A recent small study suggests CBD-infused tampons could help women suffering from dysmenorrhea, but further research is needed.
Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during menstruation not caused by underlying disease. While medications including ibuprofen or paracetamol, or using a heating pad, may bring relief for some; for others dysmenorrhea continues to be problematic – negatively impacting quality of life. It’s an incredibly common condition, affecting 50–95% of women.
The non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is being researched extensively for its potential to treat or manage a number of conditions given its anti-inflammatory properties; including managing dysmenorrhea. CBD-infused tampons have been available for a while in some countries – but do they work and are they safe?
A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, non-interventional study of the use of CBD-infused tampons was conducted with 63 participants, screened against an inclusion and exclusion criteria. 31 participants were provided the placebo, and 32 the CBD-infused tampons.
Participants self-reported their pain levels and satisfaction with the CBD tampon based on a modified Mankoski scale (1–10) for pain assessment. Entries were made 3 times a day during usage of the tampons, through 3 consecutive menstrual cycles.
Results indicated the CBD-infused tampon achieved statistically significant pain reduction during the first and third months of the study.
Side effects were minimal, with less than 5% of participants experiencing CBD-infused tampon-related irritation. And between 37 and 40% of participants reported improvement in the level of vaginal dryness. Furthermore:
- 37% to 70% experienced improvements in mood or overall well-being.
- More than 80% of participants classified the product as satisfactory or enjoyable.
The researchers concluded that the study, while small, supports the efficacy and usability of the CBD-infused tampon.
“The findings indicate the potential of CBD-infused tampons as a promising option for managing menstrual pain,” they state. “Further research and exploration of this innovative product can contribute to the management of primary dysmenorrhea.”
The researchers state future studies could be improved by enhancements such as a metabolomics (the scientific study of chemical processes involving metabolites) evaluating pain serum biomarkers or to assess the levels of CBD and painkillers in blood samples.
The study has been published in the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders.
