CBD for PMS and Mood Swings: Does CBD Help?

Anyone who has experienced PMS and mood swings can vouch for this - they are not fun, and you will probably reach for anything, within reason, to help curb the symptoms. 

Many women in recent years have been turning to CBD products to help manage symptoms from PMS, like mood swings. Most users of CBD oil claim that it has significantly decreased their pain from cramps as well, but mostly that it helped them manage mood swings and promote a general feeling of well-being overall.

What is PMS, and what are the symptoms?

Pre-menstrual syndrome, more commonly referred to as PMS, affects approximately 75% of menstrating women, and the symptoms can range anywhere from mild to severe. It’s believed that there can be over 150 varying symptoms of PMS, the most common being things like irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep problems, and bloating. These symptoms can last anywhere from 5 to 11 days before or after a period.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major ingredient in hemp plants. It has, in recent years, started becoming a popular remedy for several different conditions with promising studies coming out all the time.

So what does the science say about PMS and CBD?

While not tested specifically for PMS, it's a promising remedy.

There have not yet been conclusive studies done in regard to CBD's effect on women experiencing PMS and related symptoms, such as mood swings. But, there have been many promising studies that show that CBD does have a positive effect on people with anxiety, depression, and pain from inflammation. All of which are common aspects of PMS.

Dr. Julie Holland, whose background is in psychopharmacology and is the author of The Pot Book, suggests that “CBD can be immensely useful in treating the irritability and discomfort that comes during the premenstrual phase of our cycles. Because it has strong anti-anxiety properties and is also a muscle relaxer, it can help with the overall tension, both physical and psychic, as well as menstrual cramps that can come later.”

So while there have not been studies done specifically on CBD and PMS, the results from other research and studies show promising results in managing related symptoms, especially mood swings. It has also been shown to be a promising remedy for sleep problems, another common symptom of PMS.

How does it work?

The human body has cannabinoid receptors, from the brain and central nervous system to the gut, connective tissues, and nerves. They work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain a state of balance in all its cells. In contrast to hemp, CBD promotes a calming feeling that deviates from the effect of a “high.” Researchers have found that taking CBD oil promotes the body’s own internal cannabinoids to function more effectively and helps to reduce stress and inflammation within its own cells, which would be a great aid in anxiety, pain, and mood swings caused by PMS.

Can CBD Help with PMS Symptoms?

Current research has not explicitly focused on PMS, but recent studies on other conditions with similar symptoms suggest that if you’re looking for something natural and effective it is worth trying out. While scientists and researchers conduct more high-quality studies on the relationship between PMS and CBD, it is a safe remedy to try out for managing pain and mood swings. It’s important to do your own research in addition to talking to your doctor about what products are safe for you to use based on your medical history. CBD is not a proven treatment for any illnesses or conditions.