CBD is very popular and claims to aid in a multitude of symptoms, but does CBD increase estrogen, particularly in women? Let’s find out how CBD can interact with hormones in women!
After 40, hormonal regulation becomes less forgiving, and small imbalances can ripple through sleep, mood, weight, and energy. Many of us turn to natural alternatives like CBD to ease symptoms, but questions inevitably arise about how these compounds interact with our changing hormones
Let’s explore the relationship between CBD and estrogen—separating fact from fiction with evidence-based insights.
Understanding CBD and Hormonal Balance
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce intoxicating effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking relief without the “high” associated with marijuana use. Many women in my practice use CBD for joint pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
This compound works primarily by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that helps maintain internal balance. The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, including areas that influence hormone production.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Hormone Regulation
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance within our bodies. This system, which has been part of human biology for approximately 600 million years, influences the endocrine system—the collection of glands that produce hormones regulating metabolism, growth, sexual function, and mood.
The ECS helps regulate the activity of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and other endocrine glands that control the production of various hormones including estrogen. Through its interaction with ECS receptors, CBD may indirectly influence how these hormones are produced and regulated in the body.
CBD’s Potential Effects on Estrogen Levels
Interaction with Aromatase Enzyme
One way CBD might affect estrogen production is through its interaction with aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. Some studies suggest CBD may act similarly to aromatase inhibitors, potentially reducing the conversion process.
This doesn’t necessarily mean CBD decreases overall estrogen levels—the relationship is more complex. The body’s response depends on individual factors like age, existing hormone levels, and overall health status.
Studies on CBD and Estrogen Regulation
Research on CBD’s specific effects on estrogen remains limited, with most evidence coming from animal studies rather than human studies. A recent study suggested CBD might influence estrogen receptors, but didn’t demonstrate a direct effect on estrogen production.
According to research cited by Leafwell, CBD appears to have adaptogenic properties—potentially helping to normalize hormone levels rather than uniformly increasing or decreasing them. This could explain why some women report improvements in hormonal imbalances when using CBD products.
Of note, chronic, frequent marijuana use in males has been associated with the development of gynecomastia, or benign enlargement of breast tissue. This effect is thought to occur due to marijuana’s influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, where cannabinoids—particularly THC—may suppress testosterone production and alter the normal balance between androgens and estrogens. When testosterone levels decline or estrogen activity becomes relatively more dominant, breast tissue can proliferate, leading to gynecomastia over time.
Importantly, this association has been observed primarily with heavy, long-term THC exposure, rather than occasional or low-dose use, and does not appear to occur uniformly in all users. Individual susceptibility, duration of use, dose, body fat composition, and baseline hormone levels all influence risk.
Implications for Women’s Health
CBD and Menopause Symptoms
For post-menopausal women, the dramatic decline in estrogen can trigger uncomfortable symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Many women seek alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy due to concerns about associated risks (however the risk level assessment is shifting for hormone replacement therapy- and rightfully so- here’s a recent post I did on some of the benefits of bio HRT).
CBD may offer relief for some menopausal symptoms by:
- Supporting mood regulation through interaction with serotonin receptors
- Potentially improving sleep quality
- Helping manage stress response
- Reducing inflammation associated with joint pain
CBD does not function like estrogen, phytoestrogens, or hormone replacement therapy directly. Instead, its effects—when present—appear to occur upstream, by influencing signaling pathways (such as stress response, inflammation, and receptor sensitivity) that indirectly affect hormonal balance.
However, it’s important to note that CBD is not a replacement for medical treatments, and its effects vary significantly between individuals. Please discuss any changes you are thinking of making with your healthcare provider first.
Addressing PMS and Hormonal Imbalances
Throughout the reproductive years, many women experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance during their menstrual cycle, including irritability, bloating, and menstrual cramps. The endocannabinoid system is known to fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, suggesting a connection to these symptoms.
CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties and interaction with the ECS might help address some of these issues. Some women report that CBD oil helps manage hormonal fluctuations and associated discomforts, though clinical studies specifically examining this application remain limited.
If you’re new to this topic, you can start with my complete Lifestyle & Nutrition guide for perimenopause. This guide will walk you through all you need to know to support healthy hormones!
Stress- Estrogen Cross Talk
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can suppress ovarian progesterone production and alter estrogen metabolism—contributing to symptoms often labeled as “estrogen dominance,” even when estrogen levels are declining overall.
Because the endocannabinoid system plays a role in stress modulation, CBD’s perceived hormonal benefits may be more accurately explained by improved stress resilience rather than direct estrogen effects.
To learn more about estrogen dominance and the symptoms of perimenopause that relate to stress, check out my guide on perimenopause symptoms- Perimenopause Symptoms- A Doctor’s Guide to Relief!
Safety and Efficacy of CBD for Hormonal Issues
Current Research and Findings
Current research on CBD and hormonal health shows promise but lacks definitive conclusions so far. Most studies examining CBD’s impact on hormones have been conducted on animals or in laboratories using breast cancer cell lines, with limited human studies available.
What we do know is that the endocannabinoid system influences various hormones beyond estrogen, including:
- Cortisol levels (stress hormone)
- Testosterone levels
- Follicle-stimulating hormone
- Insulin and other hormones affecting blood sugar levels
The long-term effects of chronic use of CBD on hormone regulation remain largely unknown, highlighting the need for more comprehensive research.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals Before Use
Before incorporating CBD into your routine for hormonal concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential.
This is particularly important if you:
- Have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions
- Take medications that might interact with CBD
- Have concerns about blood pressure, blood clots, or heart disease
- Are considering CBD as an alternative to prescribed treatment options
Your doctor can help determine if CBD might be beneficial for your specific situation and can recommend appropriate dosages and high-quality products.
Conclusion
Does CBD increase estrogen? The definitive answer is that we don’t yet have one. While CBD appears to interact with systems that regulate hormones, including estrogen, current evidence doesn’t suggest it directly increases estrogen levels in most cases. Still, there is the impact that you see in men with breast development, which points to some effects.
For women experiencing hormonal imbalances, particularly during menopause, CBD may offer supportive benefits by helping to regulate the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in hormone balance. However, it’s not a magic bullet, and should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach that might include lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and appropriate medical care.
As research continues to evolve, we’ll gain clearer insights into how CBD affects female hormones. Until then, approach with cautious optimism, quality information, and professional guidance.
Remember that each woman’s body responds differently to supplements, and what works wonderfully for one person may not have the same effect for another. Listen to your body and work with knowledgeable healthcare providers to find the best approach for your unique hormonal health picture.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD and Estrogen
Does CBD increase estrogen levels?
Current evidence does not show that CBD directly increases estrogen levels. CBD does not act like estrogen or hormone replacement therapy. Instead, it appears to influence systems that regulate hormones indirectly—such as stress response, inflammation, and nervous system signaling.
Any perceived hormonal benefits are more likely due to improved regulation of these upstream systems rather than a direct increase in estrogen production.
Can CBD lower estrogen or act like an aromatase inhibitor?
Some laboratory and animal studies suggest CBD may interact with the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen. However, this does not mean CBD functions as a clinically meaningful aromatase inhibitor in humans.
At typical supplement doses, there is no strong evidence that CBD significantly lowers estrogen levels in women. Human data is limited, and responses appear to vary based on individual physiology.
Is CBD safe to use during perimenopause or menopause?
For many women, CBD appears to be well tolerated, but safety depends on individual factors. CBD may be helpful for symptoms commonly experienced during perimenopause and menopause—such as sleep disruption, anxiety, joint discomfort, or stress—but it is not a treatment for hormone deficiency.
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions should always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Can I use CBD if I’m on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
CBD can interact with liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) that metabolize many medications, including some forms of hormone therapy. This means CBD may alter how your body processes estrogen or progesterone, potentially changing their effects.
If you are using HRT—especially oral estrogen or progesterone—it’s important to discuss CBD use with your healthcare provider and monitor symptoms closely.
Does CBD help with hot flashes or night sweats?
There is no high-quality clinical evidence showing that CBD directly reduces hot flashes or night sweats. However, some women report indirect benefits due to improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, or better stress regulation.
Hot flashes are primarily driven by changes in estrogen signaling at the hypothalamus, and CBD does not replace estrogen or correct that mechanism directly.
Can CBD help with PMS or hormonal mood swings?
Some women find CBD helpful for irritability, tension, or menstrual discomfort. This may be related to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which fluctuates across the menstrual cycle and plays a role in pain perception, mood regulation, and inflammation.
That said, clinical studies specifically examining CBD for PMS or PMDD are limited, and results can vary widely.
Is CBD considered a phytoestrogen?
No. CBD is not a phytoestrogen and does not bind to estrogen receptors in the same way plant-based estrogens (such as soy isoflavones or red clover) do.
Its effects—when present—are indirect and mediated through nervous system and inflammatory pathways rather than direct estrogen receptor activation.
Could CBD affect estrogen metabolism or detoxification?
Possibly, but evidence is limited. Estrogen is metabolized through the liver and gut, and chronic inflammation or stress can disrupt this process. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may theoretically support healthier estrogen metabolism, but this has not been proven in human studies.
CBD should not be relied upon as a detoxification strategy for estrogen.
Are there long-term risks of using CBD for hormonal health?
Long-term data on chronic CBD use—especially in midlife women—is still lacking. Most studies focus on short-term use, higher pharmaceutical doses, or non-hormonal outcomes.
This uncertainty reinforces the importance of using CBD thoughtfully, choosing high-quality products, avoiding excessive doses, and reassessing regularly with a healthcare provider.
What’s the best way to approach CBD if I’m concerned about hormones?
CBD is best viewed as a supportive tool, not a hormonal treatment. If you choose to try it:
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Start with a low dose
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Monitor symptoms carefully
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Avoid replacing prescribed treatments without medical guidance
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Address foundational factors like sleep, stress, nutrition, and movement
Hormonal health after 40 is multifactorial—and no single supplement can do it all.
You May Also Like:
Estrogen and Sleep: What Every Woman Needs to Know!
Estrogen Dominance and Gut Health: How to Heal Both Naturally
Ultimate Guide:Top 5 Picks for your Perimenopause Supplement Stack
Dr. Shelley Meyer is a board-certified family physician and Institute of Functional Medicine-certified functional medicine physician, as well as a Registered Dietitian. She is passionate about helping women navigate the roller coaster of perimenopause and postmenopause. She has her own Functional Medicine Practice in Denver, Colorado.
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