Women and Weed Part 2: Menstruation
By: Asrinus Subha
Does cannabis have an effect on the menstrual cycle?
Dr. Lisa K. Brent Ph.D. believes it does:
“THC suppresses the release of two hormones, GnRH and TRH… preventing these hormones from stimulating the release of prolactin and the gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).... The gonadotropins maintain the menstrual cycle by promoting ovarian follicle maturation, stimulating production of the ovarian estrogen and progesterone and inducing ovulation...”
The Uterus and ECS
The uterus is a flexible, muscular organ that has its own unique networks of arteries and ligaments. A menstrual cycle involves shedding of the inner lining called the endometrium, about every 28 days over 40 years (a.k.a. periods). The muscle is flexible enough to stretch to accommodate a growing fetus, contract during active labor, and then further contract to shrink back down to its original, fist-sized form. Unfortunately, contraction involves pain – cramps – assuming a healthy organ without complications.
As previously discussed, cannabinoids act through the endocannabinoid system to regulate a myriad of physiological processes including mood, appetite, and immunity. While the ECS is known to relieve pain, it is also known to impact the female reproductive system. Cannabis has been shown to affect folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovarian endocrine secretion. A research physician assistant named Dr.Kim Lam from the Apollo Cannabis Clinics says that the number one reason patients come to her when it comes to menstruation is pain. She says, “With physical cramping that women experience, CBD is well known to relax muscles and help with muscle spasms,” she says. “Big focus on CBD here but THC can also play a role in helping with sleep and increasing the effects of CBD.”
Western physicians have prescribed CBD for period cramps, for many years – as far back as the nineteenth century. Although cannabinoids have its many benefits for pain, a few recent studies have shown other effects that could occur to the menstrual cycle.
Shorter Luteal Phase
In the Journal of Addiction Medicine, a study of 52 women showed that women who smoked both cannabis and tobacco were more likely to have a short luteal phase. The luteal phase is the phase that starts the day after ovulation and until the first day of your next period. The study showed that the luteal phase of cannabis users was five days shorter than non-users.
Increased Menstrual Cycle
In 2016, Dr. Lisa K. Brents reviewed how cannabis could affect menstruation in the issue of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. The study has shown that frequent cannabis users have a slight rate of menstrual cycles where you don’t ovulate and are at higher risk for decreased fertility. She also showed that marijuana users could have a longer follicular phase causing delayed ovulation and a shorter luteal phase (shorter than 11 days).
All in all…
Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands are the leading countries for having open discussions around cannabis. Canada legalized cannabis on October 17th, 2018, allowing both recreational and medicinal consumption. More than 20 states in the United States now allow recreational use, and in the Netherlands medicinal and research uses have been allowed since 2001 under strict control. As cannabis becomes mainstream across the globe, potential benefits of cannabis on sexual and reproductive health [hyperlink the sexual health article] are emerging. Vaginal suppositories and THC bath salts are being marketed for period cramps.
As more people use cannabis for period pain, research will also advance in this area in hopes that we can learn all the effects of cannabis for women and people with menstrual cycles.
What are your thoughts about cannabis & its effects on menstruation? What has been your personal experience? Let us know in the comments below…