CBD & Endometriosis

Endometriosis impacts millions of women across the globe. Causing immense pain and discomfort, it can make everyday activities very difficult to complete. Even getting out of bed can be a challenge.

And your treatment options are limited. So you’re wondering — can natural remedies like CBD offer any relief?

In this blog post, we'll discuss how CBD may offer some support for those with endometriosis, and how you can start using it to improve your quality of life.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the lining of the uterus.(1) For women with endometriosis, this lining develops outside of the uterus — where it shouldn’t be growing.

And this outer tissue acts just like the tissue inside the uterus. So this means, each month, the outer tissue thickens and bleeds.

However, unlike the lining of the uterus, this blood has nowhere to go. This causes inflammation and severe pain in the pelvic region. It may also lead to issues with fertility.

Endometriosis Symptoms

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain during menstruation. But the pain is more intense than normal menstrual cramps, and it can persist throughout the month.

Other symptoms of endometriosis include:(1)

• Chronic fatigue
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Painful bowel movements
• Bloating and nausea

Current Endometriosis Treatments

There’s no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms. Some of these treatments include:(2)

• Pain medication
• Hormone therapy
• Surgery to remove the tissues
• Hysterectomy
• Fertility treatment

Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your endometriosis, your specific symptoms, and whether you want to become pregnant.

Most endometriosis patients require ongoing treatment to keep the symptoms under control.

CBD vs Endometriosis Symptoms?

Endometriosis requires ongoing treatment. Some may not be keen on taking pain or hormone medications to treat their endometriosis for the long term.

CBD is not yet an FDA-approved treatment for the symptoms of endometriosis, but there is some preliminary information that it may help.

Endometriosis & The Endocannabinoid System

Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in the development and maintenance of endometriosis.(3) And targeting the ECS  might not only treat pain, but it could modulate the development of the disease itself.(4)

Specifically, researchers believe that endocannabinoids modulate the apoptosis (the natural cell death) of endometrial cells. But when the endocannabinoid system is out of balance, these endometrial cells grow and spread unchecked. So scientists think CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS should be examined as therapeutic targets for endometriosis.(5)

And this is where CBD comes in. CBD is a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It can potentially reduce inflammation and pain and improve the quality of life for women with endometriosis.

Can CBD Help Endometriosis Pain?

Endometriosis pain is often debilitating, so effective pain relief is essential. The good news is, studies have found that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation in a variety of conditions.(6)

And the public has taken notice. Many people who suffer from chronic pain disorders use CBD to help alleviate their symptoms.

Cannabinoids & Endometriosis

Studies have shown that THC may reduce endometriosis pain and even the development of endometrial cysts.(7) This might mean that full-spectrum CBD may offer greater benefits for endometriosis than isolate CBD or broad-spectrum CBD.

Surveys also show that endometriosis patients are choosing to use cannabis to manage their unwanted pain, gastrointestinal, and mood symptoms.(8)

And a clinical trial, started in 2020, is currently underway evaluating CBD's ability to treat endometriosis pain.(9) It aims to compare the effectiveness of CBD versus norethindrone acetate — a form of progesterone — in managing the unpleasant symptoms of endometriosis. The trial is estimated to complete in 2023.

CBD Products That May Ease Endometriosis

So, you’re searching for the best CBD products to manage your endometriosis pain.

The truth is, the CBD world is vast and varied!

CBD comes in many forms, including:

• CBD oils
• CBD capsules
• CBD gummies
• CBD topicals
• CBD food and drinks
• CBD beauty products
• CBD vapes

How To Pick CBD For Endometriosis Symptoms

There are tons of CBD products to pick from — how do you choose the right one for you? It depends a little on your needs and a little on your personal preferences.

Here are some general guidelines and tips.

1. When it comes to finding the best CBD for endometriosis, look for a product that has high bioavailability. This means the CBD will be easily absorbed into your system.
2. If you’re looking for fast-acting relief, consider opting for a CBD oil taken sublingually. This kind of product and consumption method will allow the CBD to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. This may be more efficient than edible forms of CBD, which need to be digested before they can take effect.
3. BUT, if you’re aiming for a prolonged respite from your pain symptoms, ingested CBD may be the better choice. It will stay in your system longer.
4. You may also find it helpful to try CBD topical creams. These products are for external use, rubbed onto the skin in the area of pain. The CBD absorbs through the skin, and can offer localized relief.
5. You may want to experiment with layering different types of CBD products. This can be a good way to get the benefits of each formulation.
6. Lastly, be on the lookout for products free of any unwanted additives, pesticides, or heavy metals — an organically grown hemp-derived CBD will fit the bill.

And remember, if you’re taking meds for your endometriosis, consult with your doctor prior to throwing CBD into the mix.

Summing Up: CBD Might Alleviate Endometriosis Symptoms

Studies show CBD is a cannabinoid that can help reduce inflammation and pain. Endometriosis is a painful condition that seems to occur due to an imbalance of the endocannabinoid system.

Studies and clinical trials are underway to investigate CBD's ability to help with the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. Preliminary information suggests that CBD might help ease these endometrial symptoms , improving the quality of life for those living with this condition.

If you want to try CBD oil for endometriosis, talk to your doctor about incorporating it into your wellness plan.

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References

1. (2018). Endometriosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
2. (2020.) What are the treatments for endometriosis? NIH. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo/treatment
3. Sanchez, AM, et al. (2012). The molecular connections between the cannabinoid system and endometriosis. Molecular human reproduction. https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gas037
4. Bouaziz, J, et al. (2017). The Clinical Significance of Endocannabinoids in Endometriosis Pain Management. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0035
5. Bilgic, E, et al. (2017). Endocannabinoids modulate apoptosis in endometriosis and adenomyosis. Acta histochemica. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acthis.2017.05.005
6. Cherney, K. (2020). Using CBD Oil for Pain Management: Does It Work? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-for-pain
7. Escudero-Lara, A, et al. (2020). Disease-modifying effects of natural Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in endometriosis-associated pain. eLife. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.50356
8. Sinclair, J, et al. (2021). Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms. PloS one. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258940
9. Riley, K. (2020). Cannabidiol and Management of Endometriosis Pain. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04527003