The Ultimate Guide to CBD and Perimenopause

Perimenopause can be a confusing, frustrating and isolating time. Fluctuating hormones cause common symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances and hot flashes that can completely derail you and make you feel like a stranger in your own body. The good news is, relief is possible. You’ve likely heard the buzz around CBD (cannabidiol), but you might be wondering, can it really help with perimenopause?

Many mid-life women are seeking alternative remedies to alleviate perimenopause symptoms, which include anxiety, aching joints, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, inflammation, mood swings and more.

A 2020 survey reported by The North American Menopause Society found that approximately 27% of women reported using cannabinoid-based products, including CBD, to manage menopause symptoms.

"More and more patients tell me every year that they've tried cannabis or CBD, particularly for sleep or anxiety," says Dr. Heather Hirsch, head of the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, in a Harvard Health Publishing article.

We created this guide to be your compassionate, science-backed resource for understanding exactly how CBD can support your body and mind during your perimenopause journey, helping you reclaim your sense of well-being and balance and how to choose the right type for your needs.

 

Understanding Perimenopause: More Than Just a Transition

Before we dive into CBD, let’s talk about what’s happening in your body. Perimenopause, which means "around menopause," is the transitional period before your final menstrual period. It can last for several years, typically starting in a woman's 40s, but sometimes as early as her mid-30s.

Your ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause. As well as being sex hormones, they're powerful chemical messengers that influence everything from your mood and sleep cycle to your bone density and cognitive function. As these hormone levels fluctuate and decline erratically, they can trigger a waterfall of symptoms.

Common perimenopause symptoms include:

• Anxiety, mood swings, and irritability
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Vaginal dryness and low libido
• Headaches and migraines

It's a lot to handle. But understanding the why is the first step toward finding effective solutions.

 

Introducing CBD: Nature’s Rebalancing Act

CBD is one of over 100 natural compounds found in the hemp plant called cannabinoids. Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away: CBD will not get you high. The "high" associated with cannabis comes from the famous cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Reputable CBD products derived from hemp contain less than 0.3% THC by law—a minuscule amount that is non-intoxicating but activates the "entourage effect."

The entourage effect is the scientific theory that all the compounds in the hemp plant—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work together synergistically. When they are present together, they enhance each other's benefits and create a more profound, well-rounded effect than any single compound could achieve alone.

Read more about the entourage effect in this article.

CBD is celebrated for its therapeutic potential to promote balance, or homeostasis, within the body. It has become a go-to natural supplement for managing stress, pain, inflammation and sleep issues.

 

What Types of CBD are Available?

Not all CBD is created equal. Here’s a quick guide to the three main types you’ll see on labels:

Full-spectrum CBD

Contains CBD plus other cannabinoids (including trace THC, always under 0.3% in legal hemp products), terpenes, and flavonoids. Many women prefer this because of the “entourage effect”—where plant compounds work together for stronger benefits.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Similar to full-spectrum but with the THC fully removed. A great choice if you want the synergy of multiple plant compounds without any THC.

CBD isolate

Pure cannabidiol with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Some women choose CBD isolate if they’re sensitive to other compounds, but it may lack the extra boost of full or broad-spectrum options.

 

The Science-Backed Connection: CBD and Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

So, how does CBD work? The secret lies in a remarkable system within your body called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As described by Harvard Health Publishing, the ECS is a complex cell-signaling network that acts as your body's master regulator. It helps maintain stability across nearly all of your physiological processes, including mood, sleep, pain, inflammation, and hormone regulation.

Here’s the crucial link: Estrogen plays a key role in regulating the ECS. Specifically, estrogen helps increase the levels of endocannabinoids like anandamide (the "bliss molecule") in your body. When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, your ECS can become dysregulated. This disruption can directly contribute to symptoms like heightened anxiety, poor sleep, and increased pain sensitivity.

This is where CBD comes in. CBD is a phytocannabinoid (a cannabinoid from a plant) that supports your ECS. It works by preventing the breakdown of your natural "bliss molecule" anandamide and interacting with other receptors that influence mood and pain. By helping to rebalance this crucial system, CBD may offer relief from perimenopause symptoms.

Read more about the endocannabinoid system in this article.

 

Perimenopause Symptoms CBD May Help Alleviate

By supporting your ECS, CBD may help to manage some of the most challenging perimenopause symptoms.

 

Soothing Anxiety and Lifting Mood

CBD has been shown to interact with serotonin receptors, which are crucial for mood regulation. This interaction may help stabilize your mood and promote a sense of calm. Read more about CBD and anxiety in this article: Finding Calm: Your Guide to Using CBD for Perimenopause Anxiety & Mood Swings

 

Promoting Restful Sleep

CBD may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by calming the nervous system and easing the anxiety and aches that keep you awake. Read more about CBD and anxiety in this article: Sweet Dreams: How CBD Can Help You Conquer Perimenopause Sleep Issues & Night Sweats

 

Easing Aches and Pains

As recognized by sources like Forbes Health, CBD is a widely recognized to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reliever). It can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to perimenopausal joint and muscle pain. Read more about CBD and anxiety in this article: Move with Ease: Using CBD for Perimenopause Aches, Pains, & Inflammation

 

Clearing Brain Fog

CBD may help to support neurotransmitter function by reducing inflammation and promoting calm, potentially leading to improved clarity and focus. Read more about CBD and anxiety in this article: Cutting Through the Haze: How CBD Can Improve Perimenopause Brain Fog & Focus

 

FAQs: CBD and Perimenopause

We know you have questions. Here are clear, straightforward answers to the most common ones we hear.

 

What's the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?

This is a crucial distinction. Hemp seed oil is made by cold-pressing hemp seeds and is a nutritional supplement, rich in healthy fats, much like flaxseed or olive oil. It contains no significant amount of CBD. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant's flowers, leaves, and stalks, which are rich in CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids. For perimenopause symptoms, you need genuine CBD oil, not hemp seed oil. Always check product labels and third-party lab reports (COAs) to confirm the CBD content.

 

Is it safe to take CBD, and are there side effects?

CBD is generally considered very safe and well-tolerated. A report from the World Health Organization confirmed it has a good safety profile. Side effects are typically mild and uncommon, but can include fatigue, changes in appetite, or diarrhea. The most important safety consideration is a potential interaction with prescription medications (especially those with a "grapefruit warning," like blood thinners or statins). We recommend you speak with your doctor before trying CBD if you are on any medication.

 

How do I find the right CBD dosage for my symptoms?

There is no universal dosage; the right amount is highly personal. The most effective approach is to "start low and go slow."

• Start low: Begin with a small dose, such as 5-10 mg, once or twice a day.
• Go slow: Stay with this dose for 3-5 days and pay close attention to your body and symptoms. Keep a simple journal.
• Adjust as needed: If you don't notice any benefits, increase your dose by 5 mg and hold there for another few days. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose that provides you with relief. This mindful approach empowers you to find what works uniquely for you.

 

What is the best type of CBD for perimenopause?

The "best" type depends on your primary symptoms and lifestyle:

• CBD oil: Taken under the tongue, they offer fast absorption and are excellent for quick relief from anxiety or for taking before bed to help with sleep. They also allow for precise dose adjustments.
• CBD capsules or gummies: These are convenient, discreet, and offer a pre-measured dose. They take longer to work as they pass through the digestive system, but the effects can be longer-lasting, making them great for all-day mood support. It's important to note that most gummies are made with sugar or artificial colors and flavors, which can cause inflammation.
• CBD creams (topicals): Applied directly to the skin, these are perfect for localized relief from joint pain, sore muscles, or menstrual cramps. They work on the area of application without entering the bloodstream.

 

Will CBD make me feel high or tired?

No, CBD will not make you feel high. It is non-psychoactive. The "high" from cannabis is caused by THC. Legally compliant hemp-derived products contain less than 0.3% THC. For extra peace of mind, Broad-Spectrum CBD products (like those from Opal & Joy) have the THC completely removed.

Regarding tiredness, CBD is not a sedative like a sleeping pill. Instead, it promotes balance. For many, it can create a feeling of calm and focus during the day. However, in higher doses, some people may experience a sense of deep relaxation that could feel like drowsiness. This is why it's best to try CBD for the first time in the evening to see how it affects you personally.

 

How quickly does CBD work and how long do the effects last?

This depends on the delivery method:

• Oils (under the tongue): Onset is typically within 20-40 minutes, and effects can last 4-6 hours.
• Gummies/capsules (ingested): Onset takes longer, around 60-90 minutes, but the effects can last for 6-8 hours.
• Topicals (creams): Onset is usually within 15-30 minutes for localized relief, lasting for several hours. Consistent, daily use often yields the best results for chronic symptoms like anxiety and inflammation, as it helps maintain a balanced state in your Endocannabinoid System.

 

How can one supplement help with so many different symptoms?

This is the beauty of working with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Think of the ECS as your body's master balancing system, constantly working to keep everything in a stable range (homeostasis).

Perimenopause throws this system off-kilter. Instead of targeting just one symptom (like pain or anxiety), CBD supports the entire ECS. By helping this master system function better, you experience benefits across the board: your nervous system calms down (less anxiety), your sleep signals regulate (better sleep) and your inflammatory response is managed (less pain). It's a holistic approach that addresses the root imbalance rather than just chasing individual symptoms.

 

The Opal & Joy Difference

Navigating the world of CBD can be as confusing as navigating perimenopause itself. At Opal & Joy, we're committed to transparency, quality and efficacy. All of our USA-grown, organic hemp products are:

• Full-spectrum: For maximum benefit.
• Third-party lab tested: We provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every product, so you know exactly what you're putting in your body.
• Transparency: Clear labeling with dosage and ingredient list
• USA-grown hemp: Organically farmed whenever possible
• Formulated for you: Our products are designed by women, for women, to address the specific challenges of this life stage.
• Free from artificial flavor and color: No added junk.

Your perimenopause journey is unique, but you don't have to walk it alone. We

 

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new supplement.