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Women who smoke marijuana may increase their likelihood of infertility and may be increasing their risk of a miscarriage. Marijuana crosses the placenta and may affect the fetus, although specific studies aren’t readily available on the precise impact on the baby.
You may want to abstain from marijuana or THC while pregnant or trying to get pregnant to eliminate any possible negative side effects.
How Does Cannabis Use Affect Your Period
There is a lack of good research on womens health regarding cannabis use and the menstrual cycle. The majority of scientific literature is focused on pregnancy and breastfeeding, and there are some studies on fertility and marijuana.
According to the information we have available, the effect of smoking weed on peoples periods is not well understood yet. Some studies have shown that marijuana can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause hormonal fluctuations, while others have pointed out that it can help with PMS symptoms and cramps.
Please note that due to the lack of relevant studies, all of these claims should be taken with a grain of salt until we learn more. The menstrual cycle is a complex process and in order to have quality information, the effects of weed should be observed in all of its stages.
Can Smoking Weed Affect Your Period
Contents4)The Takeaway The Effects of Cannabis on the Menstrual Cycle Are Not Well Understood Yet
Weed has been around for longer than we know, but only now are we beginning to learn more about it. We know that it has a unique way of interacting with the body, having the ability to influence crucial processes. Besides, as marijuana use was proven to have medicinal value, the legalization of medical marijuana across the states also took off a few years back.
Now that the legal status of weed is improving, there are more studies regarding its effects on the body. However, many of them predominantly focus on treating the symptoms of various medical conditions and chronic pain. There are fewer studies on how weed can affect the menstrual cycle, something that a lot of marijuana users have been curious about. Therefore, in this article, well talk all about how smoking weed can affect your period.
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First Of All How Are Smoking And Vaping Different
We all know what smoking is, but whats this vaping thing all about? Its become popular in recent years, sometimes as a habit in itself, and other times as a stepping stone to quitting cigarettes. A 2019 UK trial found that, when combined with in-person support, those who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking were twice as likely to succeed as those using nicotine replacement products like gum or patches.
E-cigarettes dont burn tobacco, so they dont produce the most toxic elements of smoke tar or carbon monoxide. They do, however, contain nicotine. Vape pens use a liquid with between one third and a half of the nicotine found in cigarettes, but they can contain other harmful chemicals too, and all the risks of vaping are not yet known. In summary, vaping is less dangerous than smoking, but still contains nicotine which affects the menstrual cycle.
Cannabiscan Reduce Painful Cramps During Menstrual Period
Traditionally, cultures all over the world have used cannabis in herbal medicine to treat painful menstrual cramps. Famously, the British Queen Victoria was also said to have used cannabis to soothe her painful cramps. Given that her personal physician was the renowned cannabis doctor William B. OShaughnessy, that story is most likely true. The fact that she knighted him some years later, suggests that she must have really appreciated it!
Today, many women continue to use cannabis to soothe their painfulcramps, and experience great subjective relief. Despite this, there have beenno formal studies to back up its efficacy, and the underlying biologicalprocesses at work have not been defined.
However, it is well-known that THC can act as a powerful analgesic and antinociceptive agent. An analgesic is a general term for painkiller antinociceptives specifically stop the nerves from sensing pain signals at all. As both THC and CBD have the ability to reduce inflammation, this may contribute to the subjective reduction in discomfort.
For those searching for pain relief without the psychoactive effects ofTHC, CBD can be an adequate solution.
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How Cannabis Affects Your Period Cycle
While one of the most common therapeutic uses for cannabis is to treat the pain of menstrual cramps, cannabis can also have an effect on your period, itself.
If youre not a regular cannabis consumer, it may affect your fertility during the ovulation phase of your cycle. During ovulation, when the ovary releases the egg, a womans anandamide levels are at their highest. Anandamide, a.k.a. the bliss molecule, is an endogenous cannabinoid, or chemical compound, that plays a regulatory role in bodily functions like motivation, pleasure, and appetite. According to some research from the 80s, THC might block ovulation in mammals by suppressing the luteinizing hormone, which is central to ovulation. If youre a heavy cannabis consumer, however, you may have a tolerance to the THCs blocking effect on ovulation.
Cannabis might also have an effect on the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which takes place right before your period starts. During this phase, you may experience PMS symptoms like cramps, bloating, fatigue, or irritability. The severity of PMS in some cases has been linked to abnormally high levels of a sex hormone called progesterone. Some studies have shown that cannabis can reduce progesterone levels during the luteal phase, while also shifting the levels of other hormones like cortisol and prolactin, which regulate stress and milk production.
Pot Can Block Or Delay Ovulation
There are some studies about marijuana and its effect on womens reproductive systems that date back a few decades. One researcher, Lisa K. Brents, Ph.D., reviewed this research in a 2016 issue of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.5
What she discovered? Regular marijuana users have a slightly elevated rate of menstrual cycles where you dont ovulate and are also at higher risk for decreased fertility due to ovulatory abnormalities.
The research she examined also showed that marijuana users could have a longer follicular phase resulting in delayed ovulation and have a luteal phase shorter than 11 days, which is considered shorter than what is typicalthe same results that are echoed by the 2018 study above.
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Your Period Can Be Affected By A Variety Of Things
Your menstrual cycle is an important part of your reproductive health and keeping it balanced is crucial. Any disruptions in your mind or body can have an immediate impact.
That being said, your period can be affected by a variety of things from within or without. Stress is one of the most common causes of changes to your menstrual cycle. Other factors include, but are not limited to, a variety of health conditions, like chronic diseases, lifestyle factors, and medications.
Being informed about its effects on this essential bodily function is important, the reason being that weed is a complex plant and each individual is also a complex human being who has a unique reaction to weed. Therefore, learning how marijuana affects menstruation can help you better understand how your body works.
Some Studies Show That Smoking Weed Near The End Of Your Monthly Visit To Aunt Flo Could Reduce Fertility
If you’re looking to conceive, you might want to put down the joint. Certain studies have shown that females become slightly less fertile during their ovulation stage if they have smoked weed during their periods.
More specifically, the studies showed that THC can reduce fertility in female animals. The studies that tend to show this are also from the 70s and 80s, around the point where the War on Drugs started to be waged.
Considering the time they were done, it’s best to take these studies with a grain of salt. After all, it could be more anti-cannabis propaganda from a failed policy.
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Thc May Affect Embryoimplantation In The Uterus
There have been several important studies published over the last decade or so, investigating the finely-tuned influence of the endocannabinoid system over various key processes relating to conception and early pregnancy. Several of these studies have found that anandamide levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the monthly cycle. In particular, they show that anandamide levels are at their lowest during the implantation window.
Note: The implantation window refers to the brief window of time inwhich the embryo can successfully implant in the endometrium of the womb. This windowtypically occurs 6-10 days after ovulation andlasts roughly three days.
In studies where anandamide has been artificially increased at this stage, implantation has generally failed to occur. Given that anandamide and THC are both agonists of the cannabinoid receptors, it seems that consumption of THC during the implantation window could cause the same effect. However, this concept is overly simplistic, and does not necessarily hold up with such a complex system as the EC system.
Further research is needed to verify the association between high-THCcannabis use and the blocking of a fertilised ovum from being implanted in theendometrium during the implantation window. Until then, to be on the safe side,users who want to get pregnant should probably cease use of cannabis at least24 hours prior to their implantation window opening.
Here Are The Biggest Takeaways
- Tetrahydrocannabinol, aka THC , may affect hormone levels and interrupt your menstrual cycles.
- Studies on time to pregnancy among cannabis users have mixed findings.
- Research on the impact of marijuana on infertility treatment is ongoing, but it may play a role in early pregnancy loss after in vitro fertilization .
- While the effects of marijuana use on fetal development are not yet fully understood, cannabis use during pregnancy may be associated with adverse birth outcomes.
- There’s scientific evidence possibly linking weed use in people with sperm to lower sperm counts, reduction in sperm concentration, higher rates of abnormal morphology and reduced motility , as well as lowered luteinizing hormone levels.
- Ultimately, the research around marijuana and fertility isn’t conclusive but ACOG still recommends avoiding it if you’re trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding/chestfeeding and talking to your healthcare provider about your cannabis use.
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Weed And The Menstrual Cycle
One important 2015 study has found that weed use may lead to shorter periods. But we have to stop for a little more biology before getting to the details of that study.
A hormone we havent mentioned yet is luteinizing hormone , which controls much of the menstrual cycle in women. LH triggers the release of an egg once every 28 days . It also stimulates the production of progesterone during the luteal phase of the cycle.
Back to those study results. Researchers compared one group of women who regularly smoked both tobacco and marijuana, with another group that only smoked tobacco. It turned out that the luteal phase in those who consumed both substances was more than five days shorter than for those who smoked just cigarettes.
Thats not completely definitive, of course. They didnt compare their findings with data for women who only smoked pot, or didnt smoke anything at all. However, its one indication that smoking weed may shorten the menstrual period.
A different study, also done in the 1980s, showed somewhat-similar results. Researchers had one group of women smoke a joint containing one gram of cannabis and had a placebo group smoke a tobacco cigarette.
The researchers who conducted that last study drew another important conclusion. Since LH is important to the reproductive system, they theorized that smoking cannabis could have adverse effects on women who want to become pregnant.
That Being Said You Might Be Disappointed With Your Ganja During That Time Of The Month
Did you know that estrogen affects how our bodies react to cannabis? It’s true. The more estrogen women tend to have, the stronger the weed will feel. Estrogen helps break down THC into a more potent cannabinoid in your body, and also blocks compounds that reduce the effect of natural cannabinoids your body creates.
Unfortunately, this means that one of the effects of smoking weed on your period will be an effect on your wallet. Since your estrogen levels are at their lowest during your period, it’ll take more weed to get you high.
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The Guide To Smoking Weed On Your Period
Since there have been mammals, theres been menstruation. Its normal, natural, and a vital part of perpetuating us as a species.
Sadly, its become such a taboo subject that period-havers sometimes struggle to find information about periods and how to make them more bearable.
Luckily, were all about taboo-smashing and straight-talking here at The Flower Shop. Today, were going to answer a taboo-soaked question: can you smoke while on your period?
So, strap in, and lets have a look at periods, cannabis, and how they play together.
What Does The Science Tell Us About Marijuana And Fertility
The simple summary is that theres a lot we still dont know about marijuana and reproductive health. Ethical limitations prevent thorough studies into how cannabis impacts fertility and fetal development, so right now, the science is largely based on observational studies of cannabis users. That means we don’t have the most conclusive results. Some studies show effects from marijuana use on male and female fertility other studies dont.
As one 2020 study of marijuana and female fertility explains, Studies are limited in number, with small sample sizes, and are hampered by methodological challenges related to confounding and other potential biases.There remain critical gaps in the literature about the potential risks of cannabis use.
Research into marijuanas impact on people of reproductive age is ongoing, so its important to stay up to date and seek guidance from your provider. For now, lets explore what we do know about cannabis and reproductive health.
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Effects Of Cannabis During The Pre
The phase before menstruation starts known as the pre-menstruation phase. There are many changes in the levels of hormones in the body during this phase. These changes may lead to anxiety, mood swings, bloating, etc. The level of one specific hormone known as progesterone is very high during this phase. There are many cases where such a high level can cause abnormal symptoms in this phase. The hormone progesterone is responsible for altering the levels of prolactin and cortisol. It can also be responsible for increasing the levels of these hormones during this phase. The high levels of cortisol are linked to stress and can also be the reason for irritability in this phase.
A report suggests that the use of cannabis in this phase can help in reducing the levels of progesterone. By suppressing the levels of progesterone, it is possible to relieve cramps and reduce the levels of stress in women. Women who smoke weed have said that they have seen their anxiety lower down and also the levels of stress are low. There are others who have reported that cannabis had a relaxant effect on the body. So smoking weed might not help with the hormones as there arent enough reports to prove that, but it helps in relieving pain and feeling less anxious.
General Overview Of Marijuana
Marijuana is used as a recreational drug and it causes psychoactive effects in humans. The reason for this is due to the compound tetrahydrocannabinol . This compound is readily absorbed by the body within seconds of inhalation of marijuana smoke and within minutes after oral ingestion. The reason for its use is due to the euphoria it induces as well as putting the user in a relaxed mood and elevating their mood.
There are many negative effects associated with marijuana use such as psychological complications which can include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. These issues can make one become a danger to themselves and/or others. Other side effects of using this drug can include diminished motor skills and decreased reaction time, increased appetite for high calorie foods, red eyes and decreased short-term memory.
Furthermore, complications such as cardiovascular pathologies such as heart attacks and strokes, respiratory infections and tolerance and dependence of the drug in long-term users are serious issues.
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How Smoking Affects Your Period And The Best Time In Your Cycle To Quit Successfully
First of all, how are smoking and vaping different?
How does nicotine affect the menstrual cycle?
How does nicotine affect fertility?
OK, so smoking is bad why is it so hard to quit?!
How do I synchronise quitting to suit my cycle?
Lots of factors can affect your menstrual cycle, but one that isnt talked about a whole lot is smoking. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome , the nicotine present in cigarettes and e-cigarettes could be negatively impacting and exacerbating your symptoms each month. Understanding how your smoking habits can affect your cycle, and vice versa, could help you ease symptoms.
And if youre looking to quit altogether? Mark your calendar, because we have the exact times youll want to throw away those ciggies for the best results. Lets get to it…
How Does Nicotine Affect The Menstrual Cycle
You may notice your PMS symptoms worsening when you smoke, or you may not, but the nicotine could still be having a negative impact on your cycle. A 2020 analysis of 13 different studies involving over 25,000 subjects found that nicotine made them 1.5x more likely to experience worse PMS symptoms in the days leading up to their period, like depression, irritability, sleep problems and cramps.
And if you suffer from PMDD , smoking can make symptoms even more intense, with the same study finding that PMDD sufferers were 3x more likely to experience worse symptoms.
Theres also research suggesting that smoking can shorten your cycle, for example, this study found heavy smoking was associated with a 4x increased risk of having a cycle last less than 25 days, as opposed to not smoking.
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