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Women's Health

Medical Marijuana for Menopause, Endometriosis, and Women’s Health

Chiagozie Ekemezie

by Chiagozie Ekemezie

August 26, 2025 08:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 10 Minutes
Fact checked by Precious Ileh Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Benavides
menopause and endometriosis

A new kind of conversation is finally sparking around the complex and longstanding issues of women’s health. Medical marijuana is gaining recognition as a potential aid for managing the challenging symptoms that accompany menopause, endometriosis, and a range of other women’s health issues. We also recognize that women’s health is an evolving term, which here we mean to also respectfully include transgender and non-binary (TNB) people. 

 

Menopause marks a natural biological transition where a woman’s or biologically female body permanently stops its menstrual cycles as the ovaries significantly reduce their production of key hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This often causes hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and a decrease in bone density. Endometriosis, conversely, is a chronic condition where hormone-sensitive tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe pelvic pain, inflammation, and menstrual and fertility issues. 

 

Emerging research suggests that the compounds within cannabis, primarily cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may help manage these conditions by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, mood, inflammation, and hormonal balance.

 

This article will explore the scientific understanding of how cannabis interacts with female hormones, its potential benefits for these specific conditions, and what women need to know to make an informed choice.

 

How Does Cannabis Interact With Female Hormones?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) acts as a vital communication and regulatory network, helping to maintain balance and regulate a wide range of functions, including mood, pain, appetite, neurotransmitters, and the hormone system.

Cumulative studies indicate that a complex relationship exists between the ECS and the endocrine system, the network responsible for producing female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Cannabis compounds like THC can interact with receptors that regulate hormone production, potentially affecting the menstrual cycle and other reproductive functions. 

This bidirectional relationship means that while cannabis may offer therapeutic potential for managing symptoms linked to hormonal changes, it can also have unintended effects on the delicate balance of the reproductive system. For this reason, medical professionals advise abstinence for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.

 

What Are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Menopause?

Menopause can bring about a range of uncomfortable symptoms, and medical marijuana may offer relief for some of these symptoms:

 

Sleep Disturbances

Hormonal changes often cause menopausal sleep disturbances like insomnia and night sweats. Medical marijuana helps to address these issues by using compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate both sleep and body temperature. THC provides a sedative and cooling effect to help you fall asleep, while CBD and calming terpenes work to reduce underlying sleep disruptors like anxiety and pain, leading to better sleep quality.

 

Mood Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood changes like anxiety and irritability. Medical marijuana helps manage these symptoms by interacting with the body’s various mood and anxiety receptors, plus the endocannabinoid system, which also regulates emotions. 

CBD works to stabilize mood by increasing feel-good, autoregulating endocannabinoids and influencing serotonin receptors, while low doses of THC can provide a mood-lifting effect by stimulating CB1 receptors and dopamine. 

Additionally, certain terpenes like limonene can enhance these benefits, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

 

Pain and Inflammation

When estrogen declines during menopause, it triggers physical discomfort such as muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches, which inflammation often worsens. Medical marijuana helps address this by leveraging the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of both THC and CBD. 

THC and CBD directly interact with the nervous system to alter pain perception, with slight variation in targets. Cannabinoids and terpenes also generally help to reduce the root cause of the pain by suppressing inflammatory responses. 

 

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hormonal shifts during menopause disrupt the brain’s temperature regulation and cause hot flashes and night sweats. Medical marijuana, particularly THC, can help by mainly influencing the CB1 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which play a role in controlling body temperature

There may be a few other receptors involved as well, like those that receive cooling terpenes like menthol and eucalyptol (via TRPM8). Notably, CBD doesn’t lower body temperature because it doesn’t activate CB1. To maximize cooling effects, look for THC and these terpenes in your cannabis products.

By affecting the brain’s thermostat, cannabinoids may help the body better manage temperature changes. This reduces the frequency and intensity of these sudden heat spikes.

 

READ: Marijuana for Menopause Mood Disorders and Other Symptoms

 

Can Medical Marijuana Help With Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition causing significant pain, inflammation, irregular or heavy menses, and fertility issues. For more symptoms varying from severe pelvic pain — especially during menstruation, pain during or after intercourse, heavy bleeding, fatigue, bowel and bladder problems, medical marijuana offers a promising approach to managing these severe and varied symptoms. 

Both THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide significant relief. THC acts directly on pain receptors in the nervous system to alter perception, while CBD, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, helps to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory molecules that fuel the pain at its source. 

Beyond pain, cannabis may also help with the discomfort of heavy bleeding, improve sleep quality to combat fatigue, and alleviate bowel and bladder problems. 

 

What Cannabis Products Work Best for Women’s Health Issues?

Topicals (Creams, Balms, Lotions)

Cannabis-infused topicals are products applied directly to the skin for localized relief. They work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscles, providing therapeutic benefits without entering the bloodstream. 

This means they may offer relief from symptoms like muscle aches, joint pain, and cramping—particularly useful for conditions like endometriosis—without causing any psychoactive effects.

 

Tinctures and Oils

Tinctures and oils are liquid cannabis extracts that are most effectively used by placing drops under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This method provides a fast onset of effects (within 15–30 minutes). This may be well-suited for managing issues like chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, and widespread pain. 

A major benefit of tinctures is their precise dosage control, which allows users to easily adjust the amount to find the ideal balance of quick and long-lasting relief.

 

Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Capsules)

Edibles are cannabis products that are ingested and processed by the digestive system, resulting in a slower onset of effects (60–90 minutes). This is because the THC is processed by the liver into a more potent compound. 

However, this process also leads to benefits that are more intense and significantly longer-lasting, often for six to eight hours or more. This makes edibles an excellent option for sustained relief from chronic pain, night sweats, or insomnia. Due to their potency and delayed onset, it is crucial to start with a very low dose and be patient to avoid accidental overconsumption.

 

Suppositories

Anecdotal reports of vaginal cannabis or CBD suppositories are out there, but research on it is scant. Currently, there is at least one study recruiting volunteers for a CBD and CBG suppository study in endometriosis.

 

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects for Women Using Cannabis?

Risks and side effects are a critical consideration for anyone using cannabis, and for women, there are unique factors related to hormonal and reproductive health that warrant careful attention. 

Because the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility, cannabis use can potentially disrupt a woman’s ovulation and impact her ability to conceive. This risk is especially pronounced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Beyond reproductive health, cannabinoids can directly affect hormone levels and the metabolism of other medications, including hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Common side effects such as anxiety and paranoia are also a risk, and women may be more susceptible to developing a dependence on cannabis than men. 

Other physical side effects include— dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Consulting a cannabis-knowledgeable provider can help you navigate this fine line.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can cannabis help with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings?

Yes, cannabis may help alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. The compounds in cannabis, particularly cannabinoids, may influence the body’s natural systems that regulate temperature and mood. For instance, they may affect the brain’s thermostat to help reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, while also interacting with brain receptors to stabilize mood and lessen irritability.

 

Does medical marijuana relieve endometriosis pain?

Yes, medical marijuana may relieve endometriosis pain. It works by acting as both a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory, addressing the two primary sources of discomfort from the condition through various ECS and non-ECS receptors.

 

What is the best cannabis strain for menopause?

Choosing the best cannabis strain for menopause is about selecting a strain with a specific chemical profile that targets your symptoms. For instance, women experiencing hot flashes and sleep issues often find relief from strains with sedative properties, which are typically rich in the terpene myrcene. 

 

Cooling terpenes include eucalyptol, menthol, and camphene, which can also be sought after in cannabis products.

 

In contrast, for mood swings and anxiety, a strain with a balanced ratio of THC to CBD and terpenes like limonene and linalool may be more effective. 

 

Is medical marijuana a qualifying treatment for endometriosis?

Medical marijuana may offer a promising approach to managing the symptoms of endometriosis. The compounds THC and CBD provide relief from the condition’s core issues of severe pain and chronic inflammation. This may help alleviate symptoms like pelvic pain, painful intercourse, discomfort from heavy bleeding, fatigue, and bowel and bladder problems, offering a comprehensive way to manage the disease’s varied effects.

 

Does CBD affect female hormones?

Yes, CBD may influence female hormones. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is closely linked to the endocrine system that regulates hormones. CBD may help to manage stress hormones, which in turn may support the overall balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

 

Is THC safe for women’s reproductive health?

No, THC is generally not considered safe for women’s reproductive health, especially for those who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It can disrupt the menstrual cycle and interfere with ovulation, potentially affecting fertility. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, THC is particularly risky as it can be passed to the child, leading to potential developmental issues.

 

Can I get a medical marijuana card for menopause symptoms?

Whether you can get a medical marijuana card for menopause symptoms depends entirely on the specific laws of your state, province, or country. In many places where medical cannabis is legal, menopause itself may not be a specific qualifying condition, but its associated severe symptoms, like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, are often.

 

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition. 

No Information on MarijuanaDoctors.Com should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. You can view our Full Disclaimer here.

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