By interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body, CBD can influence the secretion and balance of different hormones. Read the whole article for more insight.
CBD and Estrogen
In women, estrogen is vital to their healthy development. This hormone is released by the ovaries in different quantities during the stages of the menstrual cycle. During puberty, a girl’s estrogen levels increase as her body develops into that of a woman. Once a woman enters into menopause, she stops menstruating. Estrogen secretion slows down. This may cause the following symptoms:
Mood swings
Hot flashes, night sweats, and chills
Vaginal dryness
Appetite sleep and weight problems
The symptoms of menopause are similar to those of hormonal imbalance.
CBD supplements the endocannabinoids in the ECS which seek to maintain homeostasis in the body. By that, the ECS will stimulate the ovaries to secrete more estrogen. This will help you in the elevation of the symptoms of menopause.
CBD and Insulin
It is said that nearly 10.5% of the American population have diabetes [1]. Diabetes is a condition caused by the imbalance of insulin hormone in the body.
The insulin hormone is secreted in the pancreas. It breaks down glucose in the blood for metabolism. Low insulin levels will lead to blood glucose build up in the bloodstream which can be fatal. While high insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) have been linked to obesity, cancer, and heart diseases.
Several studies show that the ECS stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin when your body needs it. Using CBD can boost your pancreas functioning and insulin secretion.
CBD and Cortisol (stress hormones)
The hormone cortisol manages your mind and body reaction to stressful situations. It is secreted in the adrenal glands. High levels of cortisol can cause an increase in your levels of anxiety. Globally, women are the most affected by anxiety. On the other hand, the inability to deal with stressful situations can affect your beauty and lifestyle as a woman.
Introducing CBD into your body effectively makes the human endocannabinoid system work to balance the levels of cortisol secreted and released into the body.
CBD and melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone in your body that is important for a good nights rest. It is produced in the pineal gland. Melatonin works by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm ( the body’s sleep-wake cycle). Stabilized levels of melatonin enable you to fall asleep faster and have a restful sleep as well.
And we all know a good sleep plays a vital role in your overall skin, mood, memory, and general brain function. Therefore, CBD activates the endocannabinoid system to balance the melatonin levels in your body.
How the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and CBD work in aiding hormone balance?
Endocannabinoids are one of the protein compounds created by the body. They help in identifying the cause of upsets and aid in signaling the correct response within the body. These upsets include hormone imbalance.
The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are directly linked to the cannabinoid receptors. There are two known cannabinoid receptors in the body called CB1 and CB2. CBD directly binds with CB2 receptors. CB2 cells are found in the brain and immune system of cells.
Using CBD increases the presence of cannabinoids that supplement the endocannabinoids to trigger the ECS. Activation of the ECS aids in the maintenance of homeostasis in the body[2].
The enzymes in the endocannabinoid system stop the action of endocannabinoids and cannabinoids once the body is back to normalcy.
Does CBD have any side effects? (explained)
Just like any other drug, CBD may cause some side effects to the user. However, these side effects are very mild. Researchers say that these side effects do not succeed the health benefits CBD may bring to your body like aiding it in achieving hormone balance.
Studies have found CBD side effects explained below.
Dry mouth – Administering CBD activates the endocannabinoid receptors. This may inhibit saliva production causing mouth dryness.
Drowsiness – CBD may aid the body in balancing the cortisol hormone (stress hormone) levels in the body. This can result in a calmer mind that makes one sleep faster (drowsiness).
Lightheadedness – this condition is commonly caused by taking high CBD doses. These high doses may cause a drop in your blood pressure making one feel faint, dizzy, or about to pass out (lightheadedness). Researchers say this condition can be alleviated by taking a cup of coffee or tea.
CBD use has an impact on hormone balance. If you are experiencing any hormone imbalance, CBD may be worth looking into for relief. As always, you are advised to seek the correct CBD product that are safe, effective, user-friendly, and legal in your area.
