The Endometriosis Society of India assesses that over 25 million women in India suffer from endometriosis. Yet, not only has there been a lack of proper understanding of this condition, but also of effective treatment methods to reduce it.
This is where cannabis-based medication takes effect. Various studies today acknowledge the effectiveness of cannabis in naturally treating the adverse symptoms of endometriosis, hence, alleviating the painful disorder. Read ahead to know how you can leverage this herb’s therapeutic potential for treating your endometriosis symptoms.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue like that of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It most commonly affects the areas like:
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Bowel
- Pelvic tissue lining
The possible causes of this disorder include:
- Retrograde menstruation
- Surgical scar implants
- Immune system disorders, etc.
The hormonal changes caused by the menstrual cycles harm this tissue.
Why Medical Cannabis-Based Medication?
Cannabis has a long history of being used for various gynecological complications, including conditions like endometriosis and menstrual cramps.
But it garnered more medical attention in this field after researchers discovered that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an essential role in the reproductive tract’s healthy function.
And since cannabis shows its therapeutic effects by interacting with the ECS, researchers were curious to know whether it could interact with the ECS and aid in treating endometriosis and its symptoms.
In the various studies conducted, the herb’s cannabinoids THC and CBD showed remarkable potential in alleviating endometriosis along with its symptoms. What more? They did so without showing any conventional side effects!
So what symptoms can cannabis treat?
Endometriosis Symptoms That Medical Cannabis Aids In Treating
Endometriosis can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms, completely unrelated to the stage or degree of the condition. It is possible to have a severe condition yet have minor discomfort, and vice versa.
Some of the symptoms which medical cannabis can help treat are:
- Dysmenorrhea (unbearable period pain)
- Menstrual cramps
- Severe abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Infertility
- Insomnia (poor sleep quality)
- Pain after/during sexual intercourse
- Excessive bleeding
- Endometriomas/Chocolate cysts, in advanced conditions
- Painful urination and bowel movements
- Increased chances of anxiety and depression, and
- Other symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, etc.
But why is this herb so effective in treating all these symptoms and, in turn, alleviating endometriosis?
Why Does Vijaya Work So Well?
Pain is the dominant characteristic of endometriosis, especially in the abdominal and pelvic regions. It further leads to various harmful bodily symptoms, adversely affecting a woman’s working ability and quality of life.
The conventional treatment methods for these symptoms use-
- Analgesic painkillers
- NSAIDs
- Surgeries
- Hormone therapies, etc.
But these medications are limited in effect and come with unwanted adverse effects, hence, worsening the condition. Cannabis-based medication, on the other hand, exhibits strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
It effectively acts on unbearable period pain and inflammation caused by endometriosis, that too without showing any serious side effects. Moreover, its derivative medicines are composed of natural plant-based ingredients, unlike traditional prescription medicines.
This is what makes cannabis a great remedy for period pain and other endometriosis symptoms in modern pharmacology. And this is also the reason why today, many medical experts and patients alike are resorting to this herb to help provide relief from their endometriosis pain and inflammation.
A study conducted by Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain, examined the effects of the cannabinoid THC in cannabis on endometriosis and its symptoms.
As a result, the study found out that THC shows very strong pain-relieving properties and acts as the best remedy for period pain. It was also found to be effective in reducing the other associated symptoms.
As per the study, THC treatment further helps in:
- Reducing hypersensitivity (undesirable immune system activities)
- Decreasing pain unpleasantness
- Modifying uterine innervation (nerve supply to the uterus)
- Inhibiting endometrial cysts’ development
- Reducing anxiety, and
- Restoring cognitive function.
Other Ways in Which Medical Cannabis Helps Treat Endometriosis Symptoms
It Aids Proper ECS Function
Study shows that women with endometriosis have reduced ECS function and lower CB1 receptors. This leads to growth in the endometrial tissue and increased pain severity. Cannabis medication effectively targets the ECS, enhance its function and increase the receptor levels, hence, alleviating the condition.
It Influences Cell Growth and Death
Uneven cell growth is one of the endometriosis’s characteristics. The uterine lining starts growing in other body parts like the ovaries, pelvis, fallopian tubes, etc., and results in extreme pain. A 2010 study shows that cannabinoids showcase anti-proliferative properties, i.e. they stop irregular and harmful endometrial tissue growth.
It Acts As a Digestive Aid
Endometriosis can cause abnormal growths in the uterus and ovaries, leading to digestive problems like painful bowel movements, constipation, diarrhoea, and nausea. Cannabis shows antiemetic properties and acts as a natural digestive aid. It hence helps treat such digestive problems, and conditions like IBS and Crohn’s disease.
It Aids Sleep
Women with endometriosis frequently experience insomnia. This increases fatigue and worsens the condition. It enhances sleep quality, increases ‘deep sleep’ duration, and is effective for alleviating other sleep disorders.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis
https://news.green-flower.com/surprising-facts-about-cannabis-and-endometriosis/
