CBD Suppositories a Potential Solution for Alleviating Menstrual Pain

In a new quasi-experiment (a non-randomized look meant to establish a relationship between variables before undertaking clinical trials), researchers have shed light on another potential use case for CBD that may have wide-reaching benefits: Alleviating menstrual pain in the absence of painkillers.

The Study

First published in Nature, the experiment¹ noted that “the endocannabinoid system is involved in gynecological functions, with cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrating promise for alleviating menstrual-related symptoms.”  Elaborating on this fact, the researchers state that,

The CBD group demonstrated significantly reduced frequency and severity of menstrual-related symptoms, impact of symptoms on daily functioning, need for analgesics, and number of analgesics used relative to the TAU group,

The researchers arrived at this conclusion after assessing 307 women over the course of multiple menstrual cycles; one group used 100mg of CBD in the form of a hemp-derived vaginal suppository, and the other proceeded as they usually would.  The following key findings were established.

Reduction in Pain and Discomfort

The CBD group experienced a noticeable decrease in the frequency and severity of menstrual pain.  This reduction was not just limited to the pain itself but extended to other discomforts like bloating, mood swings, and fatigue.

Improved Daily Functioning

Participants using the CBD suppositories reported that their menstrual symptoms had less impact on their daily lives.  They found it easier to carry on with work and other activities, suggesting that CBD might help improve the overall quality of life during menstruation.

Lower Need for Pain Medications

Another significant finding was that women in the CBD group were less reliant on traditional painkillers.  This could be particularly beneficial for those looking to reduce their intake of over-the-counter or prescription medications, which can have side effects or become less effective over time.

Dose-Dependent Effect

Interestingly, the study found that the more frequently participants used the CBD suppository, the greater the improvement in their symptoms.  This suggests a dose-dependent relationship, where increased CBD use correlates with more significant relief.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The implications of this study are potentially far-reaching. If further research confirms these findings, CBD could become a mainstream treatment for menstrual pain and discomfort. Here’s why this could be a game-changer:

Many people are increasingly turning to natural remedies for health issues, and CBD is seen as a promising option due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.  A CBD suppository could offer a more targeted and effective way to manage menstrual symptoms without the systemic effects of oral medications.

Furthermore, with many women relying heavily on painkillers during their menstrual cycles, CBD could reduce the need for these medications, which often come with unwanted side effects or risks of long-term use.  This is particularly important for those who experience severe pain that requires strong analgesics, which can be addictive or harmful over time.

Caveats

While the use of CBD for alleviating pain resulting from menstruation may one day be recognized as a viable treatment, it is essential to note that, for now, this is a very early-stage quasi-experiment.  This means that, while promising, the lack of randomized trials can introduce patient biases that can potentially skew results.

Moving forward, there will undoubtedly be an increased emphasis on the exploration of dosing, delivery, etc., while eliminating any biases from entering the experiment.

Final Thoughts

This experiment is just the latest in a growing list that highlights the medicinal and therapeutic properties of cannabinoids like CBD.  While much work is yet to be done, this experiment showed clear and promising results that CBD could one day be a viable option for women seeking a safe and natural alternative to medications commonly used for treating menstrual pain.

Study Reference:

^{1. Dahlgren, M. K., Smith, R. T., Kosereisoglu, D., et al. (2024). A survey-based, quasi-experimental study assessing a high-cannabidiol suppository for menstrual-related pain and discomfort. npj Women’s Health, 2, 29. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00032-0}