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The role of cannabis in alleviating menopause symptoms
Menopause is a natural part of biological ageing for every woman, typically experienced between the ages of 45 and 55 years old. The transition is usually gradual, but it can bring a host of uncomfortable symptoms. For many years, women have turned to the cannabis plant for relief from these symptoms, including those associated with menopause.
Canadian study on cannabis use for menopause
A recent study in Canada examined the reported frequency of cannabis use by middle-aged women experiencing menopause. The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, surveyed cannabis use trends in a cohort of nearly 1,500 women aged 35 or older.
Among those respondents who reported being current cannabis users, many indicated that they consumed marijuana products to improve menopause-related symptoms, such as joint achiness and sleep disturbances. Most women said that they had not discussed their use with their healthcare providers.
Findings of the study
The study concluded that women are using cannabis for symptoms during the menopause transition. Information about cannabis was more frequently accessed through online searches and personal contacts, with limited involvement of healthcare providers. In general, many women in the survey reported cannabis was helpful for their symptoms.
Further research is required to investigate the efficacy and safety of cannabis on menopause symptoms and foster the development of clinical resources for women to use in making informed decisions around cannabis for medical purposes.
Consistency with prior surveys
The findings are consistent with those of prior surveys from the United States estimating that nearly 30 percent of middle-aged women who use cannabis do so to mitigate menopause-related symptoms.
Implications for the future
As more women turn to cannabis for relief from menopause symptoms, it's crucial for healthcare providers to be informed and prepared to discuss this treatment option. Further research into the efficacy and safety of cannabis for menopause symptoms can help guide these discussions and ensure women are making informed decisions about their health.
