Period pain is rough. More than ninety percent of people who menstruate experience intense and sometimes even debilitating pain, including cramping, back pain, nausea, weakness and more, all dramatically impacting their daily routines. When you're doubled over in pain, sometimes you want to reach for something a little more robust than a hot water bottle and painkillers.
Enter CBD. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been reported to provide relief from period pain and CBD products are quickly gaining popularity as a treatment. While research on CBD's effectiveness in alleviating pain is still limited, there are very good indications that CBD may have the potential to manage pain and inflammation.
What Is Cannabidiol?
So, you're ready to give CBD a whirl. Welcome to the party! You might have heard some tidbits about its benefits already, but how exactly will it change the way you feel and how does it work?
A clear definition is an important starting point. CBD is a chemical that naturally occurs in the cannabis sativa plant, but CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that produces intoxicating effects.
CBD works on the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid system, a paramount element of the body's central nervous system that allows for homestatic regulator of human physiology.
Interestingly, when you take higher doses of CBD, it will work in tandem with your body’s cannabinoid, serotonin and opioid receptors, resulting in a calming and sedating feeling for you.
By interacting in these ways, CBD can have calming effects on the body, helping with:
- chronic pain;
- anxiety and depression;
- sleep disorders;
- migraines;
- arthritis and joint pain;
- cluster headaches; and
- post-traumatic stress disorder.
CBD can support you in feeling grounded while increasing relaxation. CBD is known for its calming properties, and anti-inflammation properties— making it ideal for soothing period discomfort!
Can CBD Help Period Pain?
Research has demonstrated that CBD can regulate several signalling pathways associated with inflammation, such as the NF-κB pathway and the inflammasome pathway. This modulation leads to a decrease in inflammation and an enhancement of immune function.
Over time and with increased usage, CBD is considered to be well-tolerated and safe for use. Studies highlight its long-term therapeutic effects without side effects or becoming overly tolerant to it, so you'll continue to feel its effects, despite using it often. The extended anti-inflammatory effects are particularly important, as they may directly impact the underlying cause of pain development and contribute to long-lasting analgesic effects. Research indicates that CBD is a 30x stronger analgesic than Aspirin.
Dr Dani Gordon, MD ABOIM ABIHM is a London based double board certified medical doctor and world leading authority in Integrative and Cannabinoid Medicine. In her clinical practice, Dr. Gordon asserts that patients who consistently take a daily high dose of CBD oil for chronic pain, including cyclical period pain and PMS symptoms, have reported experiencing less severe symptoms after three months of continuous usage.
Dr. Wilson-King MD FACOG is a Board-Certified Obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 25 years of clinical experience focused on holistic well-being through plant-based medicine, integrated health, nutrition, supplements, cannabis education, and hormone balance. In her clinical practice, Dr. Wilson-King utilises cannabinoid vaginal suppositories for dysmenorrhea with great results. CBD dosing can provide a cumulative effect such that there is more resolution of symptoms using the same dose over time.
CBD Products
CBD can manage period discomfort of varying levels, reducing mood swings, stress, and relieving physical pain such as cramps.
But, have you heard of CBD suppositories? We are so excited about OVY Relief, a company that is led by a revolutionary team of scientists, doctors, intersectional feminists and industry experts on a mission to radically reshape period pain.
OVY Relief is inserted into the vaginal cavity, allowing for the gradual release of CBD, CBG, and other active compounds over time, to support pain relief.
By administering the product vaginally, and not orally or onto the skin, it enables localized drug delivery with high bioavailability. This is achieved by bypassing the liver and directly delivering CBD to cannabinoid receptors in the female reproductive system, resulting in effective pain relief.
If you have used a tampon before, a vaginal suppository is not too different. It is a compact, solid pill that is inserted directly into the vagina. After removing the wrapper you’d use a clean finger to insert the suppository into the vaginal canal. This targeted delivery allows the active ingredients to act swiftly and directly on the receptors present in the pelvic cavity, without impacting the rest of the body.
OVY Relief Vaginal suppositories dissolve within approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing for direct absorption into the bloodstream. This means you can experience sweet relief from awful period symptoms within 30-45 minutes, which will last approximately 7-9 hours.
Conclusion
Lots of research is pointing to yes, CBD can actually help with period pain! However, like any holistic remedy, finding the appropriate dosage and brand may require some trial and error, and it is advisable to consult with your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications that might interact with CBD.
Join the revolution and shop OVY Relief by AIMA here. You can also shop Here We Flo’s empowering products that support period health, wellness and the environment.
