What is PMS?
The premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that crop up after ovulation and end during the menstrual period. The most common symptoms are:
- Breast tenderness (even pain)
- Bloating
- Pain and cramps
- Cravings
- Mood swings
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Depression
Is PMS a common occurrence?
Although some women don't even notice the premenstrual syndrome, it is indeed a common issue. In fact, 90 % of those who experience it are women of reproductive age, and the intensity varies according to the person. The most extreme cases, those in which the symptoms, especially the emotional ones (depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings…), are particularly severe, are not considered PMS but premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This is already a disease and so we don't recommend consuming cannabis because it could make things worse. If that's your case, please, get in touch with a professional.
Can weed really alleviate PMS symptoms?
Since time immemorial, women have used cannabis as an effective way to fight the issues caused by aunt flow, both before and during menstruation. If you're not one of the few lucky women who don't even notice PMS, read closely this post because here you'll discover how useful cannabis can turn out to be.
- Dysmenorrhea (abdominal pain)
Abdominal pain and cramps are one of the most common and aching symptoms. They generally start right before menstruation and could last days. Known as dysmenorrhea, the pain is caused by muscle spasms in the womb. It's similar to the contractions felt during childbirth but on a smaller scale. In this regard, pre-clinical studies have proved THC to be an effective muscle relaxant, which is why cannabis can really alleviate cramps. Despite the many ways in which marijuana can be consumed for this purpose (by inhalation, vaporization, through the skin with ointments and transdermal patches), the most effective way to relieve dysmenorrhea is to use cannabis-infused suppositories. Already available in the USA, they are to be placed in the vagina. It's a healthy alternative to conventional medicines.
- Breast pain
Before and during the menstrual period, breasts become tenderer, causing some women to feel pain or even a burning sensation. While most of them just feel a mild discomfort, for others the pain can be extremely severe. Marijuana can be a natural solution to alleviate breast soreness. Although much research is still to be done in this regard, it's been used from ancient times in a wide variety of cultures. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis-based ointments applied to the breasts can reduce pain and swelling.
- Backache and general discomfort
Back pain, particularly in the lower back, and general discomfort are common occurrences during the period. Fortunately, the incredible analgesic properties found in cannabis can help alleviate pain during women's period. As far as we're concerned, CBD-rich strains are the best because cannabidiol has proved to be an effective analgesic. Genetics such as Green Crack CBD or Blue Dream CBD would be just perfect!
- Headaches
Many women experience the so-called "menstrual migraines" during PMS. Some studies claim cannabis to be an effective treatment for headaches. A good way to consume marijuana and relieve migraines would be to use cannabis oils or vaporizers (with a more immediate effect) because combustion could require the consumption of other substances such as tobacco, which could be counter-productive.
- Gastrointestinal distress
As previously mentioned, aunt flow could cause some women to experience gastrointestinal distress: diarrhoea, constipation… Prostaglandins are the hormones that produce uterus contractions as well as other gastrointestinal problems happening during menstruation. Research shows that weed can really ease this kind of distress because it interacts with the endogenous cannabinoid receptors of the digestive system and restores the balance.
Tips…
As you may already know, every strain contains different cannabinoid levels, and so the effect is different in each of them. Our selection to relieve PMS is this: