It is known that both mental and physical stress also affect the balance of the reproductive organs. How does stress affect the menstrual cycle and how can we help with hemp cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG)?

The health and optimal functioning of the reproductive system are influenced by many factors, from poor nutrition, long-term illnesses and excessive physical activity to chronic psychological stress. The latter, which often manifests itself in the form of anxiety or depression, can also result in menstrual cycle disorders. Menstruation can be delayed or absent, and can also be accompanied by heavy bleeding, pain, etc. This can of course also affect a woman's fertility. So how does stress affect a woman's reproductive health and how can you help?

Stress disrupts hormonal balance

When a woman is stressed, the stress hormone cortisol can also be to blame for changes in her menstrual cycle. When we are stressed, cortisol levels in the body increase, and as a result, the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates reproduction) stops stimulating the ovaries to function. Without this stimulation, ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovary – is delayed or even absent. A sign of this is a delay or absence of monthly bleeding.

In addition, chronic stress reduces levels of serotonin (the happiness hormone) and other important brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as dopamine, which are also linked to depression and subsequent menstrual cycle disruption. When these hormones (including cortisol) function normally, they regulate important biological processes such as sleep, appetite, energy levels, sexual desire, as well as our well-being and emotions. When the balance is disrupted, this can also be reflected in menstrual cycle disruption.

Stress leads to addiction

When we are under stress, we often eat improperly. We reach for unhealthy foods, full of sugar, white flour, etc., with which we “alleviate” emotional tension. Of course, this can also result in obesity. Obesity, especially in the abdominal area, can also lead to menstrual cycle disorders (11).

Under stress, we may overindulge in alcoholic beverages. This "solution" to stress can also lead to problems with the menstrual cycle. Alcohol can disrupt the balance of the hormones testosterone, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone. If the levels of the latter two are not quite right, ovulation is not triggered. Alcohol also burdens the liver and inhibits the breakdown of excess sex hormones. The result is increased estrogen levels. With excess estrogen, menstrual cycles can be shorter or irregular, bleeding is heavier, premenstrual syndrome is more pronounced, the need for sex decreases, sleep is disturbed, fatigue increases... ovulation and thus menstruation may also be absent.

Stress worsens existing reproductive problems

For women who already suffer from reproductive problems, such as endometriosis (extremely painful menstrual periods associated with inflammation), chronic stress can exacerbate these disorders. Studies in mice with endometriosis have shown that stress worsens inflammation and increases pain (12). There is no effective treatment for this condition, but it has been observed that methods that alleviate or eliminate stress can also reduce pain and limit inflammation.

Stress = dehydration

Dr. Batmanghelidj in the book Water for health and life describes that stress is dehydration – and vice versa. Both trigger the same sequence of physiological processes for the body to function in a crisis situation, which is intended to protect the main vital functions (e.g. brain function, kidneys, etc.). Among these processes is the aforementioned secretion of cortisol and its effect on the ovaries. Dehydration, among other things, further intensifies premenstrual pain, leads to obesity (which can also disrupt the menstrual cycle), and increases stress and depression.

How to help yourself holistically?

When we are stressed, we can easily get caught in a vicious circle of problems, which can affect not only the menstrual cycle, but also reproductive ability (if the stress lasts too long). There are many methods for managing stress, but the more holistic they are, the faster and more permanently we will manage stress. Therefore, when managing stress, always simultaneously eliminate its causes (solving the problem that is making you stressed) and its consequences (dehydration, eating poor-quality food, relieving stress with alcohol, reproductive disorders, etc.). Two cannabis cannabinoids, which are present in natural extracts from industrial hemp flowers, can also be a good support in eliminating both the causes and consequences of stress.

How can CBD and CBG help?

Cannabis cannabinoids are known to support the function of the endocannabinoid system – an important information system that maintains balance in the body. For example, the endocannabinoid system has been shown to modulate the functions of the brain, endocrine glands and immune tissues. It appears to play an important regulatory role in the secretion of hormones related to reproduction and the response to stress (13). Therefore, supporting the endocannabinoid system with cannabis cannabinoids may help overcome stress and also problems in the functioning of the reproductive system.

CBD (cannabidiol) is an anxiolytic and antipsychotic. Among other things, it is said to have a beneficial effect on the serotonin receptor system, thereby having a positive effect on anxiety, depression and even various addictions. Preclinical studies conducted on rats reveal that when treated with CBD and simultaneously exposed to stress, they resorted to alcohol or cocaine less, and were generally calmer and less impulsive (14). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD have also been proven, which can help reduce premenstrual and menstrual problems. It is known that cannabis extracts have long been used in gynecology and obstetrics for various problems. Therefore, the author of the expert paper (15) believes that cannabis preparations may in the future also effectively help with a number of women's problems, such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation due to various causes), morning sickness and problems during menopause.

CBG (cannabigerol), in addition to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, also helps to achieve a better sense of well-being. It is said to increase serotonin levels in the brain and improve sleep quality. Sleep is essential for both effective stress management and body regeneration.

(11) Erhong Zhang et al., "Relationship between obesity and menstrual disturbances among women of reproductive age".

(12) M. Cuevas et al., "Stress During Development of Experimental Endometriosis Influences Nerve Growth and Disease Progression".

(13) J. Komorowski et al., "The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans".

(14) Gustavo Gonzalez-Cuevas, "Unique treatment potential of cannabidiol for the prevention of relapse to drug use: preclinical proof of principle".

(15) Ethan Russo, "Cannabis Treatments in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Historical Review."

Text: Adriana Dolinar, Ph.D.Vet.Med., the president Associations for the Awakening of the Whole Man and an external employee of the information center - Zadravje.net.

Source: https://www.zazdravje.net/zdrava-medicina/stres-in-motnje-menstrualnega-cikla/