Women's Health & the ECS
WHAT ARE THE THREE STAGES OF MENOPAUSE?
Menopause is a natural biological process defined as a passage of time when menstrual cycles have not occurred for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of a woman's reproductive cycle. Women often refer to the menopausal transition as menopause, not aware that the whole process of undergoing hormonal changes towards the end of their reproductive years occurs in stages many years prior.
Perimenopause is the beginning of the menopausal transition. It can be in a woman’s early to mid-40s and last for 2 to 10 years until a woman enters full menopause. The symptoms are caused by dramatic fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone that trigger the well-known menopause symptoms like irregular periods, migraines, heavy bleeding, anxiety, sleep disruption and night sweats. Over a prolonged period, these can be detrimental to a woman’s well-being often causing them to feel depressed and insecure about their bodies as they near the end of their reproductive years.
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her body runs out its limited supply of eggs. This can bring about a tsunami of changes that are extremely uncomfortable, debilitating, and difficult to manage. During this time hormone levels fluctuate dramatically, which can cause a plethora of unexpected symptoms such as mood swings, brain fog, sleep disturbance, hot flushes, drops in libido, motivation, a loss of self and even loss of bone density.
Post menopause is the final reproductive stage, covering the years after menopause. During post menopause, many of the menopause symptoms naturally lessen or cease, although some women continue struggling with sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, anxiety and in some instances, low oestrogen levels can put women at risk in developing heart disease and osteoporosis.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AND WOMEN’S HEALTH
Before we started our journey in formulating Elle, our breakthrough CBD Oil for Menopause, we looked at The Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a biological network of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor proteins found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This means that the network permeates the entire body and regulates several physiological and cognitive processes, including fertility.
WHAT SCIENCE SAYS
Oestrogen is one of the hormones that facilitates proper ECS function. It achieves this by regulating fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels in the blood. FAAH levels fall when oestrogen production declines. During ovulation, oestrogen, and endocannabinoid levels peak. FAAH facilitates the breakdown of the endocannabinoid anandamide. Anandamide known as the bliss molecule has an ovarian function whereby it helps in the maturation and release of the egg during ovulation. Another role of oestrogen is activating the ECS for the regulation of emotional response. These declining interactions between the ECS and oestrogen indicate that the symptoms of menopause may arise from reduced endocannabinoid activity.
HOW ELLE 4000MG FULL SPECTRUM CBD OIL HELPS REGULATE A HEALTHY ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The ECS controls the interaction of cannabinoids such as CBD with the body. CBD is an incredible multi-tasking molecule which means that it causes diverse effects in our bodies through multiple mechanisms of action. When taken as a daily supplement during the transition, you are gently promoting a healthy Endocannabinoid System which regulates all biological activity including our hormones.
The ECS plays a key role in protecting us against stress, a major symptom of perimenopause and menopause. Encouragingly, ELLE CBD Oil can have a more direct effect on stress by activating serotonin signalling in our brain, causing us to feel less anxious. Furthermore, CBD has also been found to interfere with cortisol secretion causing sensations of sedation and improving sleep.
Formulated with Clary Sage, ELLE was created for women seeking out an alternative treatment to HRT. With 6.7mg of CBD per drop ELLE, is the UK's first Ayurvedic full spectrum CBD OIL blend packed with cannabinoids, anti-inflammatory and calming terpenes and flavonoids which enable women to navigate the choppy waters this stage in life brings to their emotional landscape.