Hormonal imbalances happen when there is fluctuation in the levels of hormones. This can cause issues like sleep disorders, mood swings, anger, etc. You must know that under normal conditions, these chemical messengers affect the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Because of this level of influence on biological processes, any imbalance in hormones will have an undesirable ripple effect on the body. Such issues are usually fixed by restoring the lost balance with synthetic hormones or other medications. The cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant is useful for treating hormonal imbalance; read on to know more about this.
Understanding Hormones
Before discussing CBD uses for treating hormonal imbalances, it is important to have a good understanding of hormones. Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands in small quantities for modulating various biological processes.
Listed below are the important endocrine glands:
- In the brain, there are the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pineal glands.
- Thyroid and parathyroids are in the neck.
- The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.
- The pancreas is in the abdomen.
- The ovaries and testicles are in the groin.
These glands secrete hormones that are released into the bloodstream, which takes them throughout the body. They attach to specific receptors in cells and tissues, and this results in variations or changes in biological functions.
Listed below are some of the important homeostatic functions of hormones:
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Body temperature
- Sexual function and reproduction
- Blood pressure
- Emotions or mood
What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are secreted in small quantities, and their levels fluctuate throughout a day; this is usually within a certain range. Sometimes the level of a hormone increases above or drops below their normally allowable limit. Another scenario is where the secretion of hormone(s) is completely stopped. These conditions are considered hormonal imbalance, and it causes health issues.
Listed below are some health conditions that can trigger hormonal imbalances:
- Diabetes
- Tumors of endocrine glands
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Over or underactive thyroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Shared below are the important symptoms and sign of hormonal imbalance, and they can vary greatly depending on the endocrine glands affected:
- Change in pulse rate and blood pressure
- Weight loss or gain
- Headaches and blurred vision
- Changes in mood
- Depression
- Sleeping issues and fatigue
- Excessive sweating
You must know that apart from diseases, environmental or lifestyle factors like stress, being overweight, taking steroids, consuming excessive soy products, and so on also causes hormonal imbalances.
The Endocannabinoid System And CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is useful for treating hormonal imbalance due to its beneficial effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of a chemical signaling system that helps to regulate homeostasis. This is achieved through two main cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CBD produces its therapeutic medical benefits mainly by influencing these cannabinoid receptors of the ECS.
Listed below are some of the major functions of the ECS:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Memory
- Mood
- Sensations
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the major cannabinoid found in the hemp or Cannabis Sativa plant. The health and wellness products formulated using it as the active ingredient are available in different forms, i.e., edibles, beverages, oils, tinctures, vape oil, and topical products. Due to this wide variety of selection, people are using them for treating the symptoms of many ailments. However, you must know that they cannot cure diseases, and you should consult a physician before using them for medical purposes.
How Does CBD Oil Influence Hormones?
Research has shown that there is a link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the endocrine system; the former influences the functioning of the latter. Cannabidiol, through the ECS, affects the secretion of major hormones like insulin by the pancreas, cortisol by the adrenal glands, and melatonin by the pineal gland. Also, CBD oil is the most widely used cannabidiol product for medical purposes because of the ease with which it can be used.
CBD Oil And The Level Of Insulin
Imbalance in the secretion of insulin by the pancreas causes diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol (CBD) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. This condition causes chronic systemic inflammation due to elevated blood sugar levels. Besides, anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabidiol increases insulin sensitivity.
CBD Oil And Sleep
The hormone melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and hence affects the quality of sleep; its levels are high during the evening and night. Any imbalance in its levels causes sleep disorders like insomnia. Administering CBD oil a few hours before bedtime helps to get good night-time sleep. This is because cannabidiol (CBD) helps to restore the normal melatonin levels. Not only that, but it also improves wakefulness during the daytime.
These are some of the CBD uses for treating hormonal imbalances. To get the maximum benefits, use CBD oil made by a reputed cannabidiol manufacturer.
