PMS and Menstrual Cramping

Symptoms
PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in a women’s body one to two weeks prior to her period. Over 90% of women suffer from some form of PMS, whether it is mild or severe. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes within the body and can include things such as: breast tenderness, bloating, cramping, headache, mood swings, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Benefits
Cannabis is widely known for its analgesic properties as well as mood-enhancing abilities. This plant-based medicine is being used by many women to ease their symptoms associated with PMS. The benefit of using cannabis as a treatment method is that it offers a wide range of options for pain relief as well as mood management without the addictive properties and side effects of some other pain relieving and mood-elevating medications.

Depending on symptoms, treatments can be done with THC, CBD, or both. For pain management, products or strains containing higher THC levels are most effective for more severe cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness. THC is also a muscle relaxant which can provide relief from gastrointestinal symptoms, cramping, and muscle tightness. For women suffering from mood swings and emotional distress, CBD is an excellent option. CBD can help balance mood and emotional state while relieving stress and anxiety that may occur during menstruation. This can help reduce depression which affects many women during this time of their cycle. It should be noted that women with severe emotional symptoms who are inexperienced with cannabis should avoid the use of THC as it may worsen anxiety or cause paranoia.

Treatment
The days leading up to a period can be an emotional rollercoaster and the treatment of PMS will vary depending on the intensity as well as the type of symptoms. A combination of THC and CBD will provide relief from both pain and cramping, as well as emotional symptoms.

If the symptoms are mild and localized such as cramping, a topical can be applied directly to the affected area. This includes various salves, creams, and even transdermal patches. Cannabis-infused vaginal suppositories also provide relief from localized cramping.

For more intense symptoms, edibles have a more powerful bodily effect and can alleviate pain from cramps, back aches, headaches, and any other pains.

Smoking or using a vaporizer eases the pain and discomfort quickly and easily. This is ideal for acute or sudden-onset symptoms. However the effects from inhalation are not as long lasting as those from oils, tinctures, or other edibles. Some strains that are used for PMS are high CBD strains such as Pennywise, Super Lemon Haze, Pinks, and White Widow.