CBD for Period Pain: What Science Says About Cannabidiol and Menstrual Health

For many people who menstruate, “that time of the month” brings more than just a mild inconvenience. It can mean cramps that interrupt work, bloating that affects sleep, and emotional swings that make daily life harder to manage. While some find relief in painkillers or hormonal treatments, others are still searching for gentler, more holistic ways to support their wellbeing.

That’s where cannabidiol, or CBD, comes in. Over the past few years, interest in CBD for period pain has surged, fuelled by growing evidence that this plant-derived compound may help with discomfort, mood, and relaxation. And now, for the first time, a scientific study has looked directly at CBD’s potential effects on menstrual-related symptoms.

The 2024 study, published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, explored how CBD isolate softgels might influence both the physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the menstrual cycle. The results were promising - and they could help change the conversation around how we care for menstrual health.

Understanding Menstrual-Related Symptoms

Menstrual-related symptoms, often called PMS or MRS, affect roughly three-quarters of people who menstruate. These can include cramps, headaches, back pain, and breast tenderness, but also mood changes such as irritability, tension, and anxiety. For some, these symptoms last only a day or two. For others, they can stretch across the entire cycle.

While over-the-counter painkillers and hormonal contraceptives are common options, they don’t always address the full picture. Many people find that these treatments focus mainly on the physical side, leaving emotional and mental discomfort unmanaged. And for those who prefer natural or plant-based options, choices are limited.

Researchers have long been looking for new approaches that could help both body and mind - without unwanted side effects. One compound that has attracted attention in recent years is cannabidiol (CBD), a natural molecule from the hemp plant known for its non-intoxicating properties.

How CBD Interacts with the Body

To understand how CBD might influence menstrual symptoms, it helps to know a little about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system acts like the body’s internal balancing network, helping regulate mood, sleep, pain, and inflammation. It works through receptors located throughout the brain and body, constantly striving to maintain equilibrium - what scientists call “homeostasis.”

CBD interacts with this system indirectly. Rather than binding strongly to cannabinoid receptors (like THC does), it influences them in subtle ways and supports the body’s own endocannabinoids - its natural signalling molecules. Because of this, CBD is thought to have broad effects related to relaxation, stress response, and discomfort.

Previous studies have explored CBD’s potential to support pain relief, reduce inflammation, and calm anxiety. While much of this research is still early, it has provided a foundation for exploring how CBD might also relate to menstrual health, where inflammation and emotional tension often play central roles.

The 2024 Study: Examining CBD and Menstrual Symptoms

Until recently, no scientific study had directly examined how CBD affects menstrual symptoms. That changed with the work of Ferretti and colleagues (2024), who conducted a small but carefully designed trial to test the effects of CBD isolate softgels on menstrual-related symptoms.

The study included 33 participants, all of whom reported experiencing regular menstrual cycles and recurring symptoms such as cramps, irritability, or anxiety. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received 160 mg of CBD twice daily, and the other took 320 mg twice daily. They began taking the softgels on the first day of their symptoms each month and continued for five consecutive days, over three monthly cycles.

Importantly, this was an open-label trial - meaning both researchers and participants knew what they were taking - and the study did not include a placebo group. However, it provided the first structured look at CBD’s potential role in menstrual wellbeing.

After three months, participants completed detailed questionnaires assessing their physical and emotional symptoms. The results were encouraging. Compared with baseline (the month before they started CBD), participants reported noticeable reductions in several key areas:

• Overall menstrual symptoms such as cramps and discomfort

• Anxiety and stress levels

• Irritability and mood fluctuations

These improvements were observed as early as the first month and remained consistent throughout the three cycles. Interestingly, the benefits appeared similar between the two dose groups, suggesting that higher doses did not necessarily yield stronger effects within this range. Most participants tolerated CBD well, and no major side effects were reported.

What the Results Suggest

Although the study was small and not placebo-controlled, the findings align with what many people have already observed anecdotally: that CBD may help them feel more balanced during their period.

The improvements seen across both physical and emotional symptoms are especially noteworthy. Menstrual discomfort is often linked to inflammation and hormonal changes, while irritability and anxiety are associated with shifts in brain chemistry and stress hormones. By supporting the endocannabinoid system, CBD could potentially influence several of these pathways at once.

The researchers also noted that participants reported lower “subjective severity” scores - essentially how much their symptoms interfered with daily activities. For many, that meant being able to work, socialise, or simply rest without feeling overwhelmed by discomfort.

Still, it’s important to emphasise that these results are preliminary. Larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm whether CBD truly causes these improvements or whether some may be due to expectation or other factors. But as an early exploration, the study marks a meaningful step forward in understanding how CBD for period pain might fit into holistic menstrual care.

Why People Are Turning to CBD for Period Pain

So why are more people exploring CBD as part of their period-care routine?

1. It’s non-intoxicating: Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.”

2. It’s plant-based: Derived from hemp, CBD appeals to those seeking natural wellness options.

3. It may support multiple aspects of wellbeing: Research suggests potential roles in managing pain perception, reducing inflammation, and easing anxiety - all of which can be relevant during menstruation.

4. It’s generally well-tolerated: Studies show CBD has a favourable safety profile when taken appropriately.

Beyond supplements, some individuals also use CBD topical creams or balms on the lower abdomen or back, seeking targeted comfort. Others combine oral CBD with self-care practices such as gentle exercise, yoga, hydration, or heat therapy. While everyone’s experience differs, the trend reflects a broader shift towards integrative, body-aware approaches to menstrual health.

Understanding the Limitations - and the Promise

Every new area of research comes with caveats, and this one is no different. Because the 2024 study did not include a placebo, it’s possible that some of the reported improvements were influenced by expectations - a common factor in wellness research. The sample size was also relatively small, and most participants were young adults, so the findings may not apply to all age groups.

Even so, the consistency of results across three months, and across both doses, suggests something worth exploring further. The study also introduced an interesting approach: short, targeted dosing only during symptom days, rather than daily use throughout the month. This could inspire future studies on “as-needed” CBD use for cyclical experiences like period discomfort.

For now, what the evidence does show is that CBD appears safe, well-tolerated, and potentially supportive of both body and mind - qualities that make it an appealing option for those who prefer natural wellness solutions.

Putting It into Practice: Tips for Trying CBD

If you’re curious about trying CBD for menstrual support, here are a few general considerations:

• Choose quality products: Look for CBD oils, capsules, or topicals that are third-party tested and free from THC, heavy metals, and solvents.

• Start low, go slow: Begin with a modest dose and adjust gradually, observing how your body responds.

• Time it right: Some people find CBD most helpful when taken a day or two before symptoms begin, while others prefer using it only during their period.

• Combine with other self-care tools: Rest, heat packs, hydration, and magnesium-rich foods can complement CBD’s potential effects.

• Track your cycle: Keeping notes on your symptoms can help identify patterns and understand what works best for you.

Always consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements, especially if you’re on medication or managing a health condition.

A New Perspective on Menstrual Wellbeing

For decades, menstrual discomfort has been treated as something to “tough out.” But as awareness grows, so does the understanding that hormonal health deserves the same level of care and innovation as any other aspect of wellbeing. The emerging research on CBD for period pain reflects that shift - from simply masking symptoms to supporting the body’s natural balance.

CBD won’t be the same for everyone. Some may find it gently easing tension or helping them unwind, while others may notice more physical comfort or calmer moods. What’s clear is that the conversation is changing: menstruation is no longer a hidden topic, and wellness options are becoming more inclusive, evidence-based, and compassionate.

As research continues, CBD may become part of a broader toolkit for managing the physical and emotional rhythm of the menstrual cycle - offering a natural, plant-derived ally for balance and relief.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Ferretti ML, Stanley TB, Peters EN, Bonn-Miller MO, Irons JG. Examination of the effects of cannabidiol on menstrual-related symptoms. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024 Dec;32(6):745-755.