Are CBD tampons safe?
Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, has gained popularity in recent years. The cannabis plant's constituent has been promoted as an addition to your self-care regimen and is now included in cosmetics, skincare products, as well as food and beverages. In reality, CBD has begun to appear in feminine hygiene items, notably CBD tampons.
You may be wondering how a cannabis extract that has been promoted as a treatment for menstrual cramps came to be. What scientific evidence supports these claims? Are CBD-infused tampons both safe and permitted to be used? We sought the truth from two obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs).
It's important to remember that you should always see your doctor if you have any questions regarding the components of period products (like CBD tampons) or if your reproductive or sexual health has changed. Absolutely nothing warrants embarrassment. They will be able to respond to all of your inquiries and, perhaps, allay your concerns.
What is CBD and is it legal?
One of the numerous substances present in the cannabis plant is CBD, often known as cannabidiol. It ranks right after tetrahydrocannabinol as the second most potent component of cannabis (THC). CBD, on the other hand, is not addictive like THC. If you have a history of other addictions, you should be aware that CBD may have addictive characteristics. You have to consult your healthcare practitioner in this situation.
Furthermore, CBD is not intoxicating, so it won't make you feel "high." This is so because CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive.
The substance won't come up on a drug test either. In reality, as long as CBD is produced from hemp rather than marijuana, it is legal in many nations, including the US and the UK. Despite the fact that both plants belong to the same species, which is perplexing, hemp is recognized by US law as cannabis with a THC content of less than 0.3%. Cannabis plants that are used for marijuana have more than 0.3% THC in them. If the hemp used to make the CBD has less than 0.2% THC, it is lawful in the UK. It's always wise to verify local laws before purchasing any items because CBD regulations can vary depending on where you reside.
What are CBD tampons?
Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is a class of chemicals present in cannabis. The answer to the question of whether a CBD tampon can get you drunk is no. That is brought on by THC, a substance in marijuana. Unless otherwise stated on the box, CBD tampons don't contain any THC. Even though some CBD products include traces of THC, it's uncommon for them to be detected by a drug test. However, it depends on the nature and content of the product. Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring substance found in the hemp plant, is a component of CBD tampons. Other than that, they resemble and feel like regular tampons. The key distinction is that CBD tampons are said to provide pain relief. Given that up to 84 percent of persons who suffer periods claim that the discomfort interferes with their ability to work, a device that does two tasks is quite helpful.
Studies have shown that CBD may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is frequently promoted as a treatment for a variety of health issues, including chronic pain, inflammation, and conditions including sleeplessness and anxiety. And here is where period cramps and discomfort come in, although there isn't much clear medical proof of any of these advantages yet.
Before purchasing
Keep the following tips in mind before buying CBD tampons.
Verify the labeling and production processes for transparency. What's inside the thing? What components are they made of?
Understand the components. Hemp, hemp extract, or hemp oil are frequently stated as active components. Additionally, non-active substances like shea butter, which might irritate some, can be found in products.
Check for independent testing. This indicates that a lab has confirmed the product contains what the label on the container claims it does. This data need to be accessible on a business' website.
Know its growing location. Look for cannabis that is cultivated organically in the United States and that complies with all applicable agricultural laws. You're less likely to eat pesticides or other toxins if you use organic foods.
Warnings and negative consequences
Any object inserted into the vagina has the potential to irritate it and perhaps infect it. Any symptoms that appear after placing a product into your vagina need to be taken seriously.
Tampon usage can, in rare cases, result in toxic shock syndrome. Consult your doctor straight away if you start to feel like you have the flu after using tampons.
It's important to comprehend how they function in reality. The endocannabinoid system's inherent CBD (cannabinoid) receptors are activated when CBD is administered vaginally.
Together, the two are intended to lessen inflammation and hence menstrual discomfort.
CBD suppositories, which are concentrated forms of CBD put into the vagina, are distinct from CBD tampons. They lack the tampon's period protection and absorbency.
Can CBD tampons reduce cramping?
Does it work if the goal of including CBD in period products is to ease cramps? Sadly, there is no published information on the effectiveness of CBD in treating period cramps. Different people react differently to CBD. Others might not benefit at all, while some find it to be quite soothing and helpful.
The cannabinoid receptors in your vaginal mucosa, or the mucous membranes of your vagina, are thought to interact with CBD when it is applied vaginally. The endocannabinoid system, a complex signaling system that helps control everything from food and sleep to inflammation and pain, is made up of these cannabinoid receptors, which are present throughout the body.
CBD tampons may facilitate the drug's local effect and reduce inflammation brought on by uterine contractions, which are the source of period pains. Because so little research has concentrated on vaginal cannabinoid receptors, it is still unclear whether this is true or not.
There is proof that CBD works particularly to reduce inflammation without having the negative side effects of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. This is so that CBD doesn't have the same side effects on the stomach lining as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen). Again, though, there is not a lot of scientific evidence available to support this notion.
Different people react differently to CBD. Others might not benefit at all, while some find it to be quite soothing and helpful.
Therefore, why haven't more studies been done on the effects of CBD? Considering that the substance was prohibited in the US and Europe for a very long time, the scientific community doesn't know much about how it interacts with the body. And because it hasn't been examined yet, they know even less about how it impacts period cramps.
The lack of research has wide-ranging repercussions since there are minimal restrictions on how much CBD may be taken because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is in charge of safeguarding public health in the US, does not currently classify CBD as a restricted drug.
The FDA claims that, in contrast to drug products that have been approved by the FDA, unapproved CBD drug products haven't been subject to FDA review as part of the drug review and approval process. There has also been no FDA evaluation concerning whether they are safe and efficient to treat a specific disease, what the appropriate dosage is, how they may interact with other prescription medications or foods, or whether they have harmful side effects or other safety issues.
Additionally, despite the fact that tampons are considered medical devices and are subject to regulation, the FDA has not yet approved CBD tampons. This doesn't necessarily imply that you shouldn't use them, but if you're thinking about using CBD tampons, you might want to consider seeking counsel from your doctor. Look for companies that have released scientific studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of their CBD tampons. Criteria for items to fulfill lab testing requirements are published by the FDA and the General Product Safety Directive. Verify that the brand you are considering has taken things into account.
This does not imply that the medical world is entirely ignoring the benefits of CBD. One CBD-derived treatment, Epidolex, a prescription drug intended to treat seizures in uncommon and severe types of pediatric epilepsy, has received FDA approval. There is currently no solid proof that CBD helps treat period pain, but this might set a precedent for its potential medical use in the future.
The majority of women and adults with periods experience menstrual discomfort, also known as dysmenorrhea, as a frequent period symptom. It seems sensible that many of us are interested in novel pain management techniques because they may frequently be devastating.
Although CBD tampons are usually safe to use as long as you're not pregnant, nursing or taking any other drugs that may interact with them, there isn't enough conclusive evidence to establish if they are an effective cure for period pains just yet.
suggestions if you're thinking about using CBD tampons Before beginning any new treatment, always with your doctor. In order to look into probable reasons, it is also crucial to examine the specifics of menstruation cramps. Specific therapies work better to address some reasons than others.
There is no one solution that works for everyone who gets menstrual cramps, so sometimes it takes some trial and error.
The patient should seek a medical expert's opinion if the pain persists despite following the basic instructions and is severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. There is currently no FDA-approved prescription that may be issued for CBD tampons or suppositories, however CBD oil can be tested on its own if desired.