Every woman’s experience is different, and while hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been a go-to treatment, it’s not suitable or appealing for everyone. Concerns about side effects, contraindications, or simply wanting alternatives have many women looking elsewhere. Increasingly, that search leads to medicinal cannabis.
What Research Shows So Far
Cannabis for menopause is a new frontier, and hard evidence is still limited. To date, there have been no large clinical trials specifically testing cannabis as a treatment for menopause symptoms. That means doctors don’t yet have definitive answers on efficacy, optimal dosing, or safety for this specific use. However, early research and surveys provide some insights.
A Harvard-led study found nearly 80% of midlife women who used cannabis reported it helped with sleep or mood disturbances. In Canada, a 2023 survey showed one in three women over 35 were cannabis users, and that most were using it for medical reasons like sleep issues (65%), anxiety and mood (45%), or joint pain and muscular aches (33%). Encouragingly, almost three-quarters said cannabis was helpful for their symptoms.
These findings align with what we know biologically. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and temperature; areas directly affected during menopause. That said, there are no large clinical trials yet, so evidence remains limited.
Here in Australia, research is starting to close that gap. Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute and industry partner Cannim have launched the MenoCann study to explore medicinal cannabis for menopause symptoms. 60 women aged 45–65 will be prescribed medicinal cannabis for six months. The primary goal is to see if cannabis can improve sleep quality, with secondary measures including anxiety levels, frequency of hot flushes, mood/depression, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
Astrid Health works with NICM on clinical trials for endometriosis, and supports their expansion into menopause research. Results from MenoCann will provide much-needed clarity for women and doctors alike.
Barriers and Stigma
Despite the growing interest, access to medicinal cannabis isn’t straightforward. Women are less likely than men to receive a medicinal cannabis prescription, and many don’t feel comfortable telling their doctors they use it. In one Canadian survey, most women consulted had not discussed their cannabis use with their healthcare providers. Cost is also often mentioned as a barrier for women seeking cannabis care. Because of these barriers, a concerning trend is that some women turn to illegal or unregulated markets to obtain cannabis, risking products with no quality control or dosing guidance. Others rely on friends or the internet for information, which isn’t always reliable.
Reducing stigma is essential. Whether someone is personally for or against cannabis, the reality is women are already using it. It’s crucial to bring these conversations into the clinic, where risks and benefits can be weighed alongside other treatments.
How Do Medical Professionals Feel About It?
From a medical standpoint, the emerging theme is cautious optimism. On one hand, there’s hope that cannabis might offer relief for menopause symptoms. After all, many women are finding it helpful and some doctors see potential. On the other hand, there’s resistance because of the lack of formal study.
Advocates argue that menopause care shouldn’t be limited to a single approach. Melanie Wentzel, who is involved in the NICM/Cannim study, remarked that it shouldn’t be “HRT or the highway” when it comes to menopause treatment. Women deserve to explore and understand all options, including medicinal cannabis, and make informed decisions about what works for them.
Cannabis shows promise for menopause symptoms, but experts emphasise it should be part of a broader plan, not a replacement for proven therapies like HRT. A balanced approach might mean combining conventional treatments with lifestyle changes, counselling, or, where appropriate, medicinal cannabis.
Looking Forward
Menopause is personal, and women deserve options. Cannabis may not yet be a mainstream recommendation, but ongoing research like MenoCann is an important step toward understanding where it fits.
This Menopause Awareness Month, Astrid Health is proud to support a more open, informed conversation about symptom relief. Women shouldn’t have to navigate menopause in silence. Whether relief comes from HRT, counselling, or emerging therapies like cannabis, the goal is the same: better support, better health, and a better quality of life.
If you or someone you love is going through menopause, know that you’re not alone and that many avenues for relief, old and new, are being explored. Always consult with healthcare professionals when trying a new therapy, and stay tuned as science catches up with women’s real-life experiences.
If you’re looking to explore integrative and holistic treatment options, book a free call with one of our friendly nurses today.
