Source: thefreshtoast.com
Like most things pertaining to a woman’s menstrual cycle, endometriosis is a highly misunderstood condition. Affecting an estimated 200 million women worldwide and 1 out of 10 women in the U.S., this condition is known for being highly uncomfortable, painful, and difficult to treat and diagnose.
While its origins are unknown and there’s no way of curing it, some hope that with scientific support marijuana could become a reliable source of pain relief.
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium — the tissue that coats the inside of the uterus — makes its way outside of the womb. This tissue can latch on to any of the female reproductive organs and even to the intestines, appendix and bowels. Since this tissue is affected by hormones and women’s menstrual cycles, it often causes inflammation and tremendous amounts of pain.
While there’s basically no scientific research out there that looks into the connection between marijuana and period pain, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that finds a correlation, with many well regarded companies releasing bath salts, suppositories, creams and more with the purpose of treating menstrual cramps.
Doctors aren’t likely to list medical marijuana products for people suffering from endometriosis, but that doesn’t stop women from trying out new things, especially when the condition that affects them is so debilitating.
According to Foria, a well regarded cannabis company with a focus on sexual health, certain cannabinoids could help manage some of the symptoms of endometriosis. There have been connections found between the use of cannabinoids and the prevention of proliferation of cells, the prevention of cell migration and the desensitization of nerves that transmit pain.
“Whether you’re already using cannabinoids for your endometriosis, or you’re considering an experiment with them, we highly recommend reading on to learn about the effects of THC & CBD on endometriosis,” explains the site. “One reason scientists are enthusiastic about these compounds is the recent discovery that the body’s natural endocannabinoid system is integral to the healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract.”
The current options for the treatment of endometriosis are only there for managing the condition, with there being no cure. They include pain medication and surgery, with the former often providing no effective relief and the latter acting as a temporary patch at best and as a life altering body change at worst.
The more you dive into endometriosis, the more you realize that there’s a big gap of knowledge for such a serious condition. Research needs to be conducted and this condition needs to be understood in order to address it properly. In the meantime, at least there’s cannabis.