Why Midlife Women May Be More Vulnerable to Marijuana's Side Effects

Yahoo

5 hours ago

Touted as a natural remedy for everything from hot flashes to anxiety, cannabis is becoming a go-to for women in perimenopause and menopause. But is it really the greener, modern version of 'Mother's Little Helper'—a tool for managing the unspoken burdens of womanhood—or another wellness fix being marketed without full understanding?
More and more women in midlife are turning to cannabis products, edibles, vapes and even infused teas to manage the multitude of symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause. Trouble sleeping? There's a gummy for that. Feeling anxious, wired or emotionally drained? CBD blends and low-dose THC products promise relief without the high.
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But as cannabis becomes more accessible and socially accepted, it's easy to treat it like just another wellness supplement. The truth is: We don't always know what we're taking, how much is too much or how it might interact with other medications or underlying health issues. So, we spoke with three experts about the rising use of cannabis among women in midlife, and why it's essential to ask better questions before adding it to your daily routine. Here's what we learned.
Research on cannabis and hormonal health is still in its early stages, but what we do know is both promising and complex. The body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite and pain, interacts with the endocrine system, which produces and balances hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This overlap is one reason why some experts believe cannabis may help ease certain perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, mood swings and even hot flashes.
'Over the past few years, there's been a noticeable shift in the types of questions women bring to the table, especially around midlife transitions,' Kiana Reeves, chief education officer of Foria Wellness Collective, a women's wellness brand and intimacy and relationship coach, tells Flow Space.
'More women are openly curious about how plant-based approaches like cannabis might support symptoms tied to perimenopause and menopause, from sleep disruptions to intimacy challenge,' she adds.
Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that THC and CBD may play a role in helping regulate sleep cycles and reducing the perception of pain, which could make them helpful for midlife women dealing with joint discomfort, night sweats or tension. CBD, in particular, has been linked to reduced anxiety in some clinical settings, though much of that research has been done on younger adults, not menopausal women specifically.
Still, it's important to note that cannabis is not a hormone therapy—nor is it a substitute for one.
'There can be serious side effects especially with high potency THC or CBD products,' Dr. Brunilda Nazario, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, tells Flow Space. 'And most of these products are not regulated by the FDA, and not all of these products are the same. Meaning, the potency, purity and dosing aren't the same, and they aren't guaranteed to be safe or unadulterated.'
And there's limited evidence on how it may affect estrogen levels directly, with some researchers cautioning that regular use of THC could potentially impact hormone balance in ways we don't fully understand. For now, experts agree that more targeted research is needed—and that women should approach cannabis use with the same care and consultation they would with any other supplement or medication.
As with any therapeutic approach, cannabis use isn't without considerations; especially during hormonal transitions, says Reeves.
'For some women, THC can exacerbate anxiety or disrupt sleep, particularly at higher doses,' she says. 'There's also limited research around long-term cannabis use and its impact on bone density, which is already a concern in menopause. The key is mindful, personalized use; starting low, going slow and tuning into how your body responds.'
As women enter midlife, it's common to be prescribed medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia or hormone-related issues.
While cannabis may offer relief for some menopause-related symptoms, it can interact with certain medications, sometimes in ways that reduce effectiveness or increase side effects.
Cannabis compounds, especially THC and CBD, are metabolized in the liver using the cytochrome P450 enzyme system—the same pathway many medications rely on. This means cannabis can slow down or speed up the metabolism of drugs like:
Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs), potentially intensifying side effects like drowsiness or anxiety.
Sleep Aids or Anti-Anxiety Meds increasing sedation or dizziness.
Blood Pressure or Heart Medications, which could alter heart rate or blood pressure further.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), though research on interactions is still limited.
'It's something we don't talk about enough,' says Reeves. 'As estrogen declines, women's sensitivity to cannabis may shift. This can mean they need lower doses to feel the same effects or, conversely, may metabolize cannabinoids more slowly. Midlife women often benefit from formulations that are lower-dose, full-spectrum and designed to support the nervous system without overwhelming it.'
CBD, in particular, is known to inhibit these liver enzymes, which can lead to higher concentrations of certain drugs in your system, raising the risk of side effects or complications.
Because midlife women may be managing multiple prescriptions, it's essential to talk with a healthcare provider before introducing any cannabis product. Even over-the-counter CBD gummies or low-dose THC can interact with your body in ways that aren't immediately obvious. A doctor or pharmacist can help you assess risks, adjust doses if needed and guide you toward safe, effective options.
Finding the right cannabis product in midlife isn't just about choosing between a gummy or a vape, it's about understanding your symptoms, your sensitivity and how your body may be changing. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can affect how you metabolize cannabis, so something that worked for you in your 30s might hit differently now.
That's why experts often recommend starting with low-dose, CBD-dominant products, and slowly adjusting as needed.
Danny Danko, cultivation section coordinator for Champs Trade Shows and the former senior cultivation editor at High Times Magazine, a magazine that focuses on cannabis culture, news and advocacy, recommends always starting slow.
'One or two puffs off a joint, pipe or vape should give you an almost immediate effect,' he says. 'Be especially careful with concentrates as they are very potent and difficult to regulate. I've met many people who have been turned off by a bad experience with a dab or an edible and swear off cannabis for good.'
He says with edibles, avoid homemade or street-bought edibles as the dosages can vary and fluctuate and the product isn't tested or regulated. Instead, find legal ones from a licensed dispensary that must list their lab-tested dosages—typically starting at 5 mg of THC per piece, gummy or chocolate square.
'Try half and wait at least 45 minutes for onset before taking more, if necessary,' says Danko. 'Increase dosages incrementally and as needed.'
People prone to anxiety and panic attacks should seek out edibles with THC and CBD together.
Medical patients looking to treat body pain should focus on indica and indica-dominant products.
And if you're having trouble sleeping?
Edibles with added cannabinol, a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, and sometimes melatonin, can often do the trick, says Danko.
'CBG and THCv [lesser-known cannabinoids than THC and CBD, with their own properties and effects] show promise for people looking for a boost in energy, focus and creativity,' he says. 'Keep in mind, however, that these guidelines present an oversimplification of a much more complicated process and dominant terpenes also play a major role in how effects of cannabis are felt. This is a good place to remind consumers that high THC levels don't always equate to a stronger buzz.'
Before trying any cannabis product, especially if you're managing symptoms related to menopause, chronic conditions or taking other medications, it's essential to consult with your physician. Cannabis can interact with prescription drugs, affect hormone levels and impact everything from blood pressure to sleep cycles. A healthcare provider can help you assess whether cannabis is appropriate for your needs, guide you on safe dosing and monitor for potential side effects. Even if it's 'just a gummy,' it's always worth having the conversation.