With over 75,000 searches globally and 8,7000 searches in the UK each and every month, the luteal phase is a lesser-known part of the monthly menstrual cycle that could be causing many of the annoying and sometimes painful symptoms that come along with your cycle. 

Biologically, it’s when a woman’s body prepares for them to get pregnant. It’s the time after they ovulate, and ends with the first day of their period. It’s essentially the “second half” of a woman’s menstrual cycle and generally, a luteal phase can last about 12–14 days. With this in mind, Cannaray CBD investigates how women can use CBD to help with some of the symptoms that this part of the cycle can bring.

What are the luteal phase symptoms?

If you’re not pregnant during this phase, you might experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. These could be anything from bloating and tender breasts to mood changes, headaches and food cravings –a sure telling sign that you’re about to start menstruating.

So how can CBD help with the luteal phase? 

Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and mood. Unlike traditional painkillers, CBD is non-addictive and does not have the same risk of side effects.

Pain

Some of the most common symptoms of the luteal phase are headaches and tender breasts. Swelling and pain are often manifestations of the inflammatory process, and it’s thought that CBD is able to provide relief for those struggling with these symptoms. Dr Daniela Tonucci, Cannaray’s pain specialist explained: “This is because of its relationship with cannabinoid receptors, which are located through various areas of the body as part of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is an endogenous system

“We all have cannabis receptors within our body – some within the central nervous systems and some peripherally. The peripheral ones are involved in the inflammatory response, and cannabinoids are believed to be anti-inflammatory.”

Mood changes

The cycle is well known to bring with it mood changes as hormonal imbalances and changes impact your overall mood. CBD is known to positively influence the endocannabinoid system, this is the same system that regulates our mood, sleep and pain perceptions. When taking CBD oil, it promotes the body’s own internal cannabinoids to function more effectively – helping to reduce stress and inflammation within its own cells.

How should CBD be used during the luteal phase?

Zara Kenyon, wellness expert at Cannaray explained: “The most effective way to take the product for these symptoms is dropping a little CBD oil into the mouth, under the tongue. You can also add drops of CBD oil to water to drink it through the day as you normally would, to extend the working effects of the product. But, there’s a whole range of options available, from muscle balms that can be rubbed directly into painful areas of the body like the lower back or abdomen, or gummies that can be chewed like a sweet as and when needed.”