Period pains: Could CBD ease menstrual abdominal aches? Who shouldn’t use it?

Period pains: NHS give advice on helping cramps

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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Dr Tim Bond – a natural health expert and chemist from Dragonfly CBD – explained that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol “can likely help with period pain”. Dr Bond cited scientific research where 484 women with endometriosis – which can include excruciating stomach cramps – rated CBD highly for reducing pain. In addition, CBD use is not associated with gastrointestinal side effects that may develop when using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How does CBD work?

Dr Bond revealed that CBD “shuts down inflammatory pathways”, targeting molecular structures.

Elaborating, Dr Bond added that CBD zones in on cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

“CBD also interacts with other structures in the body’s cells, including 5HT1a and α3 GlyRs receptors, as well as TRP1 and TRPV1 ion channels,” said Dr Bond.

“Specifically, the anti-inflammatory activity of CBD is thought to arise through interaction at adenosine receptors.”

What is CBD?

“CBD is short for cannabidiol,” Dr Bond certified. “CBD is one of 113 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant.

“CBD does not contain THC, another constituent in cannabis which causes a person to get a ‘high’.”

People who shouldn’t use CBD

“CBD has an excellent safety profile,” stated Dr Bond. “Whilst there are no data around safety concerns in pregnancy, it is advisable for pregnant and breast feeding women not to take CBD.”

People taking medication should also be careful of using CBD to treat their period pains, as “CBD oil inhibits some drug metabolising enzymes in the liver”.

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Thus, Dr Bond explained: “It may interfere with the breakdown of medicines metabolised by these enzymes.”

These medications include:

• Anti-arrhythmics
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antidiabetic agents
• Antiepileptics
• Antihistamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Calcium-channel blockers
• HIV antivirals
• NSAIDs
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Statins steroids.

“Care should also be taken if taking any medication that causes drowsiness including opioids, such as co-codamol,” added Dr Bond.

Menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps occur when the muscular wall of the womb tightens, the experts at the NHS explained.

These vigorous contractions help shed the womb lining, which exits the body as period blood.

“When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your womb,” the experts continued.

“This temporarily cuts off the blood supply – and oxygen supply – to your womb.

“Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain.”

These pain-releasing chemicals then trigger the release of prostaglandin, which encourage the womb muscles to contract further.

Aside from painkillers, a hot water bottle, and CBD treatment, other self-help measures can include:

• Exercise
• Massage
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Warm bath or shower.

If you’re experiencing severe period pains that don’t seem to ease with these remedies, it’s best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

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