CBD for menopause has become a prominent topic in recent discussions, with public figures like Naomi Watts and Brooke Shields contributing significantly to the conversation through their recent publications.
Naomi Watts, renowned for her role in Mulholland Drive, released her book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause, yesterday, January 21. In this candid guide, Watts shares her personal journey, having faced menopause symptoms at the age of 36. She combines her experiences with insights from experts to dismantle the stigma surrounding menopause and provide support to women undergoing this natural transition.
Similarly, Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, released her memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman, on January 14, 2025. In her book, Shields explores the challenges and empowerment that come with aging, including her experiences with menopause. She offers an intimate look into her life, encouraging women to embrace aging with confidence and grace.
These publications reflect a broader movement toward open discussions about menopause, aiming to educate and empower women during this significant life stage.
Adding to this conversation is Debra Dullaghan, founder of 55pluscbd.com, who has
been a huge advocate for natural wellness solutions. Sharing her personal experience, Debra says, “As someone who has struggled with chronic pain and the emotional toll it takes, discovering CBD was life-changing. It gave me a natural way to manage discomfort and find balance during a difficult time in my life. I created 55plus to help older adults find relief and live with vitality, especially during life transitions like menopause.” Her story resonates with many seeking holistic options to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of aging, further demonstrating the power of CBD as a tool for wellness.
Menopause marks a significant life transition, often accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Among the most challenging are mood swings, which can arise from fluctuating hormone levels, sleep disturbances, and heightened stress. These emotional highs and lows can disrupt daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
As more people seek natural solutions for managing menopause symptoms, CBD (cannabidiol) has emerged as a promising option. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a vital role in regulating mood, stress, and sleep. Its potential to promote emotional balance and calm makes it an appealing alternative for those seeking holistic relief.
Understanding Menopause and Mood Swings in Seniors
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the exact timing can vary. This transition is primarily driven by a decline in estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. These hormonal changes can affect everything from metabolism and bone density to mood and emotional health.
The relationship between hormonal imbalances and emotional well-being is significant. Estrogen, in particular, plays a role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the "feel-good hormone." As estrogen levels drop during menopause, serotonin production may decrease, leading to feelings of irritability, sadness, or anxiety. Additionally, fluctuating hormones can disrupt the body's stress response, amplifying emotional reactions to everyday challenges.
Mood swings are among the most common emotional symptoms experienced during menopause. These sudden shifts in mood can feel unpredictable, ranging from irritability or anger to moments of sadness or even euphoria. They can also be exacerbated by other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, creating a cycle that intensifies emotional volatility.
By addressing the hormonal and environmental factors at play, women can take proactive steps toward emotional balance and overall wellness, incorporating tools like CBD and other holistic strategies to support this significant life transition.
How CBD Works in the Body
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body, known as homeostasis. This system is made up of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds in the body), and enzymes that break down these compounds. The ECS influences key functions such as mood, sleep, stress response, appetite, and immune regulation. When the ECS is in balance, it helps the body manage daily stressors and maintain emotional and physical well-being.
CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the ECS indirectly. Unlike THC, which binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD influences the ECS by promoting the production of natural endocannabinoids and preventing their breakdown. This helps enhance the system’s ability to regulate processes like mood and stress. CBD also interacts with other receptors, such as serotonin receptors, further supporting emotional stability.
During menopause, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the ECS, potentially contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. By supporting the ECS, CBD may help restore balance and improve the body's response to stress. It also has anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which may further contribute to a sense of well-being.
CBD for Managing Menopause Symptoms
One significant benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, common contributors to mood swings. By influencing serotonin receptors and supporting the ECS, CBD may help stabilize emotional responses, promoting calmness and resilience during stressful situations. Many users report feeling more grounded and less overwhelmed after incorporating CBD into their routines.
CBD also plays a key role in improving sleep quality. Insomnia and disrupted sleep are frequent complaints during menopause and often exacerbate mood-related symptoms. CBD’s calming effects can help regulate sleep cycles, enabling deeper, more restorative rest. By addressing sleep disturbances, CBD may indirectly improve mood and reduce the emotional toll of fatigue.
Additionally, CBD may enhance overall emotional balance by reducing the body’s inflammatory responses and promoting neurochemical stability. Its potential to regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, can further contribute to steadier emotions throughout the day.
Beyond mood swings, CBD may alleviate other menopause symptoms. For instance, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help with joint pain or stiffness, improving mobility and comfort. Some research suggests CBD may also influence thermoregulation, potentially easing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
Incorporating CBD into a menopause management plan can provide holistic relief by targeting multiple symptoms at once. From mood stabilization to improved sleep and reduced physical discomfort, CBD offers a natural, non-intoxicating solution for women seeking balance and comfort during this transformative life stage. As with any supplement, it’s important to start with a low dose, consult a healthcare provider, and choose high-quality products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right CBD Products for Menopause
Choosing the right CBD products for menopause involves understanding the various forms available and their benefits. CBD oils and tinctures are popular for their versatility, allowing users to adjust doses easily and take them sublingually for faster absorption. Softgels and gummies offer a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD, but their effects may take longer to kick in due to digestion. Creams and topicals are ideal for targeting localized issues like joint pain or inflammation, while vape products provide the quickest relief but may not be suitable for everyone.
When it comes to dosage, starting low and gradually increasing is key. For mood-related benefits, a starting dose of 15–25 mg of CBD per day is common, with adjustments based on individual response. Keep in mind that consistency is essential, as CBD’s effects often build over time.
To ensure you’re using a high-quality product, look for those that are third-party lab tested to confirm potency and purity. Full-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes that may enhance effectiveness through the entourage effect, while Broad-spectrum CBD is THC-free and ideal for those sensitive to THC. Opt for products made from organic, U.S.-grown hemp for the best quality and safety.
Menopause is a transformative stage of life that comes with unique challenges, especially the emotional ups and downs triggered by hormonal shifts. From calming mood swings and alleviating joint pain to improving sleep and potentially easing hot flashes, CBD has demonstrated its versatility in enhancing quality of life. It serves as a bridge between natural wellness and effective symptom management, empowering older women to feel balanced and in control.