Menopause is a natural transition that most women experience between the ages of 45 and 55. It occurs 12 months after cessation of a woman’s final menstrual cycle; following this time period, a woman enters postmenopause. The stage leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, often begins in the early 40s (however may start in their 30s) and brings its own set of challenges. During this time, fluctuating hormones can disrupt sleep, mood, energy, and cognitive clarity, leaving many women feeling out of sync with their bodies and minds.
In fact, studies suggest that nearly 85% of women experience symptoms during menopause, varying in severity and type to include: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and decreased libido. As awareness grows, many women are seeking natural, evidence-informed strategies to support their well-being. Two emerging areas of interest are cannabinoids and functional mushrooms, which may complement traditional approaches and promote balance during this transitional period.
Understanding Hormonal Changes and the Endocannabinoid System
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause impact nearly every system in the body. Declining estrogen levels can lead to sleep disruptions, mood changes, brain fog, and decreased bone density. Interestingly, estrogen also interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological system that regulates balance across multiple physiological processes.
Research indicates that during menopause, cannabinoid receptor expression and endocannabinoids levels are altered. Therefore, the ECS may serve as a potential therapeutic target in preventing the effects of menopause-related diseases such as obesity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer-types. This is where phytocannabinoids from plants such as cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) (among others) may help to regulate the ECS.
How Cannabinoids May Help
Cannabinoids interact with ECS receptors throughout the body, influencing everything from mood and sleep to immune response and pain management. Here is a closer look at how they may support common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause:
Mood and Anxiety
CBD has been shown to modulate serotonin and GABA activity, neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and reducing anxiety. Many women report improvements in stress, irritability, and emotional instability during perimenopause after using CBD or balanced cannabinoid formulas.
Sleep and Night Sweats
THC can promote sleep and reduce nighttime disturbances, while CBD may help regulate sleep-wake cycles without sedation. While limited in research and mostly anecdotal to date, CBD has shown to have “significant and unexpected improvements” in excessive sweating. CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors may play a role in temperature regulation, which may also benefit hot flashes.
Muscle, Joint, and Bone Health
Several cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may ease joint and muscle pain. Some studies suggest that cannabinoids can even support bone health by preventing bone degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis. CBD specifically may aid in the repair of bone fractures and increase bone mass.
Cognitive Support
As estrogen declines, some women experience “brain fog” or mild cognitive changes. Cannabinoids’ antioxidant and neuroprotective effects may help preserve mental clarity and support overall brain function.
Gastrointestinal Health and Metabolism
CBD may reduce gut inflammation, improve immune response, and support metabolic balance. This may help manage weight fluctuations through the browning of white adipose tissue and prohibiting oxidative stress to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, often associated with menopause.
Sexual Health
Cannabinoids may help with vaginal discomfort, low libido, and painful intercourse by reducing spasms and enhancing relaxation. Products like topical creams and suppositories interact directly with female ECS receptors, bypassing metabolism and supporting local tissue health.
Functional Mushrooms for Hormonal and Emotional Balance
Functional mushrooms, long celebrated in traditional medicine, are gaining attention for their adaptogenic properties, which may help women navigate hormonal changes with more ease. Key mushrooms include:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi may support stress response, immune function, and sleep quality.
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Celebrated for neurotrophic effects, it may enhance cognition, memory, and mood.
- Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor): Rich in antioxidants and immune-supportive compounds, it may help reduce inflammation and promote gut health.
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Traditionally used to improve energy, stamina, and respiratory function, cordyceps may also support sexual and metabolic health.
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): High in antioxidants, chaga may protect against oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health.
Combining mushrooms with other wellness practices may promote resilience, emotional stability, and cognitive support during perimenopause and menopause.
A Natural Synergy: Cannabinoids Meet Functional Mushrooms
Many women are now exploring the combined benefits of cannabinoids, functional mushrooms, and other herbal supplements for holistic support. According to a leading brand in women’s wellness, Opal & Joy, their functional mushroom and cannabinoid blends are specifically formulated to support the female endocannabinoid and endocrine systems, offering potential benefits for mood, sleep, and hormonal balance.
The brand was born out of co-founder Tiffany Tompkins’ acute and difficult personal experience with early perimenopause symptoms—including severe sleep disruptions, anxiety, hot flashes, joint pain, and more—starting in her late thirties.
Having spent the last decade working in hemp and cannabis media, co-founder Melissa Zissou suggested Tiffany try CBD, which helped to alleviate the intensity of some of her symptoms. This led them to create a range of premium, clean and targeted sleep supplements that are clinically formulated using scientifically studied ingredients, including Ashwagandha, reishi, passionflower, full-spectrum CBD, the terpene linalool and more.
“Sleep is everything,” explains Tiffany, “when you don’t get enough sleep, all your symptoms are compounded. Studies show that up to 60% of women suffer from sleep disturbances during perimenopause. Our products are designed to help you get the deep, restorative sleep you need to show up for yourself.”
The synergy of cannabinoids, mushrooms, and herbal supplements may help regulate stress responses, inflammation, and nervous system function to promote better sleep and create a foundation for greater overall well-being during the menopausal transition. “Everything we do is about supporting your body’s natural rhythms through clean, plant-based solutions — no gimmicks, no hormone spikes, no synthetic junk,” says Tiffany.
“Our mission is to encourage women to be ‘Perimenoproud™’, which aligns with the idea that the transition is not a breakdown, but a time of empowerment and mid-life magic,” says Melissa. “Being Perimenoproud means embracing change, supporting each other, and demanding products, conversations and science that actually serves women.”
Tips for Getting Started
- Start low and go slow: Everyone responds differently; begin with small doses of cannabinoids or mushroom supplements.
- Track your symptoms: Note improvements in mood, sleep, and energy to find the right combination.
- Consult a professional: Speak with a qualified healthcare provider or our Care Team to individualize your therapy.
- Choose high-quality products: Look for third-party tested supplements and cannabinoid products from trusted sources.
Concluding Thoughts
Perimenopause and menopause are life stages that can bring significant challenges, but also opportunities for self-care and holistic wellness. Evidence suggests that cannabinoids and functional mushrooms may support hormone balance, mood, sleep, cognition, and overall vitality. By exploring these natural tools thoughtfully, women can find individualized strategies to thrive during this transition and embrace it as a new chapter of empowered living.
