When you’re a woman, relief from menopause symptoms is high on your list of “wants” when it comes to solving the annoyances and discomfort!
You know that menopause is a natural part of aging and that there are probably around 1.3 million other women in the United States suffering menopause symptoms alongside you annually.
But this transitional phase can bring you a range of challenging symptoms. While traditional treatments exist, such as hormone therapy, some women are turning to medical marijuana as a potential solution.
But is it effective in offering you relief from menopause symptoms?
Let’s start at the beginning and work through…
Understanding Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause, the transitional period leading to menopause, can start several years before menopause.
The problems start with estrogen. Or more precisely, lowering of your levels of estrogen during these years.
Estrogen has a strong influence on your endocannabinoid system, and when it’s low (like during menopause), your endocannabinoid system becomes dysregulated.
That’s significant because this system, when working well, regulates your body temperature, pain response, sleep, eating, and inflammatory and immune responses.
Dysregulation, in turn in turn, leads to undesirable menopause symptoms such as
- hot flashes that are embarrassing in public,
- night sweats that soak your bedding and keep you awake,
- vaginal dryness that makes you reluctant to have sexual relations,
- sleep disturbances,
- brain fog that makes it hard to focus,
- mood changes, depression, anxiety,
- increased sensitivity to pain,
- joint and muscle pain, and possibly an increased risk of arthritis,
- irregular periods, and
- low libido – even if you had no other problems!
It’s quite a facer! And all due to lowered estrogen levels.
Moreover, these symptoms can seriously affect your quality of life, which is why women often search for ways to manage or gain relief from menopause symptoms.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
Some of the possible treatments to relieve your symptoms include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Non-hormonal prescription medications
- Over-the-counter remedies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Lifestyle changes
However, while traditional treatments like HRT can be effective in relieving perimenopause and menopause symptoms, some women prefer to look into the possibilities of medical marijuana.
That’s because it’s a natural, plant-based remedy that may have fewer side effects.
Exploring Medical Marijuana as a Natural Alternative to Traditional Treatments
We’ve already talked about the potential benefits of medical marijuana on brain health and your endocannabinoid system. These include:
- Reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and pain
- Improved nerve cell health
- Improved mood
- Neuroprotection
- Reduced inflammation
With so many benefits, and an increased legalization of medical cannabis, it’s no wonder there’s research to see whether medical marijuana can help with relief from menopause symptoms during both perimenopause and postmenopause – for example, this study.
When it comes specifically to menopause symptoms, it seems that medical marijuana components (THC and CBD) can help with:
- Regulating your body temperature (which reduces the severity of your hot flashes and night sweats)
- Reducing your anxiety (which lowers your body temperature, reduces sweating, and improves your mood and sleep)
- Reducing inflammation and stress, and relaxing your mind and body (which improves your mood and reduces your brain fog)
- Joint/arthritis pain relief thanks to analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
However, in Florida you need a medical marijuana card to source the marijuana from a doctor. Let’s quickly recap what this means.
Qualifying for a Florida Medical Marijuana Card to Gain Relief From Menopause Symptoms
If you live in Florida and want to use medical marijuana legally, you need to possess an official Florida Medical Marijuana Card.
Medical marijuana is currently allowed for use only if you have a qualifying medical condition such as :
- Arthritis
- Anxiety, Depression
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy/Seizures
- Crohn’s Disease
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Severe Nausea
- Neuropathy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
You’ll see straight away that relief from menopause symptoms is not on the list! However, there are qualifying conditions that are linked to menopause, such as:
- Arthritis
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
And the list is not set in stone. Senate Bill 8A allows medical marijuana to be used for treating other comparable and debilitating conditions. And no one can argue that the worst menopause symptoms are NOT debilitating!
So let’s move on to possible risks.
Are There Any Risks to Using Medical Marijuana?
Anything you take into your body can potentially have a risk for you – each of us is unique.
So – while medical marijuana can offer relief from menopause symptoms for certain conditions, there’s the possibility of minimal side effects. These will depend on the frequency of your use, your age, and the potency of the marijuana. You might therefore experience
- dizziness,
- confusion,
- mood changes, or
- nausea.
The Importance of Using Medical Marijuana
Suppose you do not qualify for a medical marijuana card and choose to source marijuana elsewhere?
When you’re feeling desperate and suffering brain fog, it’s an easily understandable decision.
But there are caveats. It’s essential to understand that non-medical marijuana may not have the same quality, strength, and ingredients as medical marijuana.
Here’s why.
Medical marijuana is grown under strict regulations and safety precautions, is tested for potency and purity and is prescribed by healthcare professionals who understand your medical history and current condition.
This is where safety kicks in.
When a healthcare professional takes into account your medical history and current issues, you can be sure to receive the correct dosage and type of marijuana for your menopause symptoms.
This can significantly affect your symptoms and overall health. You’re trying to improve things, not court disaster!
In addition, long-term use of marijuana without a medical need and medical supervision can lead to
- panic attacks,
- psychotic symptoms,
- cognitive impairment,
- respiratory and cardiovascular conditions,
- nausea, and
- increased anxiety.
So please consider consulting with us at Emerald Medical so we can ensure your safety and health.
Navigating Menopause Treatment Options with Emerald Medical
While medical marijuana may offer benefits for relieving your menopause symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who understands women’s needs and understands a wide variety of menopause treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
HRT has been shown to alleviate menopause symptoms quite effectively and has been extensively studied and approved by medical organizations.
The good news is, our Emerald Medical team has experience with both hormone optimization and medical marijuana treatment, so you have choices. Don’t hesitate to book a call with us to determine the best course of treatment for your needs.