As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I frequently evaluate women who suffer from the symptoms of perimenopause. Fortunately cannabis can be a great alternative treatment for many of the symptoms women experience during this time. As women age they begin to experience hormonal changes which is the bodies natural result of transitioning from a fertile child bearing state to the end of her reproductive years. This period of time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. The onset of perimenopause typically occurs around 40 years of age but can happen sooner or later depending on that womens specific genetics and physiology. Symptoms are a result of fluctuating levels of estrogen and ultimately LH and FSH(luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone).
The typical symptoms that my patients complain of are insomnia (or a break from their normal sleeping patterns), irritability, headaches, nightsweats, hot flashes, decrease libido, vaginal dryness and overall emotional instability. When many of these patients visit their primary care physicians they are offered a myriad of drugs to treat these symptoms. For there headaches they are told to take NSAIDS such as motrin. For there difficulty sleeping they are given drugs like ambien and lunestra. For their emotional instability they are prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs such as lexapro and xanax. In the end they are left with 4 or 5 different medications to take that have their own set of side effects that patients have to deal with. Most of my patients get fed up and are “tired of taking so many pills.” They are looking for a more natural approach to treat their symptoms.
The great news is that cannabis can alleviate many of the symptoms that perimenopausal women experience. It is a great sedative and helps patients sleep through the night. It can relieve the pain associated with headaches. In addition, it functions as an anxiolytic and helps relax and calm patients after a long day. Lastly, many strains of cannabis can increase a patients libido and enhance their sexual experiences with their partners. The advantage I believe that cannabis has over many of these drugs is that the medically active ingredients found in the plant (collectively called cannabinoids) have few intolerable side effects. Once they enter the bloodstream they bind to receptors throughout our nervous and immune systems and produce their physiological effects. Within minutes patients feel relaxed and euphoric. Many times the pain subsides immediately. Because there has not been one documented overdose from cannabis use it is very safe and patients don’t have to worry about using too much. I tell all of my patients that it is definitely worth a try. ”if it helps and improves your quality of life, then great! If not, simply stop using it.” The good news is that it is not toxic to any of your major organ systems and is not chemically addicting. So there is little risk in giving it a try.
If you are worried about having to smoke it please see my website and read about the benefits of vaporizing cannabis (smoke free!). If you would like more information please visit my website at www.MCSoCal.com or call 877-721-0047 and schedule an appointment. You can also pre-qualify for free online from the comfort of your own home. We have office locations in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas (San Diego)
