Feeling out of control? The benefits of using cannabis for hormonal imbalance

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Hormonal imbalances occur in the human body when we either have too little or too much of one or more hormones.

Because hormones play such an important role in regulating our health, even the slightest hormonal imbalance can cause problems. That’s because hormones produced in the endocrine system are essential to sending messages to the various organs in the body, telling them what to do and when to do it. Important bodily processes rely on regulated hormones for many functions such as our overall metabolism, blood pressure, reproductive cycles, stress management, mood and more.

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Both men and women are prone to hormonal imbalances; Women are prone to imbalances affecting their progesterone and estrogen, while men can suffer from testosterone imbalances. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance vary widely depending on the hormones affected, but they can include weight gain, acne, decreased sex drive, thinning hair, and more.

In addition, there are some health issues that can also cause hormonal imbalances. These include polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, tumors in the endocrine glands, Addison’s disease, over or underactive thyroids, Cushing’s syndrome and more.

How cannabis can help

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating our hormone production. The human body has CB1 and CB2 receptors everywhere; These are two types of cannabinoid receptors that bind to the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant when we consume them. Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) bind to these hormones in the body and help stabilize the endocannabinoid system, which then regulates the hormones through the many functions it supports: appetite, pregnancy, mood, fertility energy, immunity and general homeostasis.

The connection between the endocrine processes and the endocannabinoid system has been confirmed by research. “We know that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in maintaining balance in the body. It also ensures that our body operates within a narrow range of operating conditions; so-called homeostasis,” explains cannabinoid specialist Dr. Moltke. “The ECS is known to regulate stress, mood, fertility, bone growth, pain, and immune function, among others. CBD interacts with the ECS and many other receptors in the body,” she says.

There are numerous studies showing how cannabis can help regulate hormone levels. These studies determine how the body experiences a recovery after using CBD or cannabis with THC, which occurs because the interaction of cannabinoids with the neurotransmitters in the brain helps correct over- or under-production of hormones.

Here are some hormone-related conditions cannabis can treat.

menstrual pain

Millions of women around the world suffer from pain caused by their periods. Whether the pain is mild or debilitating, cannabis can help with PMS pain. Most of these cases of menstrual pain occur because prostaglandins increase while progesterone decreases as women go through their monthly periods. The combination of these chemicals causes more inflammation, makes women more sensitive to pain, and contributes to uterine contractions, spasms, and narrowing of blood vessels.

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Studies show that CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation that results from dysmenorrhea due to its interaction with neurotransmitters. Additionally, women with chronic pain and headaches have found relief from CBD. Other studies show that CBD effectively inhibits the production of COX-2, an enzyme that triggers the production of prostaglandin. The lower the levels of COX-2, the less pain, cramps and inflammation you will experience.

thyroid hormones

The thyroid is the name of an important endocrine gland located at the base of the neck. This gland is critical in regulating many other hormones involved in important bodily functions, as well as those affecting heart health, bone density, and metabolic rate. In addition, the thyroid gland is connected to the brain and when there is homeostasis in the body, all functions work well.

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However, overactive or underactive thyroids can lead to thyroid dysfunction, which can lead to many other health problems. Because the endocannabinoid system also helps regulate the thyroid gland, using cannabinoids may help alleviate the symptoms of thyroid disorders. The studies analyzing the link between CBD and thyroid disease are still in the early stages, but what we are seeing so far is promising and shows that this cannabinoid is indeed safe and effective for its treatment.

In 2015, a study found that the thyroid harbors a concentration of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These have also been linked to shrinking thyroid tumors, which also means it has the potential to reduce tumors. There are also other studies showing that CBD is beneficial for thyroid health as CB1 receptors help regulate T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.

cortisol

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is important in letting us know when danger is imminent. Often, especially in people with PTSD who have been exposed to chronic stress and danger, cortisol levels remain high or are easily triggered.

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CBD is known for its ability to relax and reduce stress. It helps calm the GABA neurotransmitters which then slow down the nervous system. CBD also affects cannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain connected to the adrenal glands. Because of this interaction, cortisol production is reduced, which allows us to relax.

Use of cannabis for hormonal imbalances

These are just a few of the many processes cannabis can help regulate hormones. Cannabidiol in particular is effective for reducing stress, improving sleep, relieving anxiety, reducing inflammation, and generally improving metabolic health working hand-in-hand to improve your hormones.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.