Hormonal imbalance is one of the most under-recognized drivers of modern chronic disease. Whether you’re experiencing stress, sleeplessness, reproductive challenges, or metabolic conditions like obesity or diabetes, your hormonal systems are involved. But what if the key to restoring balance lay not in your hormone glands themselves, but in the larger system that regulates them? That system is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a master homeostatic regulator that influences nearly every endocrine axis in the body.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps regulate your hormones, acting as a balancing system for your body’s response to stress. It consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors found on cell membranes throughout the body, and enzymes that manage these components. This system plays a key role in how hormones are released, and how the body maintains systemic homeostasis. The elements of the endocannabinoid system are present in the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, and testes, which means the ECS has the potential to modulate hormonal activity at every level (Hill & Tasker, 2012).
Stress and the HPA Axis: Regulating Cortisol with Cannabinoids
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs cortisol release. CB1 receptor activation in the brain can suppress HPA activity, helping to dampen the stress response. When cannabinoids activate the CB1 receptors, they can reduce the overproduction of cortisol, our primary stress hormone. (Hill & Tasker, 2012).
Patient Spotlight: Maria, a 48-year-old teacher navigating menopause, faced challenges with chronic stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Seeking relief, she turned to Bloom Hemp CBD Products. She began using Bloom Hemp Essentials Calming Tincture (a blend of CBD, CBN, lavender, hops, california poppy and lemon balm), starting with half a dropper after dinner and before bed, as well as Bloom Hemp’s Full Spectrum Softgels (25mg CBD with 1mg THC) after dinner. Within just two weeks, Maria experienced deeper, more restful sleep and a noticeable reduction in nighttime hot flashes.
Reproductive Hormones and Fertility Support
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a critical role in regulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn influences key hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, impacting both ovulation and implantation. Estrogen and progesterone, in turn, modulate the tone of the ECS, creating a dynamic interplay. In women, anandamide levels vary across the menstrual cycle, reflecting these hormonal shifts (Lemoine, 2020). In men, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in reproductive health by influencing testosterone production and sperm viability. As highlighted by Milanian et al. (2025), endogenous cannabinoids are key regulators of reproductive hormones, spermatogenesis, sperm motility, maturation, and overall function. This underscores the central importance of the ECS in maintaining male fertility.
Patient Spotlight: Jamie, a 35-year-old managing polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), had been trying to conceive with her partner while navigating challenges like insulin resistance and androgen excess. Seeking to improve her gut health and hormonal balance, she turned to Bloom Hemp Essentials Digestive Tincture—a thoughtful blend of CBD, CBG, coriander, cumin, fennel, and trace amounts of THC. Additionally, she incorporated Bloom Hemp Advanced Immunity Softgels, which combine CBD, CBG, CBDA, and CBGA, into her daily routine, taking them twice a day. She also purchased a dispensary 1:1 oil made up of equal parts CBD and THC for night time anxiety to promote the relaxation response and help her to get good quality sleep when she was anxious about conceiving. This potent combination transformed her well-being, alleviating anxiety, improving sleep, and enhancing digestion. It also soothed bloating, regulated her menstrual cycle, and boosted essential metabolic markers.
Thyroid Function: Emerging Research and ECS Modulation – CB1 receptors are also present in the thyroid gland, an important organ responsible for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance within the body. While human studies exploring the relationship between CB1 receptors and thyroid function remain limited, preclinical research has provided some insights. Findings suggest that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may influence the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and subsequently affect downstream thyroid hormones, which play a critical role in numerous physiological processes. This early research opens the door for further investigation into how ECS activity may impact thyroid health (hypo/hyper) and overall endocrine function (Cannakeys).
Patient Spotlight: Erica, 42, who lives with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, integrated Bloom Hemp Essentials Recovery Tincture (a blend of CBD, CBG, turmeric, ginger, black cumin, and trace amounts of THC), Immunity Softgels (featuring CBD, CBG, CBDA, and CBGA), and the Bloom Hemp Muscle and Joint Cream into her daily routine to manage persistent joint pain and muscle aches. When she has trouble sleeping because of the pain she includes a nighttime gummy from the dispensary that has 5mgs each of CBD, THC and CBN. Since making these changes, she has experienced significant benefits, including reduced joint discomfort, increased energy, and better support during flare-ups.
Metabolic Health, Obesity & Diabetes – The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays a key role in regulating metabolism, appetite, and energy homeostasis, which are crucial factors in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Overactivation of the ECS—particularly CB1 receptor signaling in peripheral tissues—is linked to increased appetite, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and fat accumulation (Di Marzo, 2008). Leptin, a hormone involved in satiety, can downregulate ECS activity, forming a feedback loop that influences hunger and energy balance. Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may support metabolic health by promoting the browning of white adipose tissue and reducing inflammation, while CB1 antagonists such as tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) have shown potential to decrease insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance (Silvestri et al., 2015; Wargent et al., 2013).
In May 2024, Bloom Hemp CBD teamed up with the MoreBetter Releaf App and The Cannigma to study the effects of the Bloom Hemp Advanced Focus Tincture. Participants tracked their focus, energy, and mood for 7 days without the tincture, then for 21 days while using it. The study found significant improvements in energy, concentration, stress management, and mood. Participants reported a productivity boost, gaining over two extra hours of efficiency daily. The tincture also impacted appetite and weight management, with 51.9% experiencing reduced appetite and 24.1% reporting weight loss (Bloom Hemp).
Bloom Hemp Advanced Focus Tincture is a USDA Organic, full-spectrum blend featuring a unique 6:1:1 ratio of CBD (1200mg), CBG (200mg), and THCV (200mg) plus Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Yerba Mate plus energizing terpenes. This tincture is designed to be non-impairing, providing balanced energy, improved cognition, reduced appetite, and enhanced metabolic function. The study results speak for themselves, showing how it can help Americans boost energy and productivity for a more balanced and fulfilling daily life. At a time when the national conversation includes GLP-1 medications, perhaps a softer approach to metabolic health can include cannabinoid care. Read the full report HERE. Dr. Codi Petersen, a pharmacist and the Chief Science Officer of The Cannigma joined us on the Green Nurse Podcast to share his expert insights into the Bloom Hemp CBD Focus Study which can be watched HERE
Hormonal Feedback Loops and ECS Crosstalk – The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) does not function in isolation; rather, it interacts dynamically with the entire hormonal system. It is both modulated by and modulates hormonal fluctuations through feedback loops. For instance, higher levels of estrogen have been shown to suppress the enzyme FAAH, which breaks down anandamide (AEA), thereby increasing circulating AEA levels—particularly at ovulation when estrogen peaks. This rise in anandamide enhances ECS tone and may contribute to why many women report increased sensitivity to cannabis during that phase of the menstrual cycle (Hillard, 2019; Russo, 2016). This illustrates the nuanced and reciprocal relationship between the ECS and estrogen, reinforcing how subtle hormonal changes can alter the body’s response to endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
In summary, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) serves as the silent conductor of the body’s hormonal symphony, regulating everything from stress responses to the intricate balance of reproductive cycles and metabolic signals. Cannabinoids offer a natural and effective way to help restore these vital rhythms. With professional guidance from Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse, along with premium products from Bloom Hemp CBD, individuals can take meaningful steps toward achieving balance and harmony—naturally and holistically.
Nurse Sherri was recently featured on Dee Davidson’s podcast, *Confidently Balance Your Hormones*, where she discussed Hormone Health and the Endocannabinoid System. You can listen to that invigorating episode HERE.
With you on the journey,
Sherri Mack BSN, RN & Elisabeth Mack MBA, BSN, RN
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References
- Bloom Hemp. Focus Study: Bloom Hemp Advanced Focus Tincture.
- CannaKeys. THC & CBD for hypothyroidism.
- Cristino L, Becker T, Di Marzo V. Endocannabinoids and energy homeostasis: an update. Biofactors. 2014 Jul-Aug;40(4):389-97. doi: 10.1002/biof.1168. Epub 2014 Apr 21. PMID: 24752980.
- Di Marzo, V. (2008). The endocannabinoid system in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia, 51(8), 1356–1367.
- Hill, M. N., & Tasker, J. G. (2012). Endocannabinoid signaling, glucocorticoid-mediated negative feedback, and regulation of the HPA axis. Neuroscience, 204, 5–16.
- Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoids and the Endocrine System in Health and Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:317-39. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11. PMID: 26408166; PMCID: PMC6813821.
- Lemoine, H. (2020). The endocannabinoid system: Effects of cannabis on female reproduction. Online Scientific Research.
- Milanian, S., et al. (2025). A review of cellular and molecular interactions between endocannabinoids and male fertility: Balancing beneficial and detrimental effects. Life Sciences, 327, 124785.
- Russo, E. B. (2016). Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency reconsidered: Current research supports the theory in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, and other treatment-resistant syndromes. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1(1), 154–165.
- Silvestri, C., Paris, D., Martella, A., Melck, D., Guadagnino, I., & Di Marzo, V. (2015). Two non-psychoactive cannabinoids reduce intracellular lipid levels and inhibit hepatosteatosis. Journal of Hepatology, 62(6), 1382–1390.
- Wargent, E. T., Zaibi, M. S., Silvestri, C., et al. (2013). The cannabinoid Δ⁹-THCV has anti-obesity activity and improves insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity. Nutrition & Diabetes, 3(5), e68.
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