CBD for menopause symptoms? Study reveals impact on estrogen levels

15 Sep 2022 --- A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology on post-menopausal mice, investigates the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) on estrogen deficiency. The results showed improvements in several health areas, such as gut and bone health, and a lower rate of inflammation, when compared to the placebo group.

“This preclinical study is the first to suggest the therapeutic potential of CBD for alleviating symptoms of estrogen deficiency,” said Diana Roopchand, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science of the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) and senior author on the study. 

“There is much anecdotal evidence of CBD’s health benefits for menopausal and post-menopausal women, but our study is the first to investigate some of the claims in an established preclinical post-menopausal model.”

Several health aspectsCBD consumption showed improved gut bacteria, bone density and lower inflammation rate.
The mice, all experiencing estrogen deficiency, were fed with CBD and “showed improvements in several areas,” such as burning more energy, more rapid exposure to glucose, improved bone density and a lower inflammation rate in gut and bone tissues. They also experienced higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria.

The trial took place over 18 weeks, and the mice were fed with peanut butter balls infused with CBD or a placebo. The results showed that the CBD-consuming mice significantly improved in the areas scientists were investigating.

“Many women already use CBD to deal with symptoms of menopause and post-menopause. This study provides preclinical evidence to support further investigation of CBD as a therapeutic for post-menopause-related disorders,” says Roopchand.

Addressing a need
The study highlights that women spend one-third of their life post-menopausal and that the average age for women’s last menstruation occurs at the age of 51 in the US. As estrogen levels decrease quickly, health concerns may arise, such as weight gain, cardiometabolic disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and gastrointestinal disorders. 

The researchers explain that the treatment options of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are very few, and risk versus benefits varies depending on age, health status, dose and the type of treatment. 

“HRT is not advised for women over 65 years and ten years post-menopausal due to elevated risks of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and dementia,” the study notes.

“Other therapeutic options with fewer safety concerns are needed for chronic disease prevention in this underserved demographic,” says Roopchand.

Previously, the industry has been exploring nutrition to treat menopausal complications, highlighting that individual women experience menopause differently. Additionally, scientists have investigated the relationship between gut-friendly diets and reduced menopausal issues. 

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander