Hot flashes. Feeling stressed out. Gaining weight. Anxiety. Insomnia.
If you’ve got any of these medical conditions, you may be searching for ways to support your body naturally. But you may not know where to start. The first question to ask is, “How does cannabis affect hormones?”
Many health concerns that Florida residents face as they age or maintain high-stress jobs are related to a hormone imbalance or issue. When the body is out of homeostasis, it has trouble healing and regulating.
The body system in charge of making sure your hormones are used in an efficient and healthy manner is the endocrine system, which, in turn, is supported by the endocannabinoid system. This system can also be impacted by too much stress. Scientists have recently confirmed the connection between the endocannabinoid system and cannabis.
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocrine system, also known as the hormonal system, is the body’s messenger. It moves chemicals to other cells in the body so it can regulate and function throughout the day. These chemicals are known as hormones, which are responsible for a wide range of functions.
Of course, the body’s systems don’t operate alone. Just a few decades ago, scientists made a major discovery about what helps the endocrine system stay in homeostasis, so everything can operate smoothly. In 1992, scientists first discovered the endocannabinoid system.
This was especially interesting to medical researchers as the body naturally produces these molecules known as endocannabinoids. Cannabis naturally produces a plant version of these same enzymes called phytocannabinoids.
Scientists began more studies into whether cannabis can be used to support the body when stress impacts the endocannabinoid system. They discovered overwhelming evidence that cannabis can help with all kinds of hormone-related conditions.
How Hormones Impact Your Health
You may give a lot of attention to your muscles, bones, and even some organs — but the vitality of hormones is often overlooked. Hormones are the body’s natural way of regulating many different processes throughout life, including:
- Sexual functions
- Sleep patterns
- Moods
- Metabolism and weight stability
- Reproductive health
- Cellular growth
For example, a hormone known as the ghrelin chemical is what the body uses to stimulate your appetite when you haven’t eaten in a while. Do you know that familiar rumble in your stomach? Thank your endocrine system.
But if some kind of stress — whether originating from work, family life, or an underlying medical condition — disrupts the natural, healthy balance of ghrelin production and secretion, you may find yourself gaining weight.
Hormonal health is important for other body functions as well, with the goal of homeostasis. This means that the body automatically and consistently secretes and moves the right levels of hormones whenever needed.
Supporting Your Hormone Health
Men and women have different levels of hormones, and stress can impact people differently. Hormones are important to all parts of the body’s endocrine system, which consists of glands like the pituitary, pancreas, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, ovaries, and testes. Health issues associated with these glands indicate that the hormones are out of balance.
The two main female sex hormones, for example, are estrogen and progesterone. Women also have levels of testosterone, although at smaller ratios than men. These female hormones play crucial roles in issues like sexual desire, the menstruation cycle, and bone strength.
For men, the levels of testosterone in the body helps determine their reproductive health and sexuality. Hormonal abnormalities are the cause of erectile dysfunction as well as many other conditions that impact both sexes. Muscle weakness, fatigue, stiffness, depression, and even dry skin are symptoms of hormone imbalances.
Because the processes of the endocrine system happen without you thinking about it, it was a big deal when scientists learned there were ways to support hormone health.
Why So Many People Use Medical Cannabis
Since the endocannabinoid system was recently discovered and supports the regulation of many important bodily functions, it can feel like claims are junk science. But it’s not. In the past 30 years, endless peer-reviewed studies demonstrate how the system works and the benefits of cannabis.
In particular, researchers have focused on how two endocannabinoids in particular — CBD and THC — can support the hormonal health of the body. This helps to explain the modern increase in legalization efforts for medicinal cannabis throughout the United States, including Florida in 2016.
While many patients use cannabis products that have a mixture of THC and CBD cannabinoids, these two chemical compounds operate differently in the body. For example, THC is responsible for the euphoric “high” that is associated with cannabis, while CBD does not cause the same bodily reactions.
Studies have shown that these cannabinoids can help with a wide variety of conditions, including regulating chronic pain and some mental health conditions, easing inflammatory bowel disease, reducing nausea, and improving sleep habits.
How to Use Cannabis for Hormone Health
Florida residents with medical marijuana cards can always visit a medical dispensary legally, but many people feel uncomfortable with the process. Some people want to shop for medical cannabis in person, while others prefer working with a company that can deliver directly to their door.
You’ll want to decide what method you wish to consume cannabis. It depends greatly on your specific health condition and lifestyle. For example, vaporizers can help patients with lung conditions, while others may prefer edibles such as gummies or baked goods. Those with acute skin conditions may use a topical cream with success.
It’s important to talk with your doctor and start with smaller serving sizes when you first begin to integrate cannabis into your health care regime.
To ensure your cannabis is of the highest quality and offered in a professional, medical atmosphere, Florida residents rely on VidaCann, one of the largest retailers of medicinal cannabis in the state.
We have 20 locations and a website, which offers cannabis flower, pre-rolls, tinctures, capsules, concentrates, syringes, topicals, and vaporizers legally. Patients who trust our established company also benefit from VidaCann discounts, such as $55 off the first $100 spent on medical cannabis products for first-time customers.
