The Leaf THE LEAF Sept-Oct 2018 | Page 24

The Endocannabinoid System Impact Cannabis , a non-profit association dedicated to studying medical marijuana , attributes part of menopausal discomfort to a decrease in endocannabinoid signalling .
The endocannabinoid system is a biological system of proteins and protein receptors whose role is to maintain homeostasis in the body . It regulates everything from mood , to fertility and pain sensitivity . Research on the cannabinoids in marijuana lead to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body .
Ovaries are a part of the endocannabinoid system . Some speculate that deficiencies in certain types of neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system induce early menopause . Additionally , the low levels of estrogen that follow menopause correspond to lower activity in the endocannabinoid system . This can negatively affect your mood .
The strong link between the endocannabinoid system and menopause means that there is potential for marijuana to treat menopause . However , due to lack of research , scientists don ’ t yet understand the specifics of the relationship between these biological processes .
Marijuana for Pain Management There is even less scientific inquiry on the effects of marijuana on menopause . What we do know is that marijuana ’ s cannabinoids work within the human endocannabinoid system .
This is why cannabis is an effective painkiller , mood enhancer and treats conditions such as Parkinson ’ s disease , premenstrual syndrome , and seizures . And its painkilling potential isn ’ t limited a short list of conditions : Though women have fewer cannabinoid receptors after menopause , THC can still be a powerful pain management tool .
Some experts do warn that cannabis can produce negative effects for older women who have lower levels of estrogen , and therefore require a higher dose of THC .
Final Hit : Can You Manage The Symptoms of Menopause With Cannabis ? If one of the symptoms of menopause that you ’ re experiencing is pain , then there is a good chance that marijuana can help . As is the case with every drug treatment , especially those lacking in research , you may experience side effects or have to modify your dosage . The answer to the question , can you manage the symptoms of menopause with cannabis , is : potentially yes ….. On the whole , the dangers of hormone replacement therapy outweigh those of medical marijuana . And often , healthcare professionals are dissuaded through lack of marijuana education or disincentivised by drug companies to prescribe marijuana . So why not try a natural and organic solution before putting yourself at risk ? https :// hightimes . com / women / managesymptoms-menopause-cannabis /