Periods are a normal part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, periods can also become unbearably painful—painful periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea, primarily present as menstrual cramps. 

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by a throbbing, cramping pain around the lower abdomen. Sometimes, the pain may also extend to your entire lower back. And while the condition generally occurs alone, it could also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Presently, there’s no magic pill for period cramps. Most medications mainly seek to address some of the condition’s most worrying side effects, including the pain itself. 

But while conventional dysmenorrhea medications may ease painful periods and relieve various associated symptoms, many of these drugs are infamous for inducing a host of adverse effects. Fortunately, there are numerous alternative remedies for period cramps. One such remedy is CBD. Various studies indicate that using CBDGenesis delta 8 gummies or other CBD-based supplements during menstruation may ease menstrual cramps. 

In this post, we look at the role of CBD hemp flower in relieving muscle cramps, but first things first. 

What Causes Period Cramps?

During menstruation, the uterus walls contract to help expel its lining. It’s the alternate contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles that results in painful periods. 

Now, the contraction of the uterine muscles is triggered by certain hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins during menstruation are associated with pain, inflammation, and more severe menstrual cramps. 

Besides an increase in prostaglandins levels, period cramps may also result from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a medical condition where the tissues lining the uterus become implanted outside the uterus, usually on the fallopian tubes or ovaries. The disease manifests in excruciating pain. So, you can only imagine how unbearable period pains can get if the implantation happens during your menstruation. 

The following are other common causes of period cramps;

• Adenomyosis – Similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis happens when your uterine tissues grow into the muscular walls lining the uterus.
• Uterine fibroids – These refer to non-carcinogenic growths in the uterine walls.
• Pelvic-inflammatory disease – A disease of the female reproductive organs caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Cervical stenosis – A disorder where the cervical opening is too small; hence, impeding the outflow of menstrual fluid.

Who Is At Risk Of Period Cramps?

Any woman of her childbearing age can experience period cramps. However, women younger than 30, particularly those who entered puberty a bit early, are more at risk. 

The risks of period pains are also considerably high among women with menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Menorrhagia refers to excessive bleeding during periods, whereas metrorrhagia is a term for irregular menstrual bleeding. 

Genetic predisposition, as well as smoking and substance abuse, are other common risk factors of dysmenorrhea. 

How Bad Can Period Pain Get?

Menstrual cramps with no underlying medical conditions tend to be less severe. The symptoms also do improve with age. 

However, certain diseases like endometriosis could result in severe complications, including fertility issues. 

The pelvic inflammatory disease could also leave your fallopian tubes scarred, increasing your risks of ectopic pregnancy. 

Fortunately, CBD hemp flower has proven to be effective against period pains and their various associated symptoms.

What Is CBD Hemp Flower and How Does It Help Period Pain?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It’s a chemical obtained from hemp, which medical cannabis experts believe may relieve several ailments. 

The primary reason cannabidiol is famous as a therapeutic supplement is that, while the compound comes from cannabis, it doesn’t induce euphoria. That’s in contrast to another popular marijuana chemical known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Now, CBD is available in various formulations depending on a user’s intended method of consumption. Standard products include CBD-infused edibles like gummies, CBD-enriched topicals like ointments, CBD oil tinctures, and CBD-based vape juices. There are also smokable CBD products that are generally available as help flowers.

CBD Hemp Flower for Period Cramps

CBD Hemp Flower and Prostaglandins

Remember what we mentioned about the relationship between high prostaglandins levels and painful periods? Well, studies have shown that  cannabidiol may inhibit prostaglandins secretion. 

By decreasing prostaglandins levels, CBD hemp flower plays a direct role in alleviating the pain and inflammation resulting from dysmenorrhea. 

CBD Hemp Flower and Pain

Keeping prostaglandins levels in check isn’t the only way cannabidiol hemp flower may address period pains. CBD might also interact positively with receptors and neurotransmitters involved in the body’s pain-signaling mechanisms.

For instance, this study found that CBD may increase the body’s sensitivity to the vanilloid receptor.

Another study established CBD’s ability to inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). High FAAH levels in the body translate to low levels of anandamide, a prevalent pain-mediating neurotransmitter.

But perhaps it’s this 2019 research that puts the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating period pains into a better perspective. According to the study, women with endometriosis reported that CBD oil or cannabis offered better analgesic benefits than conventional pain medications.

CBD Hemp Flower and Other Dysmenorrhea Side Effects

Not only can CBD hemp flower help with dysmenorrhea. The compound may also relieve associated side effects like nausea. 

One animal study revealed that CBD produces positive interactions with the neurotransmitter serotonin. Relief from nausea was cited as one of those positive effects.