New study, published in the journal of North American Menopause Society, suggests that it is becoming more common for women to use medical cannabis for menopause-related symptoms. Perimenopausal women, who report significantly worse menopause symptoms (particularly depression), represent the greatest percentage of users. The most frequently reported indications for medical cannabis use were menopause-related disturbances of sleep and mood/anxiety.
This study suggests that medical cannabis use may be common in midlife women experiencing menopause-related symptoms. Given the lack of clinical trial data on the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis for management of menopause symptoms, more research is needed before this treatment can be recommended in clinical practice. Healthcare professionals should query their patients about the use of medical cannabis for menopause symptoms and provide evidence-based recommendations for symptom management.
- Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director
Source:
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)
Journal reference:Dahlgren, M. K., et al. (2022) A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and postmenopause. Menopause. doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002018.