Medical Marijuana- Menstrual Pain and Endometriosis

Up to 80 percent of women will experience period pain at some point, and around 10-11 percent of women in the US are affected by endometriosis. The pain and discomfort associated with these conditions can disrupt women's lives. Women face some common symptoms: pain, heavy bleeding, and sometimes nausea. Despite the availability of more conventional therapies, many women are turning to medical marijuana to help them cope with their symptoms. Now that medical marijuana is legal in many states, more research is coming out on its possible effectiveness in treating menstrual pain and endometriosis. There has been an increased interest in this issue in recent years. There are other methods of treating this condition, like surgery, but MMJ might be considered a possible treatment. Continue to read as we look at the current evidence and see where the research goes on this issue.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterus and attaches to other organs within the pelvic region. Experts still need to figure out why this happens. 

This can cause various symptoms, including severe pain during menstruation, intercourse, or bowel movements, infertility, fatigue, and digestive issues. It can also lead to ovarian cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions. If you have a sister or mother with the condition, you are more likely to develop the condition, while pregnant women or women who have been pregnant are less likely. 

Endometriosis is still a not well-understood condition. The diagnosis process comes down to discussing your symptoms with your doctor and undergoing tests like a pelvic exam and surgery. Currently, endometriosis has no cure, but treatment is available to lessen the symptoms.

Menstrual pain

Menstrual pain is a problem many women experience during their menstrual cycles. It is distinguished by cramping in the lower abdomen. Women can feel nausea, fatigue, and headaches when going through menstrual pain.

The pain is most intense during the first few days of a menstrual cycle. Many are feeling the aftermath of the uterus shedding its lining, which causes painful contractions. Menstrual pain can be so severe for some women that it interferes with their work and life.

Can marijuana help endometriosis pain?

Since medical marijuana is known to alleviate pain and have anti-inflammatory properties, it would make sense to aid in treating endometriosis symptoms. Some evidence points out that MMJ may help alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis have reported using marijuana-related products, like CBD oil, to help manage their pain. One study published in 2021 examined patients that used MMJ symptoms of endometriosis. The patients used an app to track their dose, administration mode, and overall pain. Over 10,000 sessions were recorded where the patients used cannabis. The results showed that the most common method of ingestion was inhalation, which was also the most effective in relieving pain. Cannabis was found to be effective in treating pelvic pain and gastrointestinal issues. However, the method of ingestion changed the mood of the patient. This information seems promising, but a clinical trial would be needed to confirm the results. 

Does medical marijuana help menstrual cramps?

The release of inflammatory compounds known as prostaglandins cause menstrual cramps. Women who produce excess prostaglandins are more likely to suffer from severe cramps. THC and CBD do not affect specific receptors relating to prostaglandins. As a result, also they do not affect prostaglandin production. Instead, they stimulate the brain's release of dopamine. THC and CBD do not affect prostaglandin production, which is the compound responsible for menstrual cramps, so how they relieve menstrual pain, and inflammation is unclear. Much is still unknown about how CBD or THC affects pain in this context, so more research is needed.

How to use CBD for endometriosis?

If you're hoping to relieve symptoms of endometriosis, like pelvic pain and cramping, topicals applied directly to the abdomen or an oil taken beneath the tongue is likely the best option. The previous study shows that inhalation may be the most effective in lessening pain, but mood changes are also associated with this method. 

Traditional Methods 

Menstrual Pain

While medical marijuana looks like a promising treatment for menstrual pain, other options exist. Here is a short list of some traditional methods of dealing with menstrual pain.

Applying heat to the lower abdomen or lower back can reduce your pain. You can use a heating pad or warm towel. Heat therapy is an excellent way to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area.

Engaging in gentle exercise can help relieve menstrual pain. Activities like walking can help to increase blood flow and release endorphins. This combination can reduce stress and reduce pain.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet can also help to relieve menstrual pain. Focus on foods rich in nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body. Studies have shown this practice to be effective in relieving menstrual pain. Acupuncture can help to stimulate the release of endorphins and reduce inflammation.

Endometriosis

There are many ways to treat endometriosis, depending on its severity and symptoms. Here are some standard treatment options:

Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin can relieve the pain.

Hormone therapy: Endometrial growth can be effectively managed, as can hormone levels, through hormone therapy. Pills to regulate hormone production, as are therapy with progesterone and GnRH agonists, are available.

Surgery: Removing endometrial tissue that has grown outside the uterus may be necessary. Laparoscopic surgery is used to diagnose and treat endometriosis.

Bottom Line

It's important to note that there is no cure for endometriosis, but with proper treatment, many women can manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. It's always best to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. For more information on other possible conditions medical marijuana can help treat, visit our conditions page. If you want to book an appointment, click the button below.