Can CBD Help Your Body Hormones?
Hormones may be tiny molecules, but they are critical for the body to function optimally. These small molecules tell the body how to breathe, eat, drink, and grow. So it’s safe to say that hormones are a huge part of our wellbeing, and it’s no surprise that when we do have a hormonal imbalance, things look and feel a little out of sorts.
What causes a hormonal imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance can be a natural thing indicating that things are working as they should. Some hormone fluctuations, such as during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause, suggest that hormones are shifting as they should be.
There are some hormonal imbalances, however, which are triggered by health conditions and need to be addressed. Usually, these imbalances are caused by one of the endocrine glands producing very little or way too many hormones.
Health conditions leading to hormonal imbalances include Addison’s disease, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, under or overactive thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
What are the signs of a hormonal imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance is usually associated with women, men can just as quickly experience this kind of imbalance. Symptoms for hormonal imbalance depend on the person and how severe the fluctuations are.
However, there are common symptoms that include mood swings, sometimes leading to depression, insomnia, and a constant feeling of being tired, more headaches, which can lead to blurred vision and excessive sweating. Fluctuations in your blood pressure and heart rate are also signs, as is weight loss or weight gain
What is CBD, and how can it help body hormones?
Cannabinol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Although CBD comes from the same family as marijuana, it does not have psychoactive effects, so there is no risk of getting high from CBD or becoming addicted.
CBD works on the endocannabinoid (ECS) system. The latter is found in every being with a spine — from human beings to animals like dogs and cats. The ECS is crucial to maintain the perfect balance in the body, also known as homeostasis. Thanks to its receptors running through the mind and the body, the ECS helps regulate critical functions such as our appetite, sleep, body temperature, mood, pain, and more.
Research on CBD is limited; however, scientists know that CBD affects the receptors managed by the ECS. CBD sends signals to encourage the release of essential enzymes or hormones that the body may need at that moment.
Thanks to these early findings and because CBD does not have any known severe side effects, many people are taking a wide array of CBD edibles and containing products, for pain and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, epilepsy, and more. Hormonal imbalance is another way CBD can be life-changing.
CBD’s work on cortisol
Cortisol is the hormone in the body released to handle the “fight or flight” response. We rarely need this harsh response in our day to day life. However, since we are experiencing higher stress levels in this modern world, cortisol is still being released in our body to fight this stress.
The problem is, the more stressed we are, the higher the level of cortisol in the body leading to the body focusing on the “fight or flight” response rather than focusing on other essential systems such as metabolism and the immune system. This constant cycle and cortisol release lead to more anxiety, mood swings, and even weight gain.
CBD can help bring more balance to the body by regulating the amount of cortisol released. Moreover, CBD is known to help remove the negative feelings and thoughts that cause anxiety, stress, and depression. As a result, you can feel more peaceful and avoid extreme hormonal imbalance.
CBD’s work on insulin levels
Insulin is a critical hormone for the body produced by the pancreas, and its imbalance leads to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. In a study published in 2016 by researchers at the University of Nottingham, CBD proved to be a valuable compound in regulating blood sugar levels.
Researchers observed that CBD, together with another cannabis compound known as tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), leads to lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, the two together encouraged the increase of insulin production in people who have type 2 diabetes.
CBD’s work on sleep
Poor sleep can be caused by several factors, including PTSD and lifestyle but what you may not know is that hormones play a crucial role in our sleep cycle. Melatonin is the hormone that sends signals to the body when it’s time to sleep. It is the one that induces us to feel sleepier, and it regulates our natural sleep-wake cycle. This is a critical process as the cycle helps regulate bodily functions.
So when there is an imbalance in our melatonin levels, severe conditions can result, such as obesity, diabetes, and depression. More so than that, poor sleep leads to the detriment of every other bodily function, from memory to physical strength and even mood. It is safe to say that we cannot tolerate poor sleep, and luckily, CBD has helped people experience better sleep.
CBD can help treat insomnia by activating the ECS’s CB1 receptors so that the time it takes a person to fall asleep is minimized. Moreover, CBD helps improve sleep stability, and it increases melatonin production. Since CBD also lowers the cortisol levels and eases anxiety and stress, falling asleep in a peaceful manner is also achievable. Although CBD is an extremely useful product and yet to go mainstream in the true sense, not all have to be expensive to be able to provide the premium effects that it gives.
Taking CBD for hormonal imbalance
Thanks to the CBD booming market, finding high-quality organic CBD products is more accessible nowadays. There are many ways you can take CBD. There are CBD oils or gummies, candles, balms, bath bombs, and even vape e-liquids. But before delving into the CBD world, it is best to speak to a medical professional, especially if you are taking other medication as CBD can block some medicine from doing its job.
