Table of Content
Table of Content
In 2016 the NHS published a research piece about the link between painful periods and inflammation... "Scientists have finally discovered why periods hurt so much, following a ground-breaking study into menstrual pain," The Independent quoted.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical publication Journal of Women's Health. Because of the link between painful periods and inflammation, and CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, there are now many testimonies for CBD use and its efficacy for overcoming period pain.
Exactly wow this is achieved is still unknown but it could be due to CBD being a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory, so helping with cramps – Cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents and subsequently attenuate symptoms of cramps.
Here's a quick summary of the findings.
During menstrual period, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormone like substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.
It is commonly known that during a menstrual period, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions.
The study suggests that the pain is caused by acute inflammation, as measured by the C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a protein produced by the liver; its levels rise when there is inflammation present in the body.
In this latest research, scientists wanted to see if raised levels of CRP were associated with the often reported feelings of dull painful cramping many women feel before their period. This symptom is a common occurrence in what is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
PMS is the name given to the pattern of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that can occur two weeks before a woman's monthly period. Overall, the study found that middle-aged women with raised CRP levels had about a 26-41% increase in risk of the various PMS symptoms. The authors hope that these results will pave the way for future research into therapeutic treatments for PMS. Anyone who has suffered knows PMS can cause a considerable negative impact on quality of life. Taking steps to avoid factors associated with increased inflammation – such as smoking, overweight and obesity – may also help.
Sources referenced in this article
https://www.nhs.uk/news/neurology/study-suggests-that-inflammation-is-behind-period-pain/
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jwh.2015.5529
