Listen to the automated AI version of this article here:
Are you experiencing menopause?
If it has been 12 months since your last period, and have no other health issues that may affect your cycle, you may be experiencing menopause. It usually begins anytime between someone’s mid-forties to mid-fifties and lasts for several years.
Menopause is caused by a massive change in estrogen levels in a woman’s body. Weight gain may now happen more easily, and bone and heart health can be affected. Some women may not experience any symptoms of this change, but others may experience symptoms like hot flashes, sleep troubles, moodiness and irritability, painful sex or depression.
What can happen to a woman’s body post-menopause?
Once estrogen levels have decreased, women may now experience weight gain due to the body now storing more fat. There may be a higher risk of developing osteoporosis (weak bones) and heart disease because of these lower estrogen levels.
How can CBD help with menopause?
Sleep
Many women going through menopause report having trouble getting a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s frequent night wakes, insomnia, or waking early, reduced sleep can add up and make day-to-day life difficult. Researchers have found that CBD may help decrease sleep troubles, improve the quality of sleep, and help people fall asleep faster. Research has indicated higher doses of CBD may have a sedative effect, too.
Hot flushes
Hot flushes are a common occurrence for women during and after menopause. It is believed they are related to the changing estrogen levels in the body. Hot flushes are usually experienced in the upper part of the body — a woman may find her skin is flushed, and she experiences heavy sweating and chills. These hot flushes could last a few seconds or several minutes. THC can mimic some aspects of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that helps regulate body temperature — but medicinal cannabis may help manage anxiety, which can be a trigger for a hot flush.
Anxiety, depression and mood issues
During menopause, there is an increased risk of depression and anxiety. This may be due to menopause itself or the symptoms that come along with this body change.
Animal studies have found medicinal cannabis may help manage depression and anxiety, nevertheless, there is currently no research into whether this also translates to humans. There are some case studies available and we have seen firsthand in the clinic how medicinal cannabis may help those facing mental health issues, however.
Muscle aches and joint pain
Women can develop menopause-related arthritis (pain in joints) due to increased inflammation from the decreased estrogen levels. A 2015 animal study found that topical CBD may help reduce inflammation, and concluded that topical CBD may help with inflammation.
What type of CBD is best for menopause symptoms?
If you’re looking for fast relief from symptoms such as anxiety or sleeping troubles, CBD oil taken beneath the tongue is the best option. Edibles are another easy and discreet option that may take a little longer than CBD oil but are just as effective. For joint pain and muscle aches, topical CBD will likely be the best treatment option for you. One of our qualified doctors will be able to guide you to the best product option depending on your menopause symptoms.
What does the research say?
Research completed in June 2022 showed that mice with decreased estrogen levels responded positively to being treated with medicinal cannabis. Some women experience weight gain post-menopause, and after being treated with cannabis, the mice were better able to dispose of glucose from their bloodstream and burned more energy. Their bone density also improved, which could help women avoid developing brittle bones (osteoporosis), and they had less gut inflammation and better levels of healthy gut bacteria.
Research into how medicinal cannabis can help with menopause specifically is ongoing, but currently still very limited due to medicinal cannabis only recently being legalised. There are no current human studies relating to cannabis and menopause, but we look forward to research coming out in the future that addresses woman’s health.
If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms and are looking for relief, medicinal cannabis may be an option for you. Contact us today to book in time to see one of our experienced doctors.
Disclaimer – medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in NZ which means that there is no conclusive evidence for their effect, apart from Sativex. Many doctors do not routinely prescribe cannabis medicines. The above article was written for general educational purposes and does not intend to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat any health condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider.
To download our free PDF and learn more about medical cannabis in NZ, click below!
Shannon Norton
BNurs
“Kia Ora! I have grown up in the beautiful, sunny Nelson and Aotearoa is my home. I completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2020. I jumped straight into the DHB surgical, cardiovascular and specialist infusions unit. In this role, I was able to make special human connections as well as see a range of ailments and how best to treat them not only biomedically, but holistically too. I am extremely passionate about ensuring focus on all aspects of a person’s well being. This has led me on my journey and put me in the unique position to help others with the sacred use of medical cannabis. I believe in plant medicine and when used correctly, in combination with healthy lifestyle factors, holistic healing techniques and a balanced mind; it can change peoples lives and the trajectory of their individual health journey. Outside of work I meditate daily, and practise the art of yoga to keep my mind and body in tune. I enjoy spending time exploring natural healing techniques and am currently completing my Reiki course. I spend a lot of time connecting and staying grounded with nature and my whanau.”
“After graduating from Otago University in 2014, Dr William worked for three years in the hospital and then became a rural GP where he oversaw a wide range of patients. Most recently, Dr William has been the Clinical Director of a large Urgent Care Centre and General Practice specialising in caring for the most vulnerable. As a GP specialist, Dr William is interested in patient-centred, patient-led, medicine. Having witnessed amazing transformations in his patients using medicinal cannabis, he has decided to follow this passion to enable more to utilise the unique healing properties this ancient plant can offer. Outside of medicine I love the outdoors, gardening, listening to music, and experiencing life with my wife and 5 kids”
Dr. Grace Tong
MBChB (Auckland) FRNZCGP
“I graduated from Auckland medical school in 1997 and am still currently working as a General Practitioner of 20 years – my interest in medicinal cannabis was ignited by my patients who had dramatic relief from their symptoms. I am a NZ born and bred Chinese aka a ‘Chiwi’. I honour my parents in giving me my Chinese name that translates as “Heavenly Blessing”, which has written my life’s path and privilege to bless and serve others, especially to the broken and suffering, through physical, emotional or spiritual healing. I come from a multicultural background and enjoy sharing life with others, a good laugh, creative design and my happy place is tramping in native bush near the open sea with the tuis & fantails.”
Dr. Ximena Hunefeldt
I grew up in Peru and Germany (I’m trilingual!) which has led to my varied interests and ability to think ‘outside of the box’. My medical education was completed in Germany and during my career I have had a keen focus on drug & alcohol misuse, autoimmune diseases & ME, women’s health & hormones, as well as lifestyle & nutrition. I have been prescribing medicinal cannabis for around 4 years.
Dr. Andy Owen
DO, DC (United States)
“I graduated from medical school in Colorado (United States) in 2013 and went on to do my residency training in Rural Family Medicine through Oregon Health & Science University. I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel to Haiti, Guatemala, and Kenya providing free medical care to many underserved communities. I love the human connection we get in healthcare—I believe that being allowed to help ease someone’s suffering is a special position to be in. In my free time, I am an avid paragliding pilot and have recently expanded into paramotoring, which I’m really excited to learn! I enjoy anything outdoors—especially hiking/tramping and camping with my wife and my old dog, Moose.“
Maxine Anderson
BNurs
“I graduated from University of Auckland at the end of 2016 with a Bachelor in Nursing. I have loved nursing in the community for the past 4 years. I believe there is significant benefit in natural therapies and holistic healing for people with chronic conditions and for promoting wellbeing in general. As someone with chronic illness myself, I understand the challenges this can present in all aspects of life. I am a strong advocate for people to have access and compassionate support in using Medicinal Cannabis to alleviate their suffering. In my spare time I like to knit, connect with nature and spend time with my family and friends.”
Dr. Annie Borland
MPH, MBChB, Dip Paeds
“I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2015 and am specialising in public health medicine. I have worked across a wide range of medical specialties both in New Zealand and in the UK and am interested in how social and environmental factors influence health. I believe medicinal cannabis has great potential for improving people’s quality of life, and it is an exciting field to watch the science develop. Outside of medicine you’ll find me out hiking and identifying native birds, or in the kitchen attempting to bake the perfect sourdough.”
Please note:
Your doctor may require a consultation or follow-up before issuing any controlled drug medication.
Dr. Eileen McManus
MB, BCh, BAO, BA, MSc
“I graduated from Trinity College Medical school in Ireland in 2013 and work as a Registrar in Neurology. As a doctor my main interests are neuroimmunology, metabolic therapy and holistic/natural medicine. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercise, gardening, reading and spending time with my family.”
Lisa Peterson
BUrp, DipBA
“I love being able to support our patients through their health challenges – it’s a privilege to play a small part in their health journey. After deciding town planning wasn’t for me, my passion for the last 10 or so years has been running my own small businesses in the natural health space. In my spare time I enjoy good coffee, reading books, and binge-watching TV.”
Robyn Hewitt
DipN, PGCertHSc, PGDipHSc, MNurs
“I have been nursing for over 30 years with the majority of my career spent in Emergency Nursing. I have recently completed my Masters of Nursing. I am married with two grown up children and live in Nelson. I love tramping, trail running and mountain biking so Nelson is the perfect place to live. I am often training for some kind of event and have competed in adventure racing over the last 6 years.”
Jobelle Lara
BMLSc, NZDipBus
“I enjoy being able to take part in an industry which has the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of people. My goal in life is to help others and I want to be the person to fill that role to whoever needs it. I wholeheartedly believe that proper education and guidance on the safe use of cannabis will help people who need this medication lead a happier and healthier life. On a personal note, I enjoy cooking during my spare moments, enjoy drinking black coffee, playing with my three adorable cats and most importantly right now, trying to get myself physically fit and healthy”
Hemera Baumer Pires
“I have always had a passion for the natural world, plant-based living and helping others. My favourite way to show how delicious whole-foods can be, is by cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I love creating nutritious, allergy friendly vegan meals as I believe overall well-being can be influenced by what we consume. I have also seen first-hand the positive impact medicinal cannabis can have on such a variety of people, so am thrilled to have the opportunity to help, alongside like-minded people aid in patients’ health journeys. After spending most of my work life catering in hospitality, I have decided to focus on what I find most meaningful, my family and helping others quality of life. In my spare time I’m out fruit hunting at markets with my family.”
Shirley Mills
IIN Health Coach, NZC Personal Trainer, DipRCM
“I’ve always loved helping people with their health which makes working at The Cannabis Clinic a great fit for me. With a background in fitness and a passion for plant based eating, I have had the opportunity to work and learn from many amazing people. I love spending time outside, being active, creating delicious meals and raw treats, and enjoying time with my four adult kids.”
Ben Whitson
BSc (Nursing)
“Kia ora! I graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health sciences (nursing) in 2017 & have since been working as a Registered Nurse in a major DHB. I am someone with a range of complex autoimmune conditions. I understand first-hand how difficult it can be to live with chronic health conditions, and the implications they can have on quality of life. I believe that Medicinal Cannabis can play a significant role in helping people reclaim their health and overall sense of wellness. In my spare time, I enjoy cannabinoid research, learning Rongoā Māori, meditation, gardening (especially growing my own produce) and road trips around Aotearoa.”
Dr. James Cameron
MBChB, RNZCGP, BSc
“I grew up in England and Brazil before moving to New Zealand where I completed studies in psychology and graduated medical school from the University of Auckland. In the following years, I worked across Auckland’s three main hospitals in a range of specialities as a junior doctor and currently work as a GP in central Auckland. The healing properties of medicinal marijuana fascinate me and I believe many patients across New Zealand stand to benefit from it.”
Dr. Grace Lavelli
MBBS, BA
“After graduating from medical school in London, I worked as a doctor in the UK for a few years before making the move to New Zealand in 2019. After spending some time travelling around I eventually decided to settle in Hawke’s Bay. My main interest as a doctor lies in mental health, and after working for a few years as a psychiatry registrar, I found myself becoming increasingly drawn to a more holistic treatment approach and considering more how lifestyle factors play an important role on both our physical and mental wellbeing. Outside of life as a doctor I love reading, baking and spending time with my goats, chickens and cat!”
Dr. Clare Halford
MBChB, Dip Paeds
“Since graduating from Liverpool, UK as a doctor in 1997, I have worked in Emergency Medicine for the past 17 years. Alongside my hospital practice, I’ve developed a strong interest in nutritional and plant medicine and have also qualified as a Qigong teacher and healer. In addition, as a digital artist and writer, I absolutely love translating complex medical information into fun, illustrated, bite-sized pieces.
I consider Medicinal Cannabis to be a sacred and wonderful plant that can help people to achieve balance and relief on many levels. It gives me great satisfaction and happiness to facilitate its safe and effective use in those who need it.”
Dr. Monica MacRae
MBChB (Auckland)
“I am a Psychiatry Registrar that graduated from Auckland Medical School in 2013. I currently spend half my time working around the North Island and living on Great Barrier Island with my whanau. I have a passionate interest in the art of healing that stems from both my professional life as a doctor, but also a personal journey with a complex autoimmune condition. My own healing journey has lead me away from conventional medicine towards more holistic, natural, psychological and spiritual methods of healing. I am dedicated to doing what I can to help support others move towards a thriving, healthy life”
Dr. Mike Foster
MBBS (London)
“I trained in St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School London 55 years ago, and after five years working as a GP in a fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada, I emigrated to New Zealand in 1974 and worked as a GP in Christchurch. In 2008 I moved to Auckland for family reasons and I worked at the Holistic Medical Centre where I learned and practiced an Integrative / Holistic style of medicine. I had always been looking for alternative ways to practice Medicine and felt more comfortable integrating orthodox medicine with nutrition, stress reduction, exercise, appropriate supplements etc. For the last ten years I worked at Integrated Health Options which was mainly an Intravenous Vitamin C and chelation clinic where we looked after many cancer patients as well as patients with complex medical problems which were not easily treated by orthodox practitioners. During my time working at IHO I saw many patients who had used cannabis with remarkable benefits. I love walking in the New Zealand Bush, and sport, especially soccer and cricket, but have been forced into watching and coming to love rugby since coming to New Zealand.”
Dr. Daniela Reyes
MBChB (Otago)
“Originally from Chile with roots also from Peru, my passion for natural medicine started when I began to understand more about my heritage. I am currently training in General Practice having completed my Medical degree in Auckland in 2014. I believe plants hold unbelievable healing properties that when combined with self-healing techniques such as yoga, mediation and a nutritious diet of mostly plant-based foods, we can enter into a state of full wellbeing and happiness. In my spare time I enjoy bush walks, identifying native plants, gardening, beekeeping, learning herbal medicine and practicing yoga and meditation”
Dr. Ali Coleman
BSc, MBChB (Auckland)
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School four years ago and have since become a Registrar in Psychiatry. As a doctor my main interests lie in mental health and the holistic treatment of illness and suffering. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercise, running, yoga and spending time with my 7 year old son and our wider Whānau”
Dr. Anne Craig
BhB, MBChB, Dip Paeds, FANZCA
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1998 and became a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in 2006. I have practiced anaesthesia for over 20 years. I became interested in Medicinal Cannabis after witnessing how it has helped many people with chronic health conditions. When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and practicing the ancient arts of yoga and meditation.”
Dr. Waseem Alzaher
BSc, MBChB (Otago)
“I have been practising medicine for the past 7 years and completed my training at Otago. I am a believer in using natural products, mindfulness and the power of a healthy lifestyle. Medicinal cannabis has a profound ability to change lives and I have seen this first hand. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with every patient in the clinic and supporting them in their journey. When not consulting here, I am busy with my wife and 2 young boys or enjoying a good workout”
