Your hormones play a critical role in your overall health. When your hormones are imbalanced, it can lead to many symptoms affecting your body and how it feels.
Many people view CBD products as a holistic, non-addictive way to treat both the causes and the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Can CBD products help with hormonal imbalances?
This article will examine what causes hormonal imbalances in the endocrine system and how CBD can help the body’s natural systems regulate and control those out-of-control hormones.
Related: Why Do People Take CBD?
What Do Hormones Do?
Hormones are the chemical messengers the endocrine system produces, coordinating hundreds of functions in your body. It carries messages through your blood to your skin, muscles, organs, and other tissues.
The endocrine system is a complex system of glands and organs that create and release the hormones that travel through the body.
Key Glands in the Endocrine System
- Hypothalamus
- Pineal Gland
- Testicles and Ovaries
- Thyroid and Parathyroid
- Pituitary
- Pancreas
- Adrenal
Hormones only act on the part of the body that fits the receptors of a specific tissue in the body. For example, suppose the hormone fits into the receptor on the cell wall. In that case, the message is delivered, and the tissue will perform the instructed action.
Key Body Functions Affected by Hormones
- Blood Pressure
- Metabolism
- Sleep
- Mood and Emotions
- Blood Sugar
- Sexual Function and Fertility
What is a Hormone Imbalance?
A hormone imbalance is caused by having either too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormonal imbalances can be either short-term or long-term depending on the cause.
Signs of a Hormone Imbalance
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
- Muscle Aches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Thinning Hair
- Sweating
- Dry Skin
- Infertility
It can be challenging to diagnose a hormone imbalance because many symptoms are common to other illnesses.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS controls and regulates many of the body’s most critical functions. It is composed of a vast network of cellular receptors and chemical signals that control the activity of neurotransmitters in the body.
The body naturally produces endocannabinoids, the neurotransmitters that bind to the ECS receptors in our bodies.
Systems the ECS Controls and Regulates:
- Memory and Learning
- Emotion Processing
- Pain
- Sleep
- Immune and Inflammatory Response
- Appetite
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What is CBD?
CBD is the natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is not psychoactive and does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In other words, CBD does not produce the intoxicated or high feeling that people associate with THC.
CBD is one of many cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids derived from the hemp plant, which, by definition, has less than .03% THC.
CBD and The ECS
There are two types of receptors in the ECS throughout the body that CBD binds with and activates: CB1 and CB2.
When the CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated, they can help the body combat many symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors are found primarily in the nervous system and the brain. CB1 receptors play a crucial role in regulating sleep, appetite, pain sensation, motor skills, and memory.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are found in the body’s peripheral organs and immune cells. When CBD activates CB2 receptors, they stimulate a reduction in inflammation and pain relief in the body.
How Does CBD Regulate Your Hormones?
A report published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information confirms a connection between the endocrine system and the ECS.
CBD and Cortisol
Cortisol and adrenaline are critical hormones in how the body responds to stress. An imbalance of cortisol can lead to increased anxiety, weight gain, and mood swings. In addition, it can increase the risk of long-term health problems.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that CBD can lower cortisol levels in human beings, which can help reduce the activation of the stress cycle.
CBD and Insulin
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin. An imbalance can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Clinical studies have shown that cannabis use lowers insulin and blood glucose levels.
It’s not clear exactly how CBD reduces insulin levels directly. Still, its anti-inflammatory properties can be very beneficial for diabetes treatment which causes body-wide inflammation thanks to high blood sugar levels.
CBD and Melatonin
Your pineal gland creates the hormone melatonin, which directs your circadian rhythm, or when your body sleeps and wakes up, and regulates your energy levels throughout the day. Getting enough rest is critical in supporting the overall health of your body.
Being tired can put stress on the body, increasing cortisol and other hormones needed to combat the stress.
A study reported that CBD’s interaction and activation with the CB1 receptor helped regulate sleep stability, increased melatonin levels, and helped people fall asleep more quickly.
How Do You Take CBD?
You can take CBD products in many forms, including tinctures, gummies, ingestibles, capsules, and topicals.
Common Ways to Take CBD Include:
- Sublingually – Place drops of oil under your tongue, let it sit for a minute, and then swallow.
- Topically – You can apply lotion or cream directly to your skin.
- Orally – Take a CBD gel cap, edible, or add CBD oil to your food or drink.
It is becoming more and more common to put CBD oil into salad dressings, coffee, cocktails, smoothies, and treats.
Related: Learn More About Go Botanicals
How Do You Take CBD?
CBD can have different side effects that vary in severity from one kind of CBD to another and from person to person.
Common CBD Side Effects:
- Drowsiness or Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Changes in Mood
- Changes in Appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Many people do not experience any negative side effects when taking CBD. For those that do suffer side effects from CBD, they are often less than or comparable to the side effects of prescription or OTC drugs used to alleviate the symptoms common with a hormone imbalance.
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CBD Can Help With Hormonal Imbalances
Studies have shown that CBD can help regulate the production of three critical hormones, Cortisol, Insulin, and Melatonin. In addition, CBD can also help alleviate the pain and inflammation that comes with many of the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
You can take CBD in many forms, including edibles, capsules, tinctures, and topical creams.
Like with any supplement, there can be side effects with CBD use. However, these side effects are typically minimal. In addition, they are less than or comparable to those of common OTC and prescription drugs used to combat the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Look for high-quality, lab-tested CBD products to ensure you get the best ones available. They can help you gain control of your hormones and live a comfortable, healthy life.
Related: Click Here for FAQs About CBD