Cannabis and PMS

For some women, expecting their monthly visit from Aunt Flo can be a drag and a disruption to their daily life. Some are lucky with light cramping, minimal flow, or even an absence of symptoms. For others it can be a nightmare, with extreme cramps, bloating, headaches, nausea, and a constant flow that requires constant changing of feminine napkins. While most women will simply reach for their bottle of Midol, perhaps a tub of Ben and Jerry’s, and even a comfortable bubble bath, more and more are eagerly experimenting with a new treatment: cannabis.

Cannabis is well known for being a potent painkiller, as many medicinal cannabis users known all too well. Not only is it used for chronic medical conditions but it can be uplift your mood, as noted in some patients with anxiety and depression; both these effects are perfect for women who go through extreme pain and mood swings during menstruation. So, how can cannabis help women who are nearing their time of the month?

Let’s take a look.

Before and during their period, many women feel tired, irritable, and achy.

What is PMS?

Menstruation can last from a few days to a week or more and come with a slew of symptoms.

Menstruation is a natural phase that a female’s reproductive system goes through once a month to prepare them for their ovulation phase – the time of the month where they are able to conceive a child. The goal of menstruation is the same for every woman, which is to shed the uterine lining of the uterus, but the experience can vary with every woman.

When most women think about PMS, the first thing that comes to mind is usually an image of cramps, snapping at the next person they see, or gorging on a pint of ice cream. However, this isn’t all there is; PMS can show up as other symptoms,too, including:

• Cravings
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Irritability

While most women are still able to function during their menstrual cycle, there are others whose symptoms are so severe they are prevented from completing daily tasks. There is a name for this condition: PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

How Does Cannabis Aid Period Symptoms?

Cannabis is well-documented as being used for menstrual-related ailments.

Since the early years of man, women have used the marijuana plant to aid with pain related to pregnancy and menstruation. Tonics were made by using cannabis and a mixture of other herbs as a pain reliever, and prescriptions were written for the whole flower itself. While there isn’t enough research compiled to support or deny cannabis’ role in female menstrual health, it’s fairly safe to assume weed can fight PMS.

Cannabis has certain properties that can target the specific symptoms you are feeling. For instance, if you are having some exceptionally difficult mood swings, marijuana’s anti-depressant qualities can help; the plant can also act as a relaxant if you are feeling unusually angry, irritated, or stressed.

If you suffer from painful cramps, weed can also be of assistance. Around and during our periods, hormones can cause uterine contractions which can be likened to minor labor contractions. The primary ingredient found in cannabis, known as THC, can act as a muscle relaxant, toning down the intensity of these cramps. There are many ways one can use marijuana to relieve cramps, including topical cannabis creams, suppositories, tinctures, or by just plain vaping it.

One last example concerns the issue of constipation/diarrhea in some women during menstruation. In this regard, weed not only functions as a muscle relaxant, as stated before, but also works as an anti-inflammatory, which can aid with bowel issues.

Does cannabis affect men and women differently?
“Cannabis Effects: Men vs. Women”

Final Thoughts on Cannabis and PMS

Super Silver Haze can ease stress and spur happiness while easing pain.

A woman’s menstrual cycle can be a difficult time of the month for some women, thanks to a slew of distressing symptoms. However, it might be useful to give cannabis a try next time: it acts as a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, and an anti-inflammatory, and can tackle even the most problematic of your symptoms. You can take it however you like, whether you prefer to smoke, apply it as a cream, use a suppository, or vape using dry herb vaporizers.

For starters, there are some strains offered by Growers Choice that women can use for their next menstrual cycle:

1. White Widow
2. Super Silver Haze
3. Cheese Auto-Flowering
4. Girl Scout Cookies (coming soon!)

Ease your PMS symptoms with these marijuana strains. White Widow and Super Silver Haze can ease pain and soothe even the worst mood swings, and the latter is also a common choice to help migraines. Cheese can relax tense muscles and cramps, while the tail end of Girl Scout Cookies effects can help you fall asleep while relieving pain.

Discover the benefits of cannabis for PMS symptoms – and consider growing your own medications with Growers Choice!