Does CBD help with menstrual cramps?

Period pain sends millions of women reaching for NSAIDs that barely work and upset their stomachs. Emerging research points to CBD as a targeted solution that addresses cramps through multiple pathways.

A Forbes health survey found that 14% of people and 22% of Gen Z take CBD to cope with menstrual cramps. While clinical trials specifically for period pain remain limited, the mechanisms behind CBD's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects explain why women worldwide are making the switch.

To experience the cramp-relieving properties of CBD, try our CBD products.

How does CBD relieve period pain?

Menstrual cramps happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. This is triggered by hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. Higher prostaglandin levels mean more intense cramping. CBD interferes with this process at multiple points. According to recent research, CBD reduces prostaglandin production, which decreases inflammation in reproductive tissues.

Your endocannabinoid system has receptors throughout your reproductive organs. CB1 and CB2 receptors concentrate in the uterus and ovaries. CBD enhances your body's natural endocannabinoids, which normally help regulate pain and inflammation during menstruation. Research shows the endocannabinoid system becomes more active during your period, which suggests that your body naturally tries to manage pain through this pathway.

The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD happen through inhibition of COX-2 enzymes, the same target as NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. According to research, Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), an acidic cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. CBD also activates TRPV1 receptors, which provides additional pain relief through desensitization of pain pathways.

Research on CBD for menstrual cramps

A 2024 study examined women's real-world experiences with CBD for menstrual symptoms. Participants reported substantial pain reduction, with many decreasing or eliminating their NSAID use. The research revealed that CBD worked best when started before pain peaked, and preventive dosing proved more effective than waiting for cramps to hit full force.

A 2024 Nature publication explored CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It revealed how cannabinoids inhibit COX-2 enzymes, the same target as ibuprofen, but without the stomach-damaging COX-1 inhibition that makes NSAIDs problematic. This selective action explains why women report pain relief without the gastrointestinal side effects that plague traditional period pain medications.

A 2023 systematic review analyzed cannabinoid effects on women's health conditions. It found consistent evidence for CBD-related pain and inflammation reduction. The review noted that CBD's mechanisms of action, including prostaglandin inhibition and endocannabinoid system modulation, address the pathways involved in menstrual issues. The researchers emphasized CBD's safety advantage over long-term NSAID use.

Another 2024 study investigated CBD's impact on inflammatory markers relevant to menstrual pain. The research demonstrated that CBD reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-inflammatory responses. These cellular-level changes reduce cramping and improve pelvic comfort.

While large-scale clinical trials for period pain are still needed, available research makes a compelling case for CBD as a menstrual pain management tool.

How much CBD should you take for menstrual pain?

Begin taking 20–30 mg of CBD edibles 1–2 days before your expected period is possible. Otherwise, begin at the first sign of cramping. Most women in the presented studies found their sweet spot between 25–50 mg per dose, taken 2–3 times daily during heavy flow days. Severe endometriosis-level pain might require 50–75 mg doses, while mild cramping responds to as little as 10–15 mg.

Combine oral CBD with topical application for comprehensive relief. Massage CBD balm directly onto your lower abdomen and back. The local application provides targeted relief while oral doses address systemic inflammation. Many women report this combination works better than either method alone.

Track your response across several cycles. Document pain levels, CBD doses, timing, and any side effects. Most women optimize their protocol within 2–3 months and find the minimum effective dose that keeps them functional and pain-free.

Does CBD help with other PMS symptoms?

CBD's benefits extend beyond cramping to address most premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Research shows that CBD activates serotonin receptors and modulates GABAergic transmission, which can stabilize the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies hormonal fluctuations.

Menstrual headaches and migraines, affecting up to 60% of women, may improve with CBD's anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. Studies on CBD for migraines show promising results, with users reporting reduced frequency and intensity when taking CBD preventively. Read more about CBD for migraines here.

Other PMS symptoms that respond to CBD:

• Breast tenderness: Anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling
• Insomnia: Improved sleep quality during menstruation
• Nausea: Antiemetic properties calm digestive upset
• Lower back pain: Muscle relaxant effects ease tension
• Acne flares: Anti-inflammatory action may reduce breakouts

Are there any risks to using CBD for period cramps?

CBD has a strong safety profile for menstrual pain management. Side effects are minimal and include mild drowsiness, dry mouth, and temporary digestive changes that typically resolve as your body adjusts.

Talk to a medical professional before using CBD if you're taking:

• Hormonal birth control (no documented interactions, but monitor)
• Blood thinners (CBD may increase drug absorption)
• Anti-seizure medications
• Certain antidepressants

Best nama CBD products for menstrual pain

We make hemp-derived CBD and THC products to address your needs throughout your cycle. All of our products go through rigorous third party testing so you know that the purity and potency never wavers.

Our Anytime CBD gummies pack 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per serving—start here for daytime cramp relief that won't leave you foggy. For severe pain, try our Pain Plus gummies. These combine 10 mg CBD, THC, and CBC, and 5 mg of CBG and CBN, for an entourage effect that amplifies pain relief.

For customizable dosing, Buzz Drops let you fine-tune your relief. Each dropper contains 2.5 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD. Add your desired dose to tea, smoothies, or water. Start with half a dropper for mild symptoms and work up as needed. The liquid format provides faster relief than gummies when cramps strike suddenly.

Research

Andres, E. S. S., Passaglia, P., Santos, W. S., Trajano, I. P., Soriano, R. N., Marques, L. M., Nascimento, G. C., Del-Bel, E., & Branco, L. G. S. (2024). Cannabidiol exerts antipyretic effects by downmodulating inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced fever. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 136, 111178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111178

Scotchie, J. G., Savaris, R. F., Martin, C. E., & Young, S. L. (2015). Endocannabinoid regulation in human endometrium across the menstrual cycle. Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 22(1), 113–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719114533730

Takeda, S., Misawa, K., Yamamoto, I., & Watanabe, K. (2008). Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in cannabis. Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals, 36(9), 1917–1921. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.108.020909

Morris, P. E., Soto, P. L., & Buckner, J. D. (2025). Cannabis use across the menstrual cycle: The impact of negative affect and cannabis use motives. Addictive Behaviors, 164, 108284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108284

Dahlgren, M. K., Smith, R. T., Kosereisoglu, D., Sagar, K. A., Lambros, A. M., El-Abboud, C., & Gruber, S. A. (2024). A survey-based, quasi-experimental study assessing a high-cannabidiol suppository for menstrual-related pain and discomfort. Npj Women S Health, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00032-0

Seifalian, A., Kenyon, J., & Khullar, V. (2022). Dysmenorrhoea: Can Medicinal Cannabis Bring New Hope for a Collective Group of Women Suffering in Pain, Globally?. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(24), 16201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232416201

Ferretti, M. L., Stanley, T. B., Peters, E. N., Bonn-Miller, M. O., & Irons, J. G. (2024). Examination of the effects of cannabidiol on menstrual-related symptoms. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 32(6), 745–755. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000709

De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., Aboud, M., Maione, S., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain, 160(1), 136–150. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386 

Further Reading

Microdosing cannabis for endometrial cancer

Should you microdose THC for pain?

The benefits of CBN for pain relief

Is CBD or gabapentin better for nerve pain?

Should you take CBC for pain relief?

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