Medical cannabis for Menopause

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is an inevitable, natural stage in a woman’s life with a gradual decline in reproductive hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone which triggers the end the of the menstrual cycle. This transition typically occurs in between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK being 51. While menopause is a natural biological process, its symptoms can be devastating to some and significantly impact daily lives.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

The severity and duration of menopause symptoms vary from woman to women, with each person experiencing it differently.

Common symptoms include:

• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats – Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushed skin.
• Mood Swings & Anxiety – Hormonal imbalances can contribute to irritability, anxiety and even depression.
• Sleep Disturbances & Fatigue – Many women experience insomnia, difficulty staying asleep, and night sweats that disrupt rest.
• Joint & Muscle Pain – Oestrogen decline can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort in muscles and joints.
• Brain Fog & Memory Issues – A common complaint includes difficulty concentrating and short-term memory lapses.
• Vaginal Dryness & Reduced Libido – Thinning vaginal tissues can cause discomfort and impact sexual health.

Traditional Treatments for Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is a widely prescribed treatment that supplements declining oestrogen levels, effectively alleviating symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss.

However, it’s not suitable for all women, especially those with a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or heart disease. (NHS on HRT)

Antidepressants & Anti-Anxiety Medications

For women experiencing severe mood swings or anxiety, doctors often prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressants to help regulate mood.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: Increasing intake of calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids supports bone and heart health.
• Exercise: Regular movement improves circulation, reduces stress, and helps with weight management.
• Mindfulness & Yoga: Stress-reducing activities can help improve sleep and mood stability.

Herbal & Natural Supplements

Black cohosh, red clover, and evening primrose oil are popular herbal remedies believed to alleviate menopause symptoms, although scientific evidence on their effectiveness remains mixed.

Medical Cannabis: A Promising Alternative for Menopause

With growing interest in alternative treatments, medical cannabis has emerged as a potential option for managing menopause symptoms. Cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, pain perception, and hormone balance.

How Medical Cannabis Can Help with Menopause Symptoms

1. Regulating Mood & Anxiety

• Research suggests that CBD may help alleviate anxiety and depression by influencing serotonin receptors in the brain. (Study on CBD & Anxiety)
• THC in small doses has been found to enhance mood and promote relaxation.

• Cannabis has sedative properties that can help with insomnia and night sweats.
• Studies indicate that cannabis may extend slow-wave sleep, which is essential for restoration. (Sleep & Cannabis Research)

• Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with joint pain and muscle aches.
• A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD may reduce chronic pain associated with inflammation. (Study on CBD & Pain)

• Oestrogen deficiency during menopause can lead to osteoporosis.
• Preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids may play a role in bone metabolism and regeneration. (Bone Health & CBD Research)

New Patients

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

Since November 2018, cannabis-based medicinal products or CBMPs have been legal in the UK for specific conditions. However, access on the NHS remains limited.

Prescriptions via Lyphe Clinic are available to treat Menopause when other traditional treatments have been unsuccessful. Women seeking cannabis for menopause symptoms may need to explore private clinics that specialise in cannabinoid-based therapies.

How to Access Medical Cannabis for Menopause in the UK

If you’re considering medical cannabis as an alternative therapy, you will need to follow the following steps:

1. Consult Your Doctor – Discuss your symptoms and explore whether medical cannabis is a viable option.
2. Request your SCR (Summary of Care record) from your GP
3. Find a Specialist Clinic – Private clinics, like Lyphe Clinic, offer consultations with specialists who can assess whether cannabis-based treatment is suitable for you via a triage process.
4. Obtain a Prescription – If approved, your prescription will be fulfilled through our Lyphe Dispensary or a licensed pharmacy of your choice.

Menopause is a challenging transition, but alternative treatments like medical cannabis may offer relief for women who haven’t found success with traditional options. By supporting mood, sleep, and pain management, cannabis presents an innovative, natural approach to improving quality of life during menopause.

If you’re interested in exploring medical cannabis for menopause, Lyphe Clinic is here to help. Simply fill in our eligibility form and one of our team will be in touch to book a consultation with one of our specialists to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.