Unlocking the Potential of Psychedelics in Female Health: A Paradigm Shift in Wellness
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
The landscape of healthcare is witnessing a groundbreaking shift as researchers and medical professionals explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Historically stigmatized and largely relegated to counterculture, these substances are now at the forefront of revolutionary treatments for a multitude of health conditions, including those specific to female biology and well-being.
Psychedelics, a class of compounds known for their mind-altering properties, are gaining recognition for their profound impact on mental health. Rooted in tradition, these plants come from many countries are some of the oldest remedies in native traditions. The return to plants as treatment shows promise in the medical world and it may very well be the key to merging spiritual, emotional, and physical health together. Recent studies are illuminating their role in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. But what about their implications for female health?
There is already much anecdotal and experimental evidence involving the therapeutic use of psychedelics in healing of many illnesses, from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to low sexual desire to menopause. Many women are in fact self-treating because they feel people are not hearing their complaints – often, women can take up to 10 years to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment through traditional routes.
Much of the information aside from personal experiences is still theoretical, because there has not been significant funding in this area. The uptick in clinical trials employing psychedelics, coupled with the increased focus around female health, may be a combination that creates positive momentum for exploring the therapeutic uses of psychedelics among women.
Psychedelics and Mental Health in Women
Women often encounter unique mental health challenges, from hormonal fluctuations impacting mood disorders to experiences of trauma, including sexual abuse or violence. Current treatments, while beneficial, might not always provide comprehensive relief.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin and 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), could offer breakthroughs in treating these conditions. Studies indicate that these substances may catalyze deep emotional processing and facilitate healing from trauma, potentially offering new avenues for women struggling with PTSD or complex trauma. There is also potential exploration around eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and many more conditions that disproportionately affect women. The figure below demonstrates statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depression from a month-long psilocybin microdosing study that included both men and women.
Figure Source: Rootman, J.M., Kiraga, M., Kryskow, P. et al. Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls.
Outside of this study finding, some research indicates that women may be affected differently by psychedelics than men. The presence, absence, and combinations of female hormones may affect binding to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor in a variety of ways. More research is needed to discover exactly the impact this might have. Effectively, treatments can become even more effective if they are separately crafted for the sex hormone differences.
Addressing Women-Centric Health Issues
Psychedelics are also being explored in addressing women-centric health issues such as chronic pain, particularly conditions like endometriosis, where traditional treatments often fall short. The potential of these compounds to modulate pain perception could be transformative for women coping with debilitating pain associated with such conditions. Some hypotheses suggests that ketamine, due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive properties, may be a much more comprehensive treatment than the traditional prescriptive processes.
Moreover, the journey into menopause, often accompanied by physical discomfort and emotional distress, might find solace in psychedelics. Studies suggest that these substances can alleviate anxiety and depression, providing relief during this transitional phase of a woman's life.
Finally, there may be potential mechanisms that affect menstruation, including the reversal of amenorrhea and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Some scientific backing may explain mediation of effects for the 5-HT2A agonism on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the promising strides, significant barriers remain in harnessing the full potential of psychedelics in female health. Research gaps persist, particularly in understanding how these substances interact with female-specific biology. Hormonal fluctuations, differences in metabolism, and overall physiological variations demand comprehensive exploration to ensure safe and effective usage tailored to women.
Additionally, social stigmas surrounding psychedelics and lingering legal restrictions hinder their mainstream adoption as therapeutic agents. These barriers impede progress in offering alternative treatments that could significantly benefit women's health.
Towards a Holistic Approach
Embracing psychedelics as potential allies in women's health necessitates a multifaceted approach. Robust research initiatives specifically targeting female participants, addressing biological nuances, and studying long-term effects are pivotal.
Simultaneously, advocacy for policy changes to facilitate research and access to these therapies for women is crucial. Education, both within medical communities and among the general public, is imperative to dispel myths and misconceptions, fostering a more informed and accepting environment.
Companies Leading the Way
There is a short list of companies and groups exploring psychedelics as they relate to women, with more on the horizon:
Felicity Pharma is a company focused on creating novel psychedelic treatments for chronic pain and mood disorders in women.
Psychedelic Women is a membership community focused on exposing women to the industry and creating a collective around these compounds.
Gynica is a company that explores the use of cannabinoid-based solutions for gynecological issues.
The Path Forward
As society reevaluates traditional approaches to healthcare, psychedelics emerge as promising tools offering hope for women's holistic well-being. Their potential in mental health, pain management, and addressing women-centric health issues signifies a shift toward more inclusive and effective treatments.
The journey towards unlocking the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in female health is undoubtedly complex and multifaceted. However, with concerted efforts from researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates, a future where these compounds contribute significantly to enhancing women's health and wellness is within reach. These could happen potentially in conjunction with spiritual populations, who use these medicines regularly in their practices.
We hope to see more companies sprouting up to work alongside the researchers and policymakers. It is a challenging area, but one that we see great benefit from diving into. The future of female health may very well be in the ancient roots of plant medicine!
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.
Works Cited:
Bauer, Barbara E. “Female Hormones, 5-HT2A Receptors, and Psychedelics.” Psychedelic Science Review, 10 Dec. 2019, psychedelicreview.com/female-hormones-5-ht2a-receptors-and-psychedelics/
de Koning, Rozemarijn, et al. “Esketamine in the Treatment of Chronic Endometriosis-Induced Pain: A Case Report.” Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, vol. 15, no. 1, 13 Feb. 2023, p. 228402652311535,
Gukasyan, Natalie, and Sasha K. Narayan. “Menstrual Changes and Reversal of Amenorrhea Induced by Classic Psychedelics: A Case Series.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 22 Jan. 2023, pp. 1–6, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36682064/
Majewski, Taylor . “Psychedelics Are Having a Moment and Women Could Be the Ones to Benefit.” MIT Technology Review, 10 Aug. 2022, www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/10/1057146/psychedelics-scentific-research-women/.
Pennington, Andrea. Microdosing Psycedelics for Menopausal Symptoms Easing Brain Fog, Low Mood, and Cognitive Decline. Apr. 2023, www.researchgate.net/profile/AndreaPennington/publication/370411126_Microdosing_Psychedelics_for_Menopausal_Symptoms_Easing_Brain_Fog_Low_Mood_and_Cognitive_Decline/links/644e77c34af78873524c2fbf/Microdosing-Psychedelics-for-Menopausal-Symptoms-Easing-Brain-Fog-Low-Mood-and-CognitiveDecline.pdf.
Rootman, J.M., Kiraga, M., Kryskow, P. et al. Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls. Sci Rep 12, 11091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14512-3
