CBD for Period Cramps: What You Need To Know

Women’s health has always been wrapped in taboo, and periods are no exception. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Courtney Cox became the first woman to even say the word “period” on American TV. Fast-forward 40 years, and many of us are still curled up on the sofa every month with a hot water bottle, relying on paracetamol or hormonal medications to get through the pain.

But here’s the good news: growing research suggests that CBD might just be the natural relief we’ve been waiting for.

Why CBD for Periods?

Traditional options for menstrual symptoms often focus on painkillers or hormones. While these can help, they aren’t for everyone – especially if you want a more natural, gentle approach.

That’s where CBD comes in. With its well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may ease cramping and discomfort. Plus, it helps regulate cortisol and stress hormones, making it easier to stay calm, collected, and balanced.

Don’t believe me? Here is the research!

The Research

A 2024 study of 33 women tested the effects of CBD isolate capsules during menstruation. The results were impressive:

It was reported that all participants saw significant reduction in overall MRS (Menstrual Related Symptoms) which included physical symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, appetite changes AND emotional symptoms such as  irritability, anxiety, stress, tension and mood swings. 

Notably, participants started feeling better within the first month of using CBD, and the benefits lasted throughout the three months of the trial.

An encouraging early result — though one small study is a starting point rather than proof, and larger trials are still needed.

HempWell’s CBD Recommendations for Period Relief

So, how can you bring CBD into your monthly routine? Here are our top picks:

CBD Patches

CBD patches are great for managing period pain as they are transdermal. This means, the CBD is applied topically and then soaks through the skin and into the blood stream. HempWell CBD patches are especially amazing because they last 24 hours and slowly release the CBD into your system throughout that time – so you don’t need to top up, the patch does it for you! CBD patches are also waterproof meaning you can have that well deserved hot bath.

Shop CBD Patches here!

CBD Oil

CBD oil is taken sublingually (under the tongue) and gets into your blood stream super quickly. It lasts in your blood stream for up to 8 hours meaning you are set for the whole day! CBD oil can also be mixed into a drink or used in a salad dressing which is a great way to integrate it into your daily lifestyle.  

HempWell creates two main types of CBD oil – an isolate oil (which is just the one cannabinoid CBD) and a Broad-Spectrum oil which contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes minus the THC (which has psychoactive effects). 

The study above used a CBD isolate, however a Broad-Spectrum is closer to the plant and allows you to take CBD in the way nature intended. Broad-Spectrum oil also supports a theory called the entourage effect which is the idea that all the cannabinoids work together to support each other in delivering stronger relief. 

Shop CBD oil here

CBD Chocolate

Sometimes self-care looks like chocolate. HempWell’s handmade truffles and dark chocolate hearts (crafted in York, the chocolate capital!) each contain 20mg of CBD. Not only are they delicious, but dark chocolate itself can also help relax muscles and reduce cramping.

Shop CBD Chocolate here!

CBD Massage Oils

A warm massage over the lower stomach or back is one of the oldest comforts there is, and our CBD massage oils are made for exactly that — slow, targeted application where the tension sits. New to CBD and not sure where to begin? The CBD and Calm Starter Pack bundles the essentials to try first.

Why HempWell? 

At HempWell, we pride ourselves on being more than just another CBD brand. Since 2017, we’ve been producing high-quality CBD products right here in the UK, with operations based in York Science Park. As an award-winning CBD retailer, our “seed-to-shelf” approach ensures full transparency and consistency across everything we make. All of our products are manufactured in our world-class, SALSA and HACCP certified laboratory, and each product is independently lab tested — all reports are published on our lab reports page. With years of expertise and a reputation you can trust, we’re proud to supply premium CBD across the UK and Europe.