CBD Oil And PMS Relief: Separating Fact From Fiction

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is the name given to a wide-ranging collection of physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms that many people who menstruate experience in the one to two weeks leading up to their menstrual period. For many people the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation can be debilitating, and many turn to a range of treatments to help alleviate the severity of these symptoms.

At Down To Earth we’re always keenly watching the research into CBD oils for pain relief and management applications – and one such area is its potential to help relieve PMS. In this blog we’ll dive a little deeper into this research and some of the facts and fiction.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) And Its Common Symptoms

PMS typically lasts around five to seven days, but it depends on the individual. And while its symptoms can also vary greatly from person to person, some of the most common include:

• mood swings and irritability
• bloating and abdominal discomfort
• fatigue
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• cravings for specific foods
• sleep disturbances
• depression and anxiety.

Understanding CBD Oil

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that’s been gaining recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions including mood, pain, inflammation and more. With its naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) and non-addictive properties, there’s hope that it can become a reliable and mainstream alternative to some of the more traditional pain medications we’re accustomed to using.

The Science Behind CBD and PMS

Various research studies have explored the potential benefits of CBD for pain relief, and there’s growing interest in the efficacy of CBD’s effectiveness for PMS relief. While research remains in its early days and researchers stress that further investigations are needed, some of the early research holds promise.

A number of studies show that CBD may provide a good naturally-occurring alternative to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals for: helping combat inflammation associated with arthritis and joint pain; reducing anxiety and improve sleep; and mitigating chronic pain.

A 2019 paper reviewed relevant studies on the viability of CBD as a treatment for PMS and concluded that while further research is needed, there is evidence that CBD is an alternative treatment option for improving the discomfort of some menstrual symptoms such as headaches, emotional and mental symptoms, and some pain.

A 2022 study on The Effects of Cannabidiol Isolate on Menstrual-Related Symptoms showed some small reductions in certain menstrual-related symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and stress after a three-month period of CBD administration. Meanwhile, another 2022 paper highlighted the promising links between general research into CBD’s pain relief properties and its use as a treatment for menstrual-related pain.

Some other recent studies into the role of CBD in chronic pain management can also be found here.

Common Myths Or Misconceptions About CBD And PMS

As with any trending topic, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding CBD’s use for PMS relief. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into your PMS management strategy. Here are a few common myths:

Myth 1: CBD is a magical cure-all for PMS

While CBD shows promise in alleviating specific PMS symptoms, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of CBD can vary from person to person, and it may not entirely eliminate all PMS symptoms.

Myth 2: You need high doses for relief

The optimal dosage varies based on individual factors like body weight, metabolism and the severity of symptoms. It’s essential to start with a low dose and adjust as needed – and discuss these with a healthcare professional if you have questions.

Myth 3: All CBD products are the same

Not all CBD products are created equal. The quality, source of hemp, extraction methods and independent third-party testing can impact a product’s effectiveness. You should always choose reputable brands and products that offer transparency and consistency in their CBD content.

Choosing The Right CBD Products

At Down To Earth we’re proud to sell the best CBD oil Australia has to offer – and we back this up by publishing all of our independent lab reports here on our website.
CBD comes in many different forms, from oils to edibles to topical creams and more. Three products we particularly recommend for PMS pain relief are our Full Defence 3000, Broad Spectrum 3000 and Isolate 2000. Let’s take a closer look.

Full Defence 3000 (FD3000): FD3000 is our most powerful full-spectrum CBD product, containing 3000mg of CBD alongside the cannabis plant’s full range of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes and other beneficial compounds. It’s ideal for users who want to maximise CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, through these compounds working together in what we call the “Entourage Effect”. FD3000 contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that can typically give users a “high” or psychoactive effects – but the dose in FD3000 is only enough to support the Entourage Effect without any of the “high” feelings or cognitive impairment associated with greater THC consumption.

Broad Spectrum 3000 (BS3000): As the name suggests, BS3000 contains a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, including CBD, but without the presence of THC. This makes it suitable for those who want to experience the Entourage Effect of a broad-based CBD oil, but with no risk of even trace amounts of THC being present. BS3000 is particularly popular for people who operate heavy machinery or vehicles and may undergo regular on-the-job drug testing.

Isolate 2000 (ISO2000): ISO 2000 is our most popular product, and for good reason: it’s 2000mg of pure CBD, extracted through high-quality scientific processes to remove all other cannabis compounds including THC. It’s a great choice if you’re after an extra-strong and pure oil that brings all the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, including pain relief.

Where To From Here

CBD shows promise as a natural option to help relieve some of the impacts of PMS symptoms. And, as more research occurs, we’re hopeful these results will open the door to a greater understanding of the power of CBD and its potential benefit as a pain relief tool.

Understanding the science behind CBD and PMS, as well as dispelling common myths, means you’ll be best-placed to make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into their PMS relief routine. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD, to ensure it’s a suitable option for your specific health and wellbeing routine.