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Menopause is a natural biological transition marking the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. But, keep in mind, it can potentially happen to people who are younger than 45 too. Unless surgery has caused menopause, it’s usually due to the ovaries gradually reducing hormone production, leading to lower hormone levels.
These hormonal shifts can trigger a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances/insomnia, and changes in energy or concentration.
While menopause isn’t an illness, the physical and emotional changes can significantly affect daily comfort and overall wellbeing, making symptom management an important part of this life stage.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK. However, this is only when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring the possibility of medical cannabis treatment for hot flashes, as well as other menopause symptoms, how to become a patient, and any other risks you should consider.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Menopause Symptoms?
There’s emerging research suggesting some cannabinoids may potentially support symptom management for people going through menopause, such as improving sleep, easing anxiety, or reducing discomfort. Let’s explore.
The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. THC is just one of these compounds. It’s psychoactive, so it can produce a ‘high’. One of its potential therapeutic benefits is pain relief. There’s also research that implies THC may induce sleep for certain people. When these cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system, causing you to feel sedated or sleepy.
CBD is another compound, but it’s non-psychoactive, so won’t cause a ‘high’. When it comes to CBD for menopause symptoms,research is ongoing into the potential therapeutic benefits including easing inflammation, anxiety, and helping to manage overall wellbeing and therefore reducing discomfort.
But, a lot more research needs to be done to fully understand how the cannabis plant works in the body, and what it could possibly have the potential to influence.
How the Endocannabinoid System Relates to Menopause
But let’s rewind and dive into how medical cannabis works in the body to potentially help ease symptoms related to menopause. To understand this, we need to explain the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, inflammation and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why some researchers believe medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions. THC and CBD can interact with and influence these receptors to potentially regulate pain, mood sleep and more.
But what’s the link between menopause and endocannabinoid system? Well, for someone with menopause, this could mean the ECS can potentially play a key role in regulating hormonal balance, body temperature, and sleep - plus more. For some people, this may offer additional symptom support when conventional options have not been effective.
Keep in mind that medical cannabis works indirectly through this system to support homeostasis. So, if you’re exploring cannabinoids for hormonal balance, it’s important to keep in mind that it is not a hormone therapy. You can discuss with your clinician whether or not you should continue with any current medication alongside medical cannabis. They’ll work with you to create a treatment plan going forward that is suitable to you and your needs.
Medical Cannabis Prescription Options in the UK
So, what do you need to qualify for a prescription of medical cannabis for menopause symptoms relief UK?
To qualify to be a patient with a medical cannabis clinic UK, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors in the UK, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf.
It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for prescription cannabis for menopause or not based on the information you tell us and the documents you submit on your medical history. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists. You’ll then have a doctor consultation where a specialist will assess your medical history. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process for medical cannabis eligibility in the UK. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment with us. We’ll give you medical oversight from specialist clinicians at every stage of your medical cannabis journey to ensure legal compliance and safety.
Safety and Side Effects of Medical Cannabis During Menopause
Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. But possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. Although medical cannabis is generally well tolerated, some possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid this while still achieving symptom relief.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications, such as hormone or sleep medications. Your clinician will explain all this in detail ahead of prescribing. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to them. It may be a simple case of altering your dosage.
Always consult your healthcare professional if you’re considering medical cannabis. Ongoing medical review is important, and you’ll have clinical supervision every step of the way with Alternaleaf. Our experts will personalise your treatment plan and alter it when necessary, as well as prescribe an appropriate dose for you and your needs. They’ll assess your medical history before prescribing, and take any previous or current medication into account.
With proper dosing from an expert, side effects should be minimal. But if you do experience any unwanted effects, speak to your clinician. They may adjust your dose for a potentially more effective experience for you.
Summary
Although menopause is a natural part of life, it can come with some unpleasant side effects, and feelings. So, whether you’re looking into menopause sleep support UK or alternative treatment options for feelings of anxiety that stem from going through menopause, you may be considering medical cannabis.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. We have a dedicated Women’s Health Service, with a team of specialists who are trained in prescribing medical cannabis for women’s health conditions. Find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.