Psychedelics for Women’s Health
Preliminary findings on the use of psychedelics for women’s health are encouraging. From libido, body image and disordered eating to regulating the menstrual cycle, psychedelic assisted therapy is helping women find relief and warrants more research. For mental health, psychedelic assisted therapy is being used successfully for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychedelics reduce inflammation in both the body and brain which may be why the results appear to be far-reaching.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, has been the subject of much research in recent years. Studies have found that psilocybin can have a range of positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of addiction, depression and anxiety. But psilocybin may also have positive effects on body image and libido, two important aspects of sexual health.
Body Image
Body image is a complex issue that affects many people, particularly women. Poor body image can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that psilocybin may improve body image perception in women.
The study involved 10 women who received a high dose of psilocybin in a controlled setting. The women reported feeling more connected to their bodies and a greater sense of acceptance of their physical selves. The researchers believe that psilocybin may have a therapeutic effect on body image perception, which could be particularly beneficial for women who struggle with poor body image.
Libido
Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Many factors can affect libido, including stress, anxiety, and relationship issues. Psilocybin may have positive effects on libido by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing feelings of connection and intimacy.
In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that psilocybin may increase sexual desire and arousal in women. The study involved 20 women who received a moderate dose of psilocybin in a controlled setting. The women reported feeling more connected to their partners and more in touch with their own bodies. They also reported experiencing more intense and pleasurable orgasms.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of psilocybin on libido, these early findings suggest that it may have a positive impact on sexual health for women.
Regulating the Menstrual Cycle
The mechanism of action includes the hypothalamic-pituitary (HPA) axis and neurotransmitters receptors in the brain. Severe pain during menstruation is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The first line treatment for both PMS and PMDD is antidepressants however many women want other solutions because of the side-effects of these drugs.
Microdosing psilocybin may be it. There are reports of less severe cramps, fever headaches, better mood and lighter cycles from women who microdose regularly. Sex hormones are affected by the HPA-axis which is regulated by chemical messengers like dopamine, gaba and serotonin. Psilocybin is a proven a breakthrough therapy for depression.
Conclusion
Psilocybin is a promising area of research for a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. But the potential benefits of psilocybin may extend beyond mental health to include body image and libido. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of psilocybin on these areas, the early findings are promising and suggest that psilocybin could be an important tool for improving sexual health for women.
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