CBD seems to be the next best thing at the moment, flooding the isles of Holland and Barratt with adverts all over the internet. But can CBD really help with PCOS? What does the current research suggest? Let’s explore this connection in a little more detail shall we…
PCOS as we know is poorly understood with modern medicine and needs to be treated through nutrition and lifestyle. Aesthetic counter medication has proved to only hide the symptoms and bring a whole host of other risks and side effects.
This is where CBD has come in. CBD is a natural extract from Hemp plants. CBD has gained huge popularity in recent times as a wellness supplement for its health benefits to consumers. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties targeting the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which has seen many consumers use CBD to help with pain, inflammation & soreness.
Studies have also shown many consumers are taking CBD as a daily supplement to help relieve stress, anxiety as well as keeping them relaxed & focused. CBD has also proven to help with sleep quality, skin conditions and even contribute to weight loss!
CBD primarily works by helping the body maintain homeostasis – basically balance, which includes our hormones, metabolism and neurological activity. All of these can be affected by PCOS, so CBD is definitely something I wanted to look into further.
CBD can improve PCOS in many ways, but my top three are –
CBD and PCOS – may help to maintain optimal insulin levels
A recent study involving more than 4600 supporters diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes had their self-reported use of marijuana and fasting insulin levels compared (a marker for insulin resistance). Scientists found that participants using marijuana on a regular basis had a 16% lower insulin resistance score than those who didn’t. [2].
Researchers in this study suggested CBD as one of the key compounds responsible for producing this effect through the modulation of CB1 receptors. Other studies have shown that by blocking CB1 receptors in animal models, insulin sensitivity was improved [3].
This suggests the endocannabinoid system and CB1 receptors play a critical role in the function of insulin.
The idea is that if we’re more sensitive to the effects of insulin, we’ll have greater blood sugar regulation and improved insulin sensitivity.
CBD and PCOS – may help towards weight loss
Many women are considered overweight with PCOS. Around 80%! [4]. There are a few reasons for this:
- Chronic Fatigue leading to less exercise
- Lower BMR leading to over consumption of calories
- Hyperinsulinemia and diabetes leading to excess fat production
Excess weight gain increases symptoms of PCOS. One of the key goals of treatment in overweight PCOS patients is fat loss.
CBD may be useful for supporting weight loss in a few ways:
- Regulation of mitochondrial function to improve the breakdown of excess sugar and fat as energy [5].
- Reducing insulin resistance to improve blood sugar regulation and support beta-oxidation of fat.
- Reducing appetite to help lower intake of calories [6]
CBD and PCOS – may help towards mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia
One of the main side-effects of PCOS is anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people start taking CBD— and there’s a lot of research to back this up.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the anti-anxiety effects of CBD to benzodiazepine anxiety medications concluded that “CBD [has] anxiolytic properties in human volunteers submitted to a stressful situation” [7].
Other studies investigating the immediate effects of CBD in the treatment of anxiety used a public speaking model to induce an anxious state in study participants. The study noted a dramatic improvement in anxiety scores compared to placebo control [8].
There are a few ways CBD provides relief from anxiety symptoms, with the most important being a potentiation of GABA in the brain [9,10], which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
When the brain becomes hyperactive it’s GABA that slows it back down again — preferably before reaching levels high enough to cause an anxiety attack.
Although there isn’t too much evidence with CBD and PCOS, there are some strong indications that it really can help us cysters.
What I will say, similar to most products is don’t expect changes overnight. They are slow and gradual, but if you’re persistent you’ll notice big improvements over time. Keep a journal of your symptoms and how you are feeling week by weeh. CBD and PCOS are friends and I’ve had clients tell me how much they love it.
Personally, I have been using CBD for a few months now as a good friend of mine started up ‘R3CBD’and insisted I gave it a go. As I’ve been off medication for a few years now, I am susceptible to try anything that I might start to rely on.
I can honestly say so far I am seriously impressed! I use the night spray before I go to sleep if my brain won’t switch off and I literally sleep through till the next morning (very rare for me as I always wake up for a wee at 4am ish!).
The joint cream is amazing for aches and pains, especially after a workout. I have scoliosis on my back, and if I’m in pain before I exercise, I rub a little in and the pain literally disappears.
My favourite has to be the bath bomb. Not only does it look nice, but it turns the water a pretty colour (yes, I’m still a child at heart). You come out feeling incredibly relaxed and calm, followed by a fantastic night sleep.
R3CBD’s mission is to encourage people to enjoy an active & balanced lifestyle. R3 CBD was inspired by a strong belief that there shouldn’t be a distinction between Physical & Mental wellness.
They know the importance of self-care & investment to improve wellbeing. They want to help their consumers improve their quality of life & offer premium CBD products across our entire range.
Please check out their website – www.r3cbd.co.uk
I managed to wangle a very special discount code for all my lovely cysters, so on checkout be sure to use code ‘Wellness10’
Any questions, pop me a message, I love to hear from you.
Love as Always,
G x
www.itsapcosparty.com
