The Best CBD Products for Menopause Symptoms

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Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

These days, cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming increasingly mainstream. Like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant, but it doesn’t cause feelings of intoxication. Instead, it’s gaining traction for its therapeutic benefits.

People use CBD for all kinds of reasons, including menopause.

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, and is diagnosed when a person hasn’t menstruated in more than 12 months and can no longer become pregnant. It’s associated with a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.

Is it possible that CBD may be able to help mitigate some of these symptoms? Studies that look specifically at the benefits of CBD for menopause are lacking. However, there’s some evidence that CBD could be helpful for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, which may be beneficial to those who are experiencing changes in mood and sleep issues as a result of menopause.

Here’s what else to understand about CBD for menopause, including products worth exploring.

• Best oil: Brown Girl Jane Balance
• Best budget-friendly oil: CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
• Best gummies: CBDfx Gummies
• Best capsules: R+R Medicinals THC-Free Hemp Extract Softgels
• Best bath salts: Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Soaking Salts
• Best salve: Joy Organics Organic CBD salve
• Best lotion: Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion

We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:

• is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an independent lab
• is made with hemp grown in the United States
• contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
• passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA

We also considered:

• company certifications and manufacturing processes
• product potency
• overall ingredients
• indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
  • customer reviews
  • whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter
  • whether the company makes any unsupported health claims

Remember, no CBD product will remedy every menopause symptom. But in instances of joint pain, insomnia, or anxiety, some products may be able to help.

Best CBD oil for menopause

Brown Girl Jane Balance Wellness Drops

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: broad spectrum
• CBD potency: 750 milligram (mg) per 30-milliliter (mL) bottle
• COA: available online
• Flavor: orange

Balance Wellness Drops from Brown Girl Jane is a best-selling tincture combining CBD with cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN) to minimize stress and anxiety. It’s made with minimal ingredients, including broad-spectrum CBD oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, and organic orange essential oil.

More clinical research is needed, but anecdotal evidence suggests CBN may have sedative effects. In fact, many companies market it as a sleep aid. In combination with the CBD, the ingredients in these drops may promote a calming effect that could help reduce feelings of anxiety triggered by the physical and psychological changes of menopause.

According to reviewers, the drops help improve sleep and make them feel calmer and more focused.

Best budget-friendly CBD oil for menopause

CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

• Price: $$
• CBD type: full spectrum
• CBD potency: 500 mg per 30-mL bottle
• Flavor: flavorless
• COA: available online

For a slightly lower potency and a lower price point, consider CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. This 500-mg formula is a great pick for people just getting started with CBD or anyone who doesn’t want a flavored tincture. If this potency isn’t strong enough, our full review of CBDistillery includes a few other options.

All of CBDistillery’s products are made using U.S. Hemp Authority certified, non-GMO hemp grown in the United States. Because it’s full-spectrum, this option does include less than 0.3% THC. Some research suggests that taking both CBD and THC together, along with the other naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, offers greater efficacy. It’s known as the entourage effect.

Some users report feeling a greater sense of calm after taking this oil, which may benefit people experiencing mood changes as a result of fluctuating hormones during menopause. Others say they’re sleeping better. According to a 2019 study, sleep disorders are one of the main symptoms of menopause.

Best CBD gummies for menopause

CBDfx Gummies

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: broad spectrum
• CBD potency: 50 mg per 2-gummy serving
• Count: 60 per container
• Flavor: mixed berry
• COA: available on product page

Not everyone appreciates the texture of CBD oil. These gummies can be an alternative option for those interested in the calming properties of CBD to curb anxiety or changes in mood related to menopause.

They’re berry flavored, vegan and gluten-free, and made without corn syrup, artificial colors or sweeteners, or animal-based ingredients.

Each gummy contains 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, with a suggested serving size of two gummies. That makes them really easy to dose precisely.

Reviewers report that these gummies help minimize pain and calm anxiety, but some note a bit of an aftertaste.

Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.

Best CBD capsules for menopause

R+R Medicinals THC-Free Hemp Extract Softgels

• Price: $$
• CBD type: broad spectrum
• CBD potency: 30 mg per softgel
• Count: 34 per container
• COA: available on product page

These softgels are made with organic hemp grown on Colorado farms and offer an easy way to precisely dose. If you have trouble with the flavor of CBD oils or gummies, these tasteless gummies are a good alternative.

In addition to CBD, these softgels include other minor cannabinoids, including CBC, CBG, and CBN, as well as terpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The combination may help improve symptoms of menopause including sleep disruptions and stress.

Like other broad-spectrum products on our list, this option works well if you want to minimize potential exposure to THC. It’s important to keep in mind that some broad-spectrum CBD products may still contain trace amounts of THC. If your goal is to avoid THC entirely, consider a product made with CBD isolate instead.

Conversely, if you prefer even more of the natural plant compounds, a full-spectrum product might be a better option for you.

R+R Medicinals offers a 25% discount to veterans.

Best CBD bath salts for menopause

Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Soaking Salts

• Price: $$
• CBD type: isolate
• CBD potency: 30 mg per 4-ounce (oz.) bag or 118 mg per 16-oz. bag
• COA: available on product page

Empower Bodycare blends Epsom, Dead Sea, and pink Himalayan salts with organic CBD oil for soothing, hydrating full body relief. The salts are scented with a blend of lavender and bergamot essential and fragrance oils for bonus aromatherapy, which is also calming.

According to The North American Menopause Society, relaxation and stress-reducing techniques may help soothe mood changes associated with menopause. A calming bath with Empower Soaking Salts could be an effective way to relax.

One study found that foot baths before bed can also help enhance sleep quality in people with menopause.

Empower Bodycare’s products are vegan and cruelty-free.

Best CBD salve for menopause

Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: broad spectrum
• CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz. container or 1,000 mg per 2-oz. container
• Scent: lavender eucalyptus
• COA: available on product page

Premium broad-spectrum CBD is mixed with organic beeswax and essential oils for a soothing, fragrant salve to nourish skin and soothe pain.

Customers say it’s not greasy — which is a plus for a CBD salve — and works well to ease joint pain. Many people experience joint pain and muscle stiffness during menopause as a result of declining estrogen levels. This salve may offer localized relief and can be used on an as-needed basis.

Try applying the salve directly to the skin with a circular, massage-like motion until it’s fully absorbed.

Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.

Best CBD lotion for menopause

Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion

• Price: $$
• CBD type: broad-spectrum
• CBD potency: 200 mg per 4-oz. bottle
• Scent: lavender
• COA: available online

The Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion is free of fillers and is made with hemp grown in the United States. It contains 200 mg in a 4-oz. bottle, which is a moderately low potency. That may appeal to people who are new to CBD and want to start with low doses.

At this time, there are no studies on the bioavailability of CBD topicals. However, many CBD users report that these products offer concentrated relief wherever they’re applied. Since skin permeability isn’t as high as other parts of the body, like sublingual tissue, it’s best to be generous with application.

This lotion formula includes moisturizing aloe, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. It also uses lavender flower water. According to a 2014 review of existing research on the ingredient, it may help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed — another benefit for those experiencing menopause-related sleep disruptions.

Reviewers say the lotion leaves skin soft and smooth and that the smell is nice.

Use discount code “HEALTHLINE20” for 20% off.

To be clear, CBD isn’t a cure for menopause. There’s no specific scientific evidence that CBD is effective for easing menopausal symptoms as a whole, and it’s unlikely to help you manage things like hot flashes.

Still, it may help manage some other symptoms related to menopause such as insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, and estrogen deficiency.

Keep in mind that the research we’re sharing here wasn’t conducted on people with menopause, and some are animal studies.

Insomnia

Many people find that sleep quality becomes an issue during menopause. A small 2019 study looked at the clinical application of CBD for anxiety and sleep complaints, with researchers concluding that it may be beneficial, though sleep quality did fluctuate over the course of the study.

A 2020 review of clinical studies related to cannabinoids and sleep found that many suggest these compounds could improve sleep quality, decrease sleep disturbances, and decrease delays in falling asleep.

However, the authors note that many of these studies were limited by small sample sizes, examining sleep as a secondary factor, and the use of validated measurements.

In 2022, Harvard researchers conducted a small survey regarding the use of medical cannabis, though not specifically CBD, to relieve menopause-related symptoms. Close to 79% of participants reported that it was helpful, with 67% saying it helped minimize sleep disturbances.

Anxiety and depression

Changing hormones during menopause can mean a greater risk of depression and anxiety. One 2015 study noted that CBD has potential as a treatment for a number of anxiety disorders, but further study is needed.

Close to half of the respondents in the 2022 Harvard study reported that medical cannabis had a positive effect on mood and anxiety.

Joint pain

As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, inflammation can mean joint pain in the knees, shoulders, neck, hands, and elbows. Old injuries in the joints can also begin aching again, leading to menopause-related arthritis.

There’s evidence that CBD could be a suitable treatment for arthritis. A 2015 animal study found that topical CBD reduced inflammation and pain-related behaviors. The authors concluded that topical CBD had therapeutic potential for arthritis-related pain and inflammation without side effects.

Estrogen deficiency

Post-menopausal people can experience side effects related to estrogen deficiency, including weight gain, gastrointestinal disorders, and cognitive declines.

A 2022 study with estrogen-deficient mice found significant improvement with CBD treatment, including improved bone density, reduced gut inflammation, and more energy. According to researchers, this preclinical study is a promising sign, though more research is needed to support CBD as a therapeutic treatment for post-menopausal disorders.

The right kind of CBD will depend on the menopause symptom you’re hoping to address. CBD is available in various forms:

• CBD oils: These products are taken sublingually, or beneath the tongue, for full body relief. That makes these a good option if you have insomnia or anxiety.
• CBD capsules: These products are swallowed. They also offer full body relief, with effects taking longer to kick in than with sublingual products. Capsules are a good choice for sleep issues or anxiety.
• CBD topicals: These products are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. This is the best option if you’re experiencing joint pain. Topicals can also include CBD bath salts and bath bombs, which may be relaxing and soothing to dry skin.
• CBD gummies: These are ingested. They’re another good choice for managing symptoms of insomnia or anxiety.

If you’re researching CBD products, you may also find suppositories and personal lubricants that are designed to improve libido and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, these are unproven options, without clinical studies to back up their efficacy.

Appropriate CBD use will vary depending on the product being used. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, but in general terms:

• CBD oils are often taken sublingually, or beneath the tongue. They can also be added to foods and beverages. Follow the dosage recommendation on the packaging.
• CBD gummies are chewed thoroughly and swallowed. Most companies will recommend one to two gummies as a standard dose.
• CBD capsules are swallowed. One to two capsules is a standard serving size, depending on the product.
• CBD bath salts are dissolved in bathwater for soaking. They can also be mixed with water for a hand or foot soak.
• CBD salves are massaged directly into the skin to ease aches.

For tips on dosing, especially if you’re new to CBD, check out our CBD dosage guide. Appropriate dosage will depend on your body weight, body chemistry, the condition you’re treating, and the potency of your product.

It’s also a good idea to speak with a doctor for recommendations.

There’s no shortage of CBD brands online, but make sure anything you buy comes from a reputable company. The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD in the same way as they do prescription medication, so it’s up to you to shop wisely.

Check the COA

Don’t buy from a brand unless you can verify that they have a third-party lab test their products. Look for the COA online before you buy, and review it to make sure the CBD and THC potency matches what’s advertised. Though there can be slight variations, it shouldn’t be more than about 10% off.

The COA will also tell you whether the product has been tested for contaminants, like heavy metals, pesticides, and molds. Depending on the CBD extraction method that the brand uses, they might also test for residual solvents left over from extraction.

See if the brand is up front

Review the information on the brand’s site and see whether they tell you where they source their hemp and how they make their products.

Do a reputation check

FDA warning letters are sent to brands that make unverified health claims. These letters are available online, so you can see which brands have been sent one.

You can also check online reviews and do a Google search to see if the brand has been subject to any lawsuits.

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally considered safe, with very few side effects. Still, some people may experience side effects, such as:

• fatigue
• diarrhea
• changes in appetite or weight

The FDA also notes that there’s still much we don’t know about CBD, so it’s hard to say what the long-term effects are.

CBD may also interact with some medications, so it’s important to speak with a doctor before you try it.

If you aren’t interested in using CBD to treat symptoms of menopause, or it doesn’t seem to be working for you, there are other options. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments can all help manage symptoms.

• Dress in layers: Manage hot flashes by dressing in loose, layered clothing. At night, keep your bedroom cool and use light blankets.
• Exercise and manage your weight: Exercise moderately daily and eat well to maintain a moderate weight for your body size.
• Speak up: Be upfront with your family and friends about how you’re feeling. If you have anxiety, depression, sadness, or insomnia, speak with a therapist.
• Supplement: Make sure to get daily recommended levels of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to keep your energy levels high.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Yoga and meditation can help reduce anxiety.
• Take care of your skin: Use moisturizers to minimize skin irritation.
• Prioritize sleep: Explore natural sleep aids for short-term sleep help, and speak with a doctor for a long-term plan.
• Quit smoking, if you smoke, and limit alcohol use: Exposure to smoke and alcohol use can worsen symptoms. If you need help quitting or limiting use, speak with a healthcare professional, who can help create a cessation plan that meets your needs.

If you have any concerns about menopausal symptoms, or they’re getting in the way of daily life, speak with a doctor. You should also talk with your healthcare professional if you’re younger than 45 years and experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Does CBD oil help with hot flashes?

While CBD is unlikely to help you manage hot flashes, research suggests it may help you sleep better.

What types of CBD should you use for menopause?

There isn’t one specific type of CBD recommended for menopause, as there are no studies on the benefits of CBD on menopause. The right type of CBD for you will come down to your personal preferences and desired dosage.

How much CBD oil should I take to help with menopause?

The right dosage for you depends on a few factors, like your body weight, the condition you’re treating, and the potency of the product you’re using. Start with a small dosage of CBD (around 20 mg) and increase slowly until you reach your desired effect. It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare professional for recommendations.

Symptoms of menopause can be unpleasant, and it’s normal to want to look for solutions and methods of management. While there’s no evidence of the benefits of CBD on menopause specifically, there are studies that show it may be effective for treating some symptoms.

Speak with a healthcare professional if this is something you want to explore.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.