What’s The Dose of CBD Oil For Osteoporosis?

The key is to start low and go slow.

As yet, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for CBD use. CBD oil can come in many different strengths. As products vary greatly, it’s important to read the label of the specific product you are using.

When it comes to managing osteoporosis, the benefits will take several months before any change is noticed. We recommend starting with a moderate dosage (based on your weight using our CBD oil calculator below).

If you experience side-effects (more on this later), reduce the dose until they disappear.

CBD Oil Dosage Calculator

Is CBD Oil Safe?

CBD is safe, even at high doses — but there are a few exceptions to be aware of.

According to the WHO, CBD oil, in its pure state, does not cause harm or have the potential for abuse — even at high doses [7].

If you’re using any prescription medications, or have underlying health issues, you should always speak with your doctor before taking CBD. Certain medications may interact with CBD and lead to side-effects.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means “porous bones.” It results in fragile bones. The weakness of the bones puts those affected at a higher risk of fractures.

As the bones become thinner, even a minor fall or bump can cause a serious injury.

Middle-aged women are at the highest risk — however, men are also affected.

The main concern most people have when talking about osteoporosis is the high risk of bone fracture. A fracture is a complete or partial break in a bone.

It’s estimated that 50% of women and 20% of men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime [1].

With osteoporosis, the most common bones affected are the hip, wrists, and spine. Fractures and breaks can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Understanding the Definitions

1. Cortical bone — the hard outside layer of all bones and makes up most of your skull and ribs.
2. Spongy bone — occurs inside the vertebrae and the ends of the long bones, such as the thigh bones.
3. Osteoblasts — specialized cells involved in producing new bones.
4. Osteoclasts — specialized cells involved in breaking down bones.
5. Bone density — the amount of mineral content in a bone.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

There are no specific symptoms of osteoporosis — the first sign is usually a bone fracture. There are other symptoms, but these can be difficult to identify.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Back pain
• Collapsed or fractured vertebra
• Loss of height
• Stooped posture
• Lowered grip strength

Menopause & Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis, there is a thinning of the cortical bone and reduced bone density and structure in the spongy bone. Menopause is one of the main causes of the condition.

Bone tissue is continuously broken down and replenished. It’s a regular cycle, fluctuating on both a daily and monthly basis — affected by things such as time of day, diet, and season.

Specialist cells within the bones called osteoblasts and osteoclasts are essential for these fluctuations in healthy bones. From birth to adolescence, more bone is formed than broken down.

By the end of adolescence, bone growth has completed. By your mid to late 20s, peak bone mass has been achieved.

The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone have a major role in maintaining healthy bones in both men and women.

In menopause, as estrogen levels drop, the balance of hormones that were working to control bone density begins to fall apart. The result is an acceleration in bone loss. Women can lose up to 10% of their total bone mass within the first five years of menopause.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

1. A family history of osteoporosis
2. Previous bone fractures
3. Age — people over 50 are at the highest risk
4. Early menopause — before the age of 45
5. Weight — being overweight is a major risk factor
6. Vitamin D — important in the maintenance of bone tissue
7. Calcium intake — calcium is a key mineral in bone architecture
8. Lack of exercise — weight-bearing exercises directly lower the risk of osteoporosis
9. Smoking (linked with osteoporosis)
10. Alcohol intake — over three standard drinks per day increases the risk of osteoporosis [1]
11. Medications — such as corticosteroid use
12. Medical conditions — such as thyroid problems, celiac disease, chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or rheumatoid arthritis
13. Conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients — such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other inflammatory bowel conditions

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

If osteoporosis is suspected, your doctor will most likely send you for a bone density scan.

This scan is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It is usually performed using a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This is a non-invasive process where, for 10 to 15 minutes, a machine passes over your body while you lie flat on a table.

The bone density scan will give you a T-Score and Z-Score, used to determine your risk of developing a fracture and whether further tests are needed.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), your T-Score is classed as follows:

• -1.0 or above is normal bone density.
• Between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone density or osteopenia.
• -2.5 or below is a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

The following procedures can also be performed to determine bone injury or fractures as a result of osteoporosis:

1. Bone X-Ray

Bone x-rays produce images of bones that aid in the diagnosis of fractured bones, which are sometimes a result of osteoporosis.

2. CT Scan

CT scans of the spine are used to assess alignment and fractures. They can be used to measure bone density and determine whether vertebral fractures are likely to occur.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI of the spine is used to evaluate vertebral fractures for evidence of underlying diseases, such as cancer, and to assess the newness of the fracture.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

Depending on how severe your osteoporosis is and your risk of bone fracture, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to strengthen your bones.

Lifestyle changes can help to ensure both men and women take steps to prevent the risk of developing osteoporosis.

1. Lifestyle & Diet Changes

1. Incorporate a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Avoid smoking
3. Reducing alcohol intake
4. Limit caffeine
5. Do regular weight-bearing and strength-training activities
6. Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake

However, if your osteoporosis is more advanced, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to help you strengthen your bones.

Prescription medications are standard care in the treatment of established osteoporosis. Their purpose is to either increase the formation of new bone or slow down the breakdown process.

However, they each come with their own set of side-effects and risks.

2. Bisphosphonate Medications

Bisphosphonates encourage bone density by slowing the breakdown of cells. You can take them with a combination of vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Side-Effects of Bisphosphonates:

• Flu-like reactions
• Stomach upsets
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Jaw pain
• Jaw infection (rare)

 3. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

SERMs mimic estrogen in the body, reducing bone loss and increasing bone formation.

Side-Effects of SERMs:

• Hot flushes
• Leg cramps
• Increased risk of blood clots and fatal stroke

4. Denosumab

This is given via an injection under the skin twice a year. It slows down the breakdown of bone, resulting in higher bone mineral density and reduced fractures. It is often used as an alternative to bisphosphonates.

Side-Effects of Denosumab:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Eczema
• High cholesterol

5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Doctors prescribe HRT for women during menopause when there is a drop in estrogen levels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. However, HRT is no longer routinely recommended due to the increased risks with long-term use.

Side-Effects of HRT:

• Breast cancer
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots

6. Testosterone Therapy

When testosterone levels are low in men, doses of testosterone are given by injection to improve bone density.

Side-Effects of Testosterone Therapy:

• Acne and oily skin
• Worsening of sleep apnea
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Increased risk of prostate abnormalities
• Enlarged breasts in men
• Decreased testicular tissue
• Increased aggression, mood swings
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke (maybe)

Final Verdict: Using CBD for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be a debilitating disease, and the fear of bone fracture can have a significant effect on one’s lifestyle and mobility.

While there is no cure, there is good evidence that CBD may be an effective treatment for osteoporosis by slowing down the progression of the disease and relieving pain.

These are very exciting times, especially as we look at CBD and the clinical research that’s still in its infancy regarding verifying its use in reducing bone loss and fracture.

Based on this information, CBD is seen as a safe, effective, all-natural therapeutic treatment for osteoporosis.

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References Cited in This Article

1. Sözen, T., Özışık, L., & Başaran, N. Ç. (2017). An overview and management of osteoporosis. European Journal of Rheumatology, 4(1), 46–56. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurjrheum.2016.048
2. Enquiries, M. (2008). Facts and Statistics | International Osteoporosis Foundation IOF Facts and Statistics | International Osteoporosis Foundation IOF. International Osteoporosis Foundation, 20, 1–6. Retrieved from https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics
3. Raphael, B., & Gabet, Y. (2016). The skeletal endocannabinoid system: clinical and experimental insights. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2015-0073
4. Kogan, N. M., Melamed, E., Wasserman, E., Raphael, B., Breuer, A., Stok, K. S., … Bab, I. (2015). Cannabidiol, a major non-psychotropic cannabis constituent enhances fracture healing and stimulates lysyl hydroxylase activity in osteoblasts. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 30(10), 1905–1913. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.2513
5. Idris, A. I. (2010). Cannabinoid receptors as target for treatment of osteoporosis: a tale of two therapies. Current Neuropharmacology, 8(3), 243–53. https://doi.org/10.2174/157015910792246173
6. Baron, E. P., Lucas, P., Eades, J., & Hogue, O. (2018). Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort. Journal of Headache and Pain, 19(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2
7. WHO. (2017). WHO | Cannabidiol (compound of cannabis). WHO. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/qa/cannabidiol/en/