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CBD (cannabidiol) is a derivative of the hemp plant and one of the active compounds in marijuana. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it doesn't induce a "high" and is touted for various therapeutic uses–including a positive impact on hormones and fertility.
Unfortunately, CBD fertility research is pretty limited. For now, we can look to limited studies to better understand CBD and fertility and how it may impact hormone imbalances and fertility treatments.
Let's start with a few basics:
Table of Contents
What is CBD and How Does it Affect Hormones?
CBD and Fertility via the Endocannabinoid System
Exploring CBD’s Unknown Territory
Risks and Recommendations
CBD During Pregnancy
Conclusion
Where to Find High Quality CBD
CBD's chemical structure resembles some of our body's endocannabinoids, natural neurotransmitters that carry out various functions, including hormone functions. While much remains unknown about the complex endocannabinoid system (ECS), it's linked to critical bodily functions like pain management, immune responses, and the reproductive system.
Because hemp-derived cannabinoids are so similar to the body's endocannabinoids, ECS receptors enable compounds like THC and CBD to interact with the body, potentially alleviating pain, inflammation, seizures, and stress.
In fact, a recent small-scale study suggests that CBD could play a role in regulating cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Elevated cortisol levels can influence various other hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormones and sex hormones. Elevated stress levels can also have a negative impact on fertility.
Therefore, activities that reduce cortisol levels may support a more balanced hormonal profile and improved fertility. Opting for CBD products derived from hemp can also provide an additional benefit by supplying essential omega fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid, which are known to contribute to overall hormone health.
But what about CBD’s specific impact on fertility? Let's take a deeper look:
Research suggests that CBD may be able to regulate various hormone functions via the Endocannabinoid System. Some research suggests that it may have a positive impact on fertility via these pathways.
For instance, a 2016 study detected cannabinoid receptors in spermatozoa. According to this research, the cannabinoid receptors in male and female reproductive tracts are responsible for activating the spermatozoa so that it can effectively penetrate the ovum and fertilize the egg.
If this is true, CBD might enhance sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, improve ovarian function, and support follicle maturation.
However, substantial evidence to support these claims is still lacking. Unfortunately, this limited study doesn't tell us everything we need to know about CBD and fertility, and there are some unknowns to consider.
It's possible that CBD may have a positive impact on fertility, but there's a reason why medical professionals are skeptical.
Marijuana research has highlighted its negative effects on fertility, including reduced ovulation and sperm count. Most of these negative effects are attributed to THC, however, and similar research on CBD is currently unavailable.
CBD does not interact with the Endocannabinoid System in the same manner as THC, however, so it is unlikely to have the same negative impact. Because CBD is generally recognized as safe and with very few side effects, it may pose a reasonable natural alternative for those struggling with fertility, and may even be useful alongside other fertility treatments.
Current classification of CBD as a supplement means there's little regulation, resulting in potentially misleading labels and inconsistent dosages. This is the primary risk when using CBD products, and it can be mediated by choosing a high quality brand that undergoes third party testing.
The risks of taking CBD are mild and CBD side effects are rare. Still, we don't have the complete picture about CBD and fertility, so it's crucial to involve your doctor in your decision to try CBD for fertility benefits.
When considering CBD usage, here are some recommendations:
If you’re wondering what to do after you get pregnant–meaning, is CBD safe for pregnancy–the science is limited. Many experts agree that there is no research that currently identifies any serious threat to the mother or the baby in utero. However, the Food and Drug Administration warns that CBD may not be safe for expecting mothers based on one animal study that shows a possible harmful relationship between very high doses of CBD and the development of the reproductive system in male fetuses.
On their website, the FDA states that “There is no comprehensive research studying the effects of CBD on the developing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed baby,” but that they are “continuing to collect and study the data on the possible harmful effects.”
In other words, CBD is not recommended for pregnant mothers mostly on the basis that research is lacking regarding the safety of CBD during pregnancy.
The risk only exists while actively using CBD, however. So, while CBD may not yet be recommended for therapeutic use during pregnancy, you can simply stop taking CBD when you learn that you have become pregnant.
CBD, derived from hemp, is an active compound in marijuana, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Its chemical structure resembles hormones in our body, potentially impacting fertility positively.
However, research on CBD's effects on fertility is limited, and caution is advised when using CBD supplements. Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements, especially if you're already trying standard fertility treatments.
If you want to learn more, you may want to read:
So, does CBD improve fertility? The jury is still out. As research progresses, we'll gain a deeper understanding of CBD's role in hormonal health. For now, you may want to work with your doctor to give CBD a shot. Just be sure to choose your CBD product wisely–Look for a product that’s made from high-quality, pesticide-free hemp material and that has been third party tested.
Vida Optima Vitality CBD products fit the bill. Our selection of CBD gummies, sublingual candies, and CBD oil is 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested to prove label accuracy.Comments will be approved before showing up.
