps, bloating, and nausea.
Why it is important to fix hormone imbalance
We believe that CBD can help females relieve some of the symptoms of hormone imbalance, but we also recommend that they implement healthy lifestyle changes as well.
At Arktis Naturals, we are passionate advocates for better education about women’s health and well-being. We want to better understand all of our colleagues in every aspect of their lives so that we can support and champion their work.
