7 Ways Cannabinoids Can Combat Endometriosis

By Kathy

Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 11 percent of American women, and while it’s more prevalent among women 15 through to 44 years of age,  it is possible to develop it between 30 and 40. 

With many problematic symptoms, such as making it difficult for women to conceive, endometriosis is a disorder that occurs when tissues lining the uterus (endometrium) grow outside the uterine cavity. They may even unusually grow on the bowel, ovaries, and tissues that line the pelvis. It can cause severe pain and also trigger anxiety and depression, which worsens the condition.

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Studies have revealed that endometriosis causes imbalances in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore, managing the disorder means restoring balance in the ECS, which is something that cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can sometimes treat with good results. 

CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body and offers several desirable effects. It stimulates the ECS, thus enhancing homeostasis that reduces pain. 

1. CBD Boosts the Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoid deficiency significantly contributes to the development of various disorders, including endometriosis. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, women suffering from endometriosis have lesser CB1 receptors. Normally, there is a high concentration of CB1 receptors in the uterus. 

ECS deficiency means reduced ECS functions. It leads to the growth of endometriosis tissues and can cause increased pain. Cannabinoids work well with the ECS enabling it to function optimally. Increasing the levels of CB1 receptors reduces the symptoms of endometriosis by inhibiting its spread. 

2. Cannabinoids Combat  Inflammation

Endometriosis causes inflammation. In turn, it plays an active role in the growth and spread of endometriosis. It severely affects the functioning of the fallopian tube, egg, ovary, and uterus. Too much inflammation is the leading cause of chronic pain and cramping, which are the major symptoms of the disorder. 

Effective therapy should combat inflammation. Both THC and CBD have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study the cannabinoids can help to combat the inflammation, thereby stopping the development and progress of endometriosis. 

3. Cannabinoids Help Fight Pain

Source: Pexels

Women with endometriosis may experience severe pain that affects the quality of their lives. The time around menstruation is the most painful period. The pain mostly comes from the thickening of the endometrium, and its breakdown causes bleeding, which the body may not be able to handle. Other pains that endometriosis patients suffer include pelvic pain, leg pain, painful sex, and back pain. 

The U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health also revealed that the ECS could control and stop abnormal growths, and the associated pain. Enhancing the functioning of the ECS using cannabinoids helps fight endometriosis. Cannabinoids stimulate the CB1 receptors and, as a result, reduces pain. 

4. Cannabinoids Impact Cell Growth and Death

Abnormal cell growth is the main feature of endometriosis. The disorder causes the endometrium to grow on other organs outside the uterus. The result is severe pain and can affect the victim’s reproductive system. 

Further studies suggest cannabinoids can inhibit cell growth in endometrial tissues. Researchers tested cannabinoids on mice to determine if cannabinoids could help women with endometriosis and discovered cannabinoids were effective in stopping the overgrowth of endometrial tissues. 

5. Cannabinoids May Boost Female Libido 

Intercourse can also be painful for women with endometriosis, and a study on women suffering from the disorder determined that about 50 percent experienced pain, which may result in feelings of guilt or preventing a healthy sex life.

Additionally, Cannabinoids can boost libido levels and improve a women’s sex drive. It also reduces pain during intercourse, making it bearable, and additional research revealed that cannabinoid users were able to engage in more sex than non-users. 

6. Cannabinoids Help to prevent Cell Migration

One of the treatments of endometriosis involves a surgical operation to remove endometriotic lesions. However, the problem is that endometriosis can reoccur due to cell migration. 

Researchers have found that the ECS is involved in controlling cell migration, and Cannabinoids like CBD from a top marijuana seeds brand can help stop the migration of endometriotic cells. This means that women suffering from endometriosis can benefit from the effects of CBD. 

7. Cannabinoids Aid in Sleep

Those with Endometriosis can experience hot flashes (commonly linked to menopause), which cause discomfort and make falling asleep difficult.  Hot flashes are among the causes of insomnia in women with endometriosis. If insomnia goes untreated, it can lead to severe fatigue that can worsen. 

Both CBD and THC can help with sleep. A 2013 study shows that using THC can help in improving sleep quality. CBD, on the other hand, also plays a crucial role in aiding sleep. It acts on receptors found in the ECS, which affects various body functioning that have an impact on sleep.

A study comparing CBD with other sleep therapies found CBD to be more effective. Besides, CBD is safer than most pharmaceuticals and demonstrates great potential to women with endometriosis and enable them to manage the disease better. 

Conclusion

Living with endometriosis is challenging and can be a source of pain that prevents victims from performing daily tasks. Although there are many medications to manage the symptoms, most are not effective like cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids can help in many ways to manage endometriosis. Many women resort to Cannabinoids as they are safe with little to no side effects. It’s important to note that the effects of cannabinoids may vary based on body tolerance. New users can procure the best CBD tincture you can find and start their first dose.

Adding cannabinoids to your routine can help manage endometriosis, and it’s advisable to consult a doctor before you start using it to avoid potential reactions to other medications. 

Kathy is a full-time content marketing specialist. She has been closely following the cannabis industry trends for quite some time. She has dabbled in various domains before the cannabis industry. On her off days, she likes to spend her time at the nearest animal shelter, lift weights, or be nose deep in a novel.  

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