We talk a lot about the different ways in which a single serving alone of cannabidiol (CBD) can improve the way we feel daily. So, it’s not surprising then, that a lot of women are eager to find out what effects it can have on their hormones – in particular, their monthly cycles and their estrogen levels. Shockingly, not a lot of research has gone into examining the way in which cannabidiol directly affects the levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, despite the fact that CBD is a cannabinoid that was discovered almost 60 years ago. Still, there is a lot of information out there, so it’s good to keep in mind if one of your goals for taking CBD is addressing potential hormonal issues.

At Kore Original, a number of our loyal customers have found that CBD helps them tremendously with symptoms that relate to menstruation and menopause, like sleeping difficulties, discomfort in the body and mood irregularities. This isn’t surprising given the mountain of research we have on the ways in which cannabidiol works with the systems responsible for these symptoms. But, what about its effects on the hormones themselves? Let’s find out.

What’s the Connection Between Hormones and Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids like CBD serve a unique purpose in the human body, thanks to their relationship to our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is the system that keeps all of our bodily processes “in check”, so-to-speak, by sending cannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) throughout the body that are each tasked with regulating functions that affect how we feel and function each day. Cannabinoid receptors in the muscles, for instance, use cannabinoids to regulate inflammation of the muscular tissue, and cannabinoid receptors in the brain can influence things like cognitive function, pain tolerance and mood.

The body does produce cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, with anandamide being one of the most researched, found to influence all kinds of critical processes ranging from cortisol production to pain. Then, there are phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids that are plant-derived, and found abundantly in the hemp plant. So, what do these cannabinoids have to do with our hormones?

Again, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to understanding a more direct link between cannabinoids and sex hormones like estrogen, which we will elaborate on in just a little bit. But, we know that a body that’s not in homeostasis is more prone to hormonal issues, like enhanced menstrual discomfort, temperature dysregulation, mood swings, and poor sleep. Taking a more holistic approach to our health, we recognize that, for instance, heightened stress can reduce progesterone production, and so it’s important to address all of the body’s needs to maintain a good hormonal balance, which can be thrown out of whack easily. 

As cannabinoids support processes like stress response and so much more, taking cannabinoids can indirectly support good hormonal balance, by strengthening physiological processes that do correlate to our hormonal health. Basically, the more we support our ECS with cannabinoids, the more our bodies can function in a way that preserves proper hormonal balance.

CBD and Hormones

Since CBD is the dominant chemical compound found in the hemp plant – within the plant’s flowering buds, to be more specific – making up anywhere from 10-20% of the plant’s entire chemical composition, it actually offers incredible support to the endocannabinoid system. And, as we said above, can certainly influence our hormone levels in a positive way, by helping us get better sleep, reduce inflammation, maintain lower stress levels, etc., which minimizes hormonal disruption. 

Cannabidiol also fully nontoxic, so our bodies can tolerate fairly large amounts of it on a daily basis with no real cause for concern. Plus, CBD is a cannabinoid that has zero intoxicating properties, unlike another cannabinoid, THC. What this means is that you can take as much CBD as you want without concern about getting high, breaking your state’s laws, or even failing a drug test.

Does CBD Increase Estrogen?

Now, let’s answer one of the most commonly asked questions regarding cannabidiol as best we can. Does CBD oil increase estrogen? In fact, the topic of CBD and estrogen is one that is extremely misunderstood.  Some have suggested that CBD increases estrogen, and others have suggested that CBD suppresses it. 

We do know that there are CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the ovaries, where estrogen along with other sex hormones are produced. This would tell us undeniably that cannabinoids such as CBD do influence the production of hormones like estrogen. We also know that CBD can increase levels of anandamide (endocannabinoid in the brain that works as a neurotransmitter to balance mood and other processes).  Anandamide is believed to have an influence on estrogen and progesterone levels, but this area of research is incredibly limited, broad and inconclusive.

So, the relationship between CBD oil and estrogen remains somewhat unclear, but we do hope that an influx of studies conducted by researchers will take an interest in analyzing the way in which cannabidiol can influence things like reproductive health in the near future.

Can CBD Influence Fertility?

When it comes to CBD and its influence on fertility, this is something that is on a lot of customers’ minds.  We mentioned that CBD may increase anandamide, and high levels of anandamide have been found in women who have miscarried, although the strength of this correlation has not been studied intensively enough to draw a clear conclusion. Nor has the extent to which CBD can potentially increase this endocannabinoid. Meanwhile, no conclusive link has been found between CBD and fertility, nor CBD and the risk of miscarriage, and generally, CBD isn’t believed at the moment to have a negative impact on either of these things. If you are of reproductive age and wish to conceive, then it’s best to talk with your OB-GYN about your CBD usage.

Can CBD Help with Getting a Woman’s Period Back?

If you’re someone who has missed periods due to an underlying cause, you may be wondering if CBD can act as a way to regulate hormonal function to enable menstruation. This is, again, an area that’s unexplored. As of now, there is no known direct influence that cannabidiol has on one’s ability to menstruate. However, again, if amenorrhea is caused by something like insomnia or severe emotional distress, CBD may indirectly be able to help by supporting emotional regulation and sleep.

CBD and Delayed Period: What You Need to Know

CBD has not been associated with causing a delayed period, so if your period is delayed, it’s likely that you can rule out your cannabidiol usage as a cause. THC may cause delayed period in some individuals, by potentially reducing progesterone and estrogen, but CBD and THC are two very different chemical compounds, and so CBD is not linked to these effects.

CBD Oil for Hormonal Balance

While we can’t offer any promise that CBD oil can offer direct changes to the levels of certain hormones like estrogen, we can say that taking cannabidiol daily can improve hormonal balance indirectly, as we said earlier. There is simply no denying that maintaining things like sleep, stress and inflammation can all benefit our hormones and support hormonal processes like menstruation and menopause.

What’s the Best CBD for Hormonal Imbalance?

The key to getting the most potential hormonal benefits out of cannabidiol is choosing your CBD wisely. You’re unlikely to find any products on the market that’re specifically formulated for hormones, but what you can do is make every effort to secure the highest-quality, most effective CBD oil possible as this will give you the most holistic benefits that work toward a healthy hormonal balance.

What should you be looking for then in a CBD oil for hormonal balance?

• Third-Party Lab Results: The bottom line is that every CBD product must undergo a third-party lab testing process through a state-licensed testing facility, and the results of this testing process should always be easy to find on a company’s website. What this means is that the product was analyzed by an unbiased party for things like legal compliance, purity, potency, safety and cannabinoid/terpene profile. Always look for these lab reports before making any CBD purchase.
• A Clean Formula: Also, read the ingredients of a CBD product carefully on the packaging or website, to be sure that the formula you’re looking at doesn’t contain fillers or additives that decrease the product’s value, or worse cause harm to health. Take note of any potential endocrine disruptors such as artificial preservatives that will end up doing more harm than good.
• An Effective Milligram Strength: The ideal daily milligram amount for CBD is 15-40mg. This range may sound quite wide, but remember that CBD is gentle and nontoxic, and everyone’s body has unique needs when it comes to dosage.
• A Good Reputation/Positive Reviews: Read the reviews carefully for both the product and the company. Look around online to make sure that other people are satisfied with the results that they get from the product.
• Small-Batch Production: It’s always ideal to find a company that produces their products in small batches. This gives them far more consistent quality control, and typically means that they are able to maintain higher standards for better results.

Gummies vs. Oil: Which is Better?

So, what’s the best CBD for hormonal balance: gummies or CBD oil?  Both products can be equally effective. If your goal is to support systems of the body that lead to a healthier hormonal state, then it doesn’t matter which delivery method you choose, as long as you take the product consistently, and in a high enough strength to get a meaningful amount of milligrams into the body. 

• CBD Gummies: Come with the convenience of easy dosing, as each gummy contains an equal amount of milligrams of CBD. Gummies and other edibles tend to take effect in 1-2 hours, as this product type needs to be digested by the body before entering the bloodstream. The effects can last for up to 8 hours.
• CBD Tinctures: An extremely versatile product that is usually taken as a tincture (under the tongue).  Its minimal formula is great for those who are sensitive to ingredients in gummies. CBD oil, when taken sublingually, usually takes effect in around 30 minutes, lasting for about 4 or so hours.

How to Use CBD for Hormones

If your goal is to support your hormones as much as possible, here are some tips for making the most of a CBD routine.

Tip #1: Take CBD Daily: First off, it’s best to take CBD on a daily basis, as this allows the cumulative effects of the cannabinoid to make the product as effective in the long-term as possible.

Tip #2: Be Aware of the Dosage and Adjust as Needed: We recommend starting with 15-25mg daily and working your way up as needed until you find noticeable relief.

Tip #3: Support Your Body in Other Ways: Taking CBD alone won’t fix any hormonal issues if you’re not taking care of your body otherwise. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and manage your stress levels to make a positive impact on your hormonal balance.

Final Thoughts

While cannabidiol has not been proven to have any singular effect on estrogen, we do know that it can have a major role in supporting the body’s homeostasis to ease hormonal imbalances that interfere with things like our menstrual cycle and menopause. If you’re ready to use CBD for estrogen or any other aspect of hormone balance, then it’s critical that you choose the right product. Kore Original’s CBD Gummies, CBD Tinctures, and even CBD Capsules provide your body with effective doses of cannabidiol along with clean, fresh ingredients, to provide you with the endocannabinoid system support that you need to enjoy a better-functioning endocrine system. All of our products are fully lab-tested, and are produced in small batches for exceptional quality control. Try our CBD products today, and get ready to work cannabidiol into your daily routine for the top results possible