The Cannabis Chronicles and Turning the Tide With Plant-Based Relief for Menopause
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 19
- 9 min read
Berta Kaguako is the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, a patient educational platform, that promotes plant medicine and a holostic healthcare approach. As a patient herself, Berta has made a remarkable transformation, using Cannabis Based Medical Products, to manage 7 diagnosis and 50+ symptoms. And now advocates for plant medicine.
A Patient's Journey with Cannabis-Based Medical Products. At EthVida, we value real stories for their ability to change perspectives and remove barriers. Today, we are honoured to interview Dr Michelle Nyangereka, a community member with firsthand experience using Cannabis-Based Medical Products (CBMPs) in her healthcare. Through her personal testimony, we will examine the challenges encountered within conventional healthcare systems, the pivotal moments that led her to consider medical cannabis, and the impact of a holistic approach on her quality of life.
This goes beyond a conversation. It sheds light on the reality behind the controversy and stigma. We hope her story provides clarity, connection, and inspiration for others in similar situations. Let’s step behind the veil and hear her journey in her own words.
What is menopause?
Before we can explore the benefits of cannabis-based medical products for menopause, it’s important to first understand what menopause is and the impact it has on one’s day-to-day life. Although menopause is a naturally occurring process for women, there is still very little understood about it—sadly, even by women themselves, as they generally only tend to research it when they start experiencing symptoms or when it has been established by their healthcare provider.
For many women, menopause can be a significant emotional and physical experience due to hormonal changes. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, with no other biological or medical reasons for this absence. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later. Menopause results from a natural decline in the production of oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation and fertility.
Stages of menopause
There are three main stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Perimenopause: The transition period before menopause, often starting in a woman’s 40s. At this stage, hormones begin to fluctuate, and in some cases, symptoms may start to present.
Menopause: Generally diagnosed after a one-year absence of menstruation.
Postmenopause: The years that follow, during which symptoms begin to decrease over time.
Signs and symptoms
Like all conditions, not every woman will experience menopause in the same way, and therefore, symptoms will vary. Menopause has a little over 50 symptoms; however, we will focus on the most commonly reported ones.
Symptoms include:
Irregular periods: One of the earliest signs. Your cycle may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter before it stops completely.
Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often intense, typically in the upper body. These may come with sweating and red or blotchy skin.
Night sweats: Hot flashes that happen while sleeping, often causing disturbed sleep and fatigue.
Mood changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or even depression due to hormone fluctuations.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often linked to night sweats or hormonal imbalance.
Vaginal dryness: Less oestrogen can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, causing discomfort or pain during sex.
Loss of libido: Changes in hormones and physical symptoms like dryness may reduce interest in sex.
Weight gain: Metabolism may slow down, making it easier to gain weight, particularly around the abdomen.
Brain fog (memory/concentration issues): Many women report forgetfulness or trouble focusing during this transition.
Thinning hair and dry skin: Hormonal changes can affect skin elasticity and hair volume.
To learn more about menopause and various coping strategies, please visit here.
Menopause and CBMPs
There are various studies that suggest more and more women are turning to cannabis for relief of symptoms, as a least evasive option to treat presenting symptoms of menopause. The most notable studies are: "Cannabis use for menopause in women aged 35 and over: a cross-sectional survey on usage patterns and perceptions in Alberta, Canada" and "A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and post-menopause." To learn more about these studies, please visit here.
These studies suggest that more women are turning to cannabis to manage symptoms of menopause and menstruation in general, particularly in women aged 35 and above. Women reported using cannabis predominantly to manage the following symptoms: sleep difficulties, anxiety, muscle/joint aches, irritability/mood swings, and low mood/depression.
Women reported significant relief from symptoms: “In current users, 74% indicated that cannabis was helpful for symptoms. Current cannabis users were more likely to report experiencing menopause symptoms compared with non-users.”¹
The Endocannabinoid system and menopause
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling network in the body that plays an important role in maintaining internal balance, or homeostasis. It regulates various functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain perception, memory, immune response, and temperature control. The ECS consists of three main components: endocannabinoids (natural compounds produced by the body), cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 in the brain and CB2 in the immune system), and enzymes that break down these compounds after they have performed their function.
When there is an imbalance in the body, such as stress, inflammation, or hormonal changes, the ECS helps to restore equilibrium. This system is also influenced by cannabis; plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD mimic or affect the body’s own endocannabinoids, which is why cannabis can have various effects on health and wellness, particularly during hormonally sensitive periods such as menopause.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates the following:
Mood
Sleep
Pain
Thermoregulation
Appetite
Hormonal balance
Oestrogen is known to help with the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, and low levels can lead to dysregulation of the ECS, resulting in symptoms such as:
Anxiety
Insomnia
Hot flashes
Cognitive changes
Mood swings
Interview
Background
Full Name: Dr Michelle Nyangereka
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Conditions: Perimenopause, glaucoma, and other autoimmune symptoms
Symptoms: Chronic pain and inflammation of the joints, muscle weakness, brain fog, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, hot flushes, hair loss
NHS Prescription: None (I was offered antidepressants every time I went to the GP)
Impact on day-to-day: At the worst of my symptoms, I would get up to get the kids ready for school, drop them off, and go back to bed until pick-up time. But it hurt to stand, sit, and even turn over in bed. For six months I was completely unable to write my thesis (2015). I isolated because I couldn’t go out, and I went from running two half marathons in a year to being unable to exercise, even restorative yoga hurt. I cried every day because I was in so much pain.
Daily living
Current Prescriptions: Medical cannabis and Timolol eye drops for glaucoma
How easy was it to obtain the medication?
I didn’t try to get a prescription on the NHS, as I knew there are a limited range of conditions for which they prescribe medical cannabis. I went straight to a private clinic that I had already been speaking to about cannabis to treat the impacts of peri/menopause, because they were one of the few clinics to recognise menopause as a treatable condition in its own right. We focused on chronic pain as my main symptom. After sharing my medical records with the clinic to make sure there were no contraindications for using medical cannabis, I had a 20-minute tele-consultation, and we were both satisfied that medical cannabis would bring me the relief I needed from my symptoms.
Did you ever experience any adverse reactions?
I didn’t experience any adverse reactions. In fact, the opportunity to have cannabis in a 1:1 ratio of CBD: THC is something that I really value because the high CBD content helps me feel calm and relaxed. Normally, the focus is high THC content, which is less beneficial for anxiety and often makes me feel jumpy and ungrounded.
What aspect of your care stood out?
I was believed. In a system that often gaslights women in midlife, especially Black women, that meant everything. In the past, every time I had been to the doctor about my symptoms (chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, etc.), I was offered antidepressants. I knew I wasn’t depressed; I was in pain and exhausted! Even though I was in my 40s when things started to get bad, at no time did the NHS GP mention perimenopause and how that might be the cause or impacting my existing symptoms.
Current Healthcare Regime
For me, cannabis is one part of a holistic approach to healing. I now eat an anti-inflammatory diet, take Liminal menopause supplements, have a dedicated spiritual practice as a Buddhist, enjoy the benefits of cold plunges and wild swimming, do yoga 4–6 times a week, sleep eight hours a night, spend time in nature, tree bathing like a forest hag, have regular therapy, and I am committed to my body’s natural rhythms. I’ve created a life where healing isn’t something I squeeze in; it's baked into my day (pun intended).
Impact on day-to-day (currently)
I have a better relationship with my body. I have built a life around listening to my body instead of fighting it. Today, most days I am pain-free. When symptoms flare up, I know what to look for, stress, poor sleep, or something in my environment. I have more energy, and for the first time in five years, I have taken on a part-time job outside the home alongside my private practice. I am excited to take on new projects, and I feel like me again.
“There was a time when my body felt like it had turned against me. Chronic joint pain, muscle weakness, brain fog, insomnia, mood swings, and fatigue were my new normal. At my lowest, I’d get the kids off to school and then crawl back into bed, barely able to stand, sit, or even turn over. For six months I couldn’t write a word of my thesis. I went from running half-marathons to being unable to do restorative yoga. I cried daily from the pain, and because I felt like I was dying.” – Michelle
Social circumstances
Any issues or concerns with regards to your treatment
Getting access was easy. But it’s not cheap. I spend double what I would on the illegal market. It should be priced like my NHS prescriptions, but we’re not there yet. I would like to have a more detailed discussion around all my symptoms, not just about pain, and to match my symptoms with specific chemovars to understand exactly what is working and how or why. The range of delivery options is also very limited. I want to use this plant topically, vaginally, on my hair and skin. Gummies contain sugar, which is pro-inflammatory, so they are out, and flower-only isn’t versatile enough for a condition that affects every inch of my body.
What has the support from your peers been like
No one has criticised or judged me. In fact, they often respond with curiosity. I think that’s because I am an advocate for CBMPs and know what I’m talking about. I expected the most judgement from my mum, but encouraged by my experience, she’s started using cannabis to manage her chronic pain and sleep disturbances from arthritis!
Are you engaging with any services in the NHS (National Health Services UK)? Or any other healthcare professional?
I have regular check-ups for my glaucoma, which has remained stable since using medical cannabis. I have weekly private therapy to help me process past traumas and manage current stressors, which exacerbate the impacts of perimenopause.
If yes, how has your experience with them been? Have they been accommodating of your prescription?
I haven’t discussed my medical cannabis prescription with any NHS medical professionals. I have spoken to my therapist about it, though. Prior to getting my prescription, we talked about dependency, as my kids have struggled with it. I realised that cannabis was managing my menopause symptoms, which was why it was difficult to stop, my symptoms would come back. My therapist didn’t judge my usage; we remained curious about it and monitored it instead, to make sure I wasn’t misusing cannabis.
Any message or feedback you would like to share with people who are cannabis-naïve and either sceptical or curious about cannabis as medicine?
I would say do some research. Ask questions from experts or reputable sources specific to cannabis, don’t just rely on assumptions, good or bad. It’s a very versatile plant, and one size doesn’t fit all.
“When/if you decide to take it—go low and slow, and stop when you get to where you want to go!” – Michelle
Conclusion
This patient’s experience highlights the significance of advocacy, education, and access. Their story illustrates the potential benefits of Cannabis-Based Medical Products and the need for a healthcare system that adapts to patient needs. Based on Michelle’s experience, it is clear that more research is needed around the benefits of cannabis on various physiological conditions, including menopause.
At EthVida, we are proud to amplify voices like theirs, voices that challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue, and pave the way for a more compassionate, patient-led future. To those navigating similar paths, know that you're not alone. We're here to support, signpost, and stand with you every step of the way.
Stay connected, stay informed, and continue the conversation here.
Read more from Berta Kaguako
Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant
Berta Kaguako is a Health and Social Care Consultant, with an Undergraduate in Psychotherapy and Masters in Psychoanalysis. Berta’s background is in Mental Health, Substance Misuse and Children & Families: in both a therapeutic and senior management capacity, having won 3x Blooming Strong Awards (Recognition from UN for contribution to violence against Women).
Berta is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, and independently runs the wellbeing service / educational platform.
References:
1. Cannabis use for menopause in women aged 35 and over: a cross-sectional survey on usage patterns and perceptions in Alberta, Canada, June 2023
Cannabis Use for Menopause in Women Aged 35 and Over: A Cross-Sectional Survey
More Evidence Needed to Support Cannabis Use for Menopause Symptoms – Healio
University of Alberta: Women Are Turning to Cannabis to Treat Menopause Symptoms
Can Cannabis Help Menopause-Related Symptoms? – Feisty Menopause
A Survey of Medical Cannabis Use During Perimenopause and Post-Menopause – Menopause Journal
