Many are turning to CBD patches to help with symptoms of menopause (Picture: Kloris)
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CBD has become much more than a trending buzzword in the world of wellness, for many cementing itself as an integral part of self-care routines and going far beyond CBD drops.
Some have said it helps with their sleep, others claim it aims in calmness, but there’s a particular niche that’s being explored and that is the link between CBD and relief from menopause symptoms.
With hot flushes, anxiety and joint pain all widely cited as unpleasant symptoms (and over half the population having to deal with them), we’re all ears for insights into ways to ease this often turbulent stage in people’s lives.
Case in point, these CBD patches have been making waves in this field, cited by users as a ‘lifesaver’ when it comes to combatting difficult symptoms, with another customer claiming: ‘They help with my mood swings and also provide relief from night sweats.’
But are CBD patches a viable way to treat menopause symptoms? We consulted the experts and people who have tried the patches first-hand to find out more.
What is CBD and how can it help with menopause symptoms?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is the non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants. In short, it won’t get you high, but it could come with a whole host of reported benefits, from better sleep and pain relief to a calmer mind and ease of anxiety. CBD stimulates the body’s stress-protection response, meaning it’s easier to relax – in terms of both body and mind.
Menopause symptoms include hot flushes and body aches (Picture: Kloris)
Reviewers have heralded the patches as ‘lifesavers’ (Picture: Kloris)
Many of the negative symptoms associated with menopause – increased stress, poor sleep, joint pain, headaches and anxiety – are said to be eased by CBD, so it’s no surprise that the two are now being linked. But could these CBD patches really help calm menopause symptoms in a safe and effective way?
Currently, there’s little solid scientific research to back up the links between CBD and menopause symptom relief, though some studies have deemed CBD effective for pain relief in general, so a lot of the evidence is anecdotal.
Dr Shirin Lakhani, an intimate health expert and menopause specialist, tells us: ‘While research is still ongoing, there is some evidence that suggests CBD might be beneficial for women’s health. Research suggests that CBD could potentially reduce hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. It could also help with mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. But we have a long way to go before that becomes facts.’
Jon Robson, the founder of Mamedica, the UK’s leading medical cannabis clinic, agrees, particularly when it comes to dealing with symptoms like hot flushes and anxiety.
The Mother’s Day Kit includes the patches (Picture: Kloris)
He explains: ‘A 2018 study published in the journal Gynecological Endocrinology found that CBD was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flushes in menopausal women. Another study published in the journal Maturitas in 2020 found that CBD was effective in improving sleep and reducing anxiety in menopausal women.
‘CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including mood, sleep, and stress response. CBD may help regulate the ECS and reduce anxiety by activating serotonin receptors in the brain.
‘While CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for menopausal women, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before using CBD or any other supplement to manage menopause symptoms, as it may interact with other medications or have other potential side effects.’
For some people going through menopause or perimenopause, introducing CBD into their routines has been a real game-changer.
Mangala Holland, a midlife sex coach for women, has been using CBD – in particular CBD patches – as a way to treat her perimenopausal symptoms, which include leg pain, disturbed sleep and anxiety.
She told us: ‘I’d tried magnesium supplements, Epsom salt baths, magnesium oil, multivitamins, meditation, hypnosis and yoga Nidra, but still had symptoms. Then a friend recommended CBD. I tried both gummies and oil and they helped a bit, but when I read about CBD patches I decided to try them instead – the oil left me feeling a bit groggy in the morning and I also don’t like the taste of it!
‘I like the slow release of the patch; it works for me because it feels like more of a gentle and steady dose. The patch is small and discreet and easy to use I particularly love that I can put it wherever I need it – for example, on my leg. I’m no longer waking up with leg pain and find it much easier to get to sleep. I’m also much less anxious when I wake up. In general, it feels like my mood is much more stable and I get fewer emotional crashes.’
Of course, it’s important to remember that any supplement or remedy should complement a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Lakhani continued, speaking of lifestyle tweaks that can help ease menopause symptoms: ‘I would recommend making sure you get lots of rest, including trying to keep to regular sleep routines, even if this is hard when suffering from menopausal insomnia. I would also recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet with calcium-rich food to keep bones healthy. I’m also a big fan of mechanical lymphatic massage, which helps detoxify the body and can help reduce water retention, sluggishness and brain fog.’
How do the patches work?
Kloris CBD patches consist of a specially selected blend of botanical extracts to help relieve symptoms of menopause. Users should apply one patch every 24 hours for relief from common menopause symptoms – simply peel and apply to the skin. The Sleep Support Patches should also be applied once a day, before bed.
The Kloris CBD patches contain a blend of botanical ingredients, such as Black Cohosh, which has been linked to combating hot flushes, and Valerian, which can aid sleep and ease anxiety.
What do the reviews say?
The reviews for the Kloris Menopause Support Patches have been very positive, with praise pouring in for the effects of the patches.
‘I have been using these patches for three months and feel like they really help with the major symptoms of menopause,’ wrote one shopper. ‘I noticed as soon as I stopped using them the difference they made to my general anxiety levels.’’
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Another said: ‘I’ve really struggled for a while with menopause and am reluctant to use HRT. These Kloris patches have been wonderful; my anxiety has reduced considerably and I’ve also noticed an improvement in joint pain too. I ran out of them temporarily and noticed that my symptoms returned. These are now a monthly purchase!!’
And a third wrote: ‘I found it helpful with the hot flushes. It also helped with my fibromyalgia.’
What’s included in the Menopause Support Set?
In the Kloris kit, shoppers will find Menopause Support Patches, Sleep Support Patches, 10% CBD Oil, The Lotion for Hand & Body (which is a CBD-infused lotion that will also help soothe dry skin) and an instruction manual detailing how to get the most out of the products.
The kit is currently on sale with 43% off, reduced from £173 to £99 ahead of Mother’s Day. The offer is valid until Sunday March 19 2023.
Pick up the Kloris Mother’s Day Menopause Kit here.
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Experts weigh in on the link between CBD and aiding menopause symptoms.