Adults only (18+)

This article explores how Cannabidiol (CBD) is being studied for its potential role in hormone balance, with emphasis on the endocrine system, early research findings, mechanisms, safety issues and realistic expectations for UK audiences. It is intended for adults curious about hormonal health, practitioners interested in complementary wellness approaches, and anyone wanting an informed overview not a promotion of unapproved claims.

Understanding hormones, the endocrine system and why CBD is under investigation

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. They regulate processes including metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood and the body’s response to stress.

Hormonal balance means these systems are working in harmony; when they are not, symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, disrupted sleep, irregular periods or menopausal symptoms may arise. Given that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) which in turn is linked to many regulatory processes including the endocrine system it is perhaps unsurprising that scientists are exploring whether CBD might influence hormone regulation and endocrine stability.

Mechanisms by which CBD might influence hormone balance

Although the research is still very early, several mechanistic pathways suggest CBD could interact with hormonal systems. The ECS includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found throughout the body, including in endocrine-related tissues. CBD modulates these receptors indirectly and influences other signalling systems such as serotonin receptors, GABA receptors and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) pathways, all of which can affect endocrine and metabolic signalling.

For instance, CBD has been shown in laboratory and animal models to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulate stress hormone levels and influence metabolic regulation, which are all relevant to hormone balance.

One human study found that CBD altered levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and growth hormone in healthy volunteers.  In animal models, for example an estrogen-deficient mouse model mimicking post-menopausal conditions, CBD was shown to improve metabolic parameters, bone density and inflammation markers.  All of this suggests plausible biological links between CBD use and hormone-related systems but plausibility does not equate to proven clinical outcomes.

What early studies in humans and animals show

Studies exploring CBD and hormone balance are scarce, particularly human clinical trials focused on hormone outcomes, but some interesting preliminary findings have emerged.

One of the earliest human studies (1993) looked at eleven healthy male volunteers given cannabidiol and measured plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol. It found modest changes in these hormones, though the study size was very small and terminology outdated.

In a pre-clinical animal study at Rutgers University, researchers fed estrogen-deficient mice a diet supplemented with CBD and found that compared to untreated estrogen-deficient mice the CBD group showed better glucose disposal, higher energy burning, reduced tissue inflammation and improved bone density.  Although this is an animal model (not humans), it raises the possibility that CBD could influence oestrogen-related pathways or downstream metabolic/hormonal effects in a low-oestrogen state.

An overview article pointed out that because the ECS and endocrine systems are linked, CBD may influence hormones such as insulin, cortisol and melatonin; but that the research remains very limited and largely anecdotal. 

Another review of cannabinoid impacts on reproductive and endocrine function (2025) noted that while THC has been studied more extensively, research on CBD’s specific endocrine effects is still very limited. 

What this all means is that there is some early evidence particularly in animal or cell models  of CBD influencing hormonal or endocrine pathways. There is very limited direct high-quality human data, especially for clinically meaningful hormone imbalances (for example polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid dysfunction or menopause symptoms).

Potential areas of interest: menstrual health, menopause and metabolic hormones

One area where CBD use is frequently discussed (albeit mostly in the wellness market rather than strong clinical evidence) is in women’s hormonal health: menstrual cycle symptoms, menopause, mood swings, hot flashes, and bone health. The animal study described earlier suggests possible benefit in low-oestrogen states (menopause model) but human evidence is still sparse. In the context of menopause, it is theorised that declining oestrogen may affect the ECS, and therefore CBD use might influence symptoms of menopause via ECS modulation. 

Another hormone of interest is cortisol, the body’s principal stress hormone. Given CBD’s known calming effects and interactions with stress response systems, it is plausible that CBD might help regulate cortisol in chronically stressed individuals, which in turn could impact downstream hormone-related systems (such as insulin, sex hormones or thyroid). Some wellness commentary suggests CBD might support sleep-hormone (melatonin) balance via indirect ECS effects

Limitations and major gaps in the evidence

While the mechanisms and early data are intriguing, there are key limitations and unresolved questions about CBD and hormone balance. The human clinical research is very small in scale, often uncontrolled, and rarely focused on defined hormone-imbalance conditions. Many studies just observe hormone changes rather than linking them to meaningful clinical outcomes. Animal studies do not always translate to humans.

Dosing, product quality and duration of use in these studies vary widely and are often not representative of real-world consumer use. Also, hormone systems are complex and influenced by many factors (diet, sleep, stress, genetics, underlying disease) so isolating a single effect of CBD is challenging. Importantly, hormones fluctuate naturally and the measurement of changes needs rigorous controls, which many CBD studies lack. Some reviews caution that product claims around CBD for hormonal health are ahead of the evidence. 

Safety, regulatory and practical considerations in the UK context

In the UK, CBD products sold over-the-counter are regulated as food supplements (unless specified as medicinal products) and are not licensed for the treatment of hormone imbalances. That means any hormone-related claims are unapproved and should be treated cautiously. Individuals with known endocrine disorders (such as thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome) or taking hormone therapies (contraceptives, HRT) should consult a healthcare professional before using CBD, because of potential interactions and because alterations in hormone levels may carry risks.

CBD may influence liver enzyme systems (cytochrome P450) which can alter the metabolism of other medications, including hormone therapies. While CBD is generally well tolerated, the long-term impact of chronic use on hormone systems is not yet known. It is also important to ensure product quality look for third-party lab-tested products, minimal THC content, correct dosing and clear labelling.

Practical advice for those considering CBD for hormone-related wellness

If you are considering using CBD with the aim of supporting hormone balance, here are some sensible guidelines. First, recognise that the evidence is still very early and that CBD should not replace standard medical care for hormone disorders. Establish a clear diagnosis of any underlying hormone condition with a healthcare professional. Begin with a low dose of a high-quality CBD product, monitor how you feel, track symptoms (e.g., menstrual regularity, mood, sleep, metabolic markers) and consider keeping a diary.

Use CBD as part of a broader wellness strategy that includes adequate sleep, stress management, balanced diet, regular exercise and appropriate medical support. Be alert for any changes in your hormone treatment, menstrual cycle, mood or metabolism and report these to your clinician. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on hormone therapy (such as HRT or contraception) or have a serious endocrine disorder, you should not self-medicate with CBD without medical supervision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, early studies suggest that CBD may influence hormone-related pathways by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, modulating stress hormones, influencing metabolic and inflammatory signals, and possibly affecting oestrogen-deficient states in animal models. These findings suggest there is scientific plausibility and early interest in CBD’s role in hormone balance but the human clinical evidence is very limited and not yet sufficient to support strong claims.

For UK audiences, CBD should be approached as a complementary wellness option rather than a therapeutic solution for hormone disorders. Quality, safety, professional guidance and realistic expectation remain essential. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine how CBD affects hormonal systems in humans, what doses are effective, and in which specific hormone-imbalance conditions.