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Common Causes of Insomnia in Pregnancy blog feature image

<p style="text-align: left" class="null">Insomnia is a persistent issue, and during pregnancy, it can be even more challenging. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8034118/">According to research</a>, around 60% of women experience insomnia by late pregnancy. Understanding the causes and addressing them effectively can help you get the rest your body needs. Let&apos;s explore the common factors and practical ways to overcome insomnia during pregnancy.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="hormonal-changes"><strong>Hormonal Changes</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Your sleep habits may be disturbed by hormonal changes, particularly due to the rise in progesterone levels. Although this hormone is necessary in sustaining pregnancy, it can cause daytime sleepiness and nighttime agitation. Try keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time to deal with this issue. This helps regulate your body’s natural clock and makes falling asleep easier. Avoid taking long naps during the day; and if you want to nap then opt for a brief, revitalizing naps to avoid interfering with your sleep at night.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="physical-discomfort"><strong>Physical Discomfort</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Physical discomfort increases with pregnancy, and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping posture. Although it may seem strange at first, switching to side sleeping, particularly on your left side, helps the baby and increases circulation. A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2529841/">quality pregnancy pillow</a> can be a great investment by supporting your knees, hips, and back. You can also improve your quality of sleep by making sure your mattress is firm and comfy enough to lessen pressure points.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="babys-movements"><strong>Baby’s Movements</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Getting a good night’s rest can make it more difficult to fall asleep as the baby’s movements can feel more pronounced when you’re lying down. If the baby&apos;s kicks and rolls wake you up then try carefully shifting to a position where the sensations are less obvious. Engaging in light activity during the day may encourage the baby to develop a more predictable sleep pattern, that aligns better with yours.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="frequent-urination"><strong>Frequent Urination</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Insomnia during pregnancy is most commonly caused by the frequent urge to urinate at night. This is caused by the uterus pressing against the urinary bladder. To lessen these interruptions, consider cutting back on your fluid consumption in the two hours before bedtime. However, ensure that you stay well-hydrated during the day to avoid dehydration.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="heartburn-and-indigestion"><strong>Heartburn and Indigestion</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Another common sleep disruptor is heartburn, particularly in the latter phases of pregnancy. Acid reflux may occur more frequently at night because of the growing uterus pressing against your stomach and relaxed muscles in the digestive tract due to hormones. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help with this, and avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, especially in the latter half of the day. Sleeping slightly elevated by propping yourself up with pillows can also prevent stomach acid from rising while you sleep. Wearing lightweight, breathable sleepwear and using bedding that keeps you cool can lower your body temperature and promote better sleep.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="anxiety-and-stress"><strong>Anxiety and Stress</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Concerns about labor, parenting, and the health of the baby can keep you up at night during pregnancy, making it an emotional rollercoaster. Consider establishing a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you unwind. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or writing down your ideas in a journal before bed can calm a busy mind. Taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music can also help.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="leg-cramps-and-restless-legs-syndrome-rls"><strong>Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7045417/">Leg cramps</a> and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562408/"> restless legs syndrome</a> (RLS) are common during pregnancy and can make it hard to fall asleep at night. These conditions are sometimes linked to deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium or iron. Incorporating foods high in these nutrients, like whole grains, leafy greens, and nuts, can help. You can also relax and reduce discomfort by soaking your feet in warm water or doing a light leg stretch before bed.</p><img height="400" width="1200" class="" src="https://gglkfcubjshidhufqxdn.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media/1740865396444_Common_Causes_of_Insomnia_During_Pregnancy.jpg?v=1735890817" alt="cm7qqb5340061ulnwynmowyt1"><h2 style="text-align: left" id="final-thoughts"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">While pregnancy insomnia is common, it doesn’t have to dominate your nights. By addressing these causes with simple solutions, you can create a more restful sleep environment. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice if the problem persists or becomes overwhelming.&nbsp;Good sleep is essential for your health and your baby’s development, so it’s worth investing time and effort into improving your rest.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Also read:</p><ul class="list-disc mx-5"><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia">What Causes Insomnia?</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/symptoms-of-insomnia-how-to-identify-sleep-disorders">Symptoms of Insomnia: How to Identify Sleep Disorders?</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/lifestyle-changes-for-better-sleep-tips-and-solutions">Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep: Tips and Solutions</a></p></li></ul>

Insomnia is a persistent issue, and during pregnancy, it can be even more challenging. 

, around 60% of women experience insomnia by late pregnancy. Understanding the causes and addressing them effectively can help you get the rest your body needs. Let's explore the common factors and practical ways to overcome insomnia during pregnancy.

Your sleep habits may be disturbed by hormonal changes, particularly due to the rise in progesterone levels. Although this hormone is necessary in sustaining pregnancy, it can cause daytime sleepiness and nighttime agitation. Try keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time to deal with this issue. This helps regulate your body’s natural clock and makes falling asleep easier. Avoid taking long naps during the day; and if you want to nap then opt for a brief, revitalizing naps to avoid interfering with your sleep at night.

Physical discomfort increases with pregnancy, and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping posture. Although it may seem strange at first, switching to side sleeping, particularly on your left side, helps the baby and increases circulation. A 

 can be a great investment by supporting your knees, hips, and back. You can also improve your quality of sleep by making sure your mattress is firm and comfy enough to lessen pressure points.

Getting a good night’s rest can make it more difficult to fall asleep as the baby’s movements can feel more pronounced when you’re lying down. If the baby's kicks and rolls wake you up then try carefully shifting to a position where the sensations are less obvious. Engaging in light activity during the day may encourage the baby to develop a more predictable sleep pattern, that aligns better with yours.

Insomnia during pregnancy is most commonly caused by the frequent urge to urinate at night. This is caused by the uterus pressing against the urinary bladder. To lessen these interruptions, consider cutting back on your fluid consumption in the two hours before bedtime. However, ensure that you stay well-hydrated during the day to avoid dehydration. 

Another common sleep disruptor is heartburn, particularly in the latter phases of pregnancy. Acid reflux may occur more frequently at night because of the growing uterus pressing against your stomach and relaxed muscles in the digestive tract due to hormones. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help with this, and avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, especially in the latter half of the day. Sleeping slightly elevated by propping yourself up with pillows can also prevent stomach acid from rising while you sleep. Wearing lightweight, breathable sleepwear and using bedding that keeps you cool can lower your body temperature and promote better sleep.

Concerns about labor, parenting, and the health of the baby can keep you up at night during pregnancy, making it an emotional rollercoaster. Consider establishing a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you unwind. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or writing down your ideas in a journal before bed can calm a busy mind. Taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music can also help. 

Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

 (RLS) are common during pregnancy and can make it hard to fall asleep at night. These conditions are sometimes linked to deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium or iron. Incorporating foods high in these nutrients, like whole grains, leafy greens, and nuts, can help. You can also relax and reduce discomfort by soaking your feet in warm water or doing a light leg stretch before bed.

While pregnancy insomnia is common, it doesn’t have to dominate your nights. By addressing these causes with simple solutions, you can create a more restful sleep environment. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice if the problem persists or becomes overwhelming. Good sleep is essential for your health and your baby’s development, so it’s worth investing time and effort into improving your rest.

Common Causes of Insomnia in Pregnancy

What Causes Migraine in Women? blog feature image

<p style="text-align: left" class="null">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Migraines are a commonly misunderstood neurological condition, especially regarding how they affect women. It affects millions worldwide, with women more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Research shows that nearly 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women, and women are three times more at risk of experiencing migraines compared to men. This striking gender difference is largely attributed to hormonal changes that happen throughout a woman’s life, from menstruation to menopause. These hormonal changes can play a big role in triggering migraines.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left; font-size: 16px" class=""><strong>Causes of Migraines in Women</strong></p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">In this article, we’ll examine why migraines are more common in women, their impacts on one’s life, and effective strategies to manage them.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="migraines-during-menstruation"><strong>Migraines During Menstruation</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Menstrual migraines are a well-recognised subset of migraines that occur in direct relation to a woman&apos;s menstrual cycle. According to a 2017 study published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.13291">Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain</a>, up to 60-70% of women experience migraines around the time of menstruation. These menstrual migraines are triggered by the sudden drop in oestrogen levels that occurs just before a period cycle. Unlike other <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/common-migraine-triggers?_pos=1&amp;_sid=2fcab6bd5&amp;_ss=r">migraine triggers</a>, these migraines are harder to avoid because they are tied to a natural biological cycle.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/202685#google_vignette">study published in Neurology (2015) </a>found that women with menstrual migraines are more likely to experience severe attacks that last way longer. These attacks are also less responsive to common over-the-counter medications compared to non-menstrual migraines. Hormonal fluctuations make managing migraines more challenging for women than for men, whose hormone levels remain relatively stable.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="oestrogen-influence"><strong>Oestrogen Influence</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Hormones, in particular oestrogen, are the most significant factor connected to the higher prevalence of migraines in women. Oestrogen is considered crucial in regulating several bodily functions including brain activity related to pain perception. Fluctuating oestrogen levels, particularly the drop in oestrogen before menstruation, are closely linked to more migraine attacks in women than men.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="changes-during-pregnancy"><strong>Changes During Pregnancy&nbsp;</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Women are impacted by hormonal changes not only during their menstrual cycle but also during pregnancy and menopause. Oestrogen levels rise sharply during pregnancy, and many women report having fewer migraines overall, especially in the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women going through their first trimester can have more frequent migraines because of the abrupt changes their body goes through.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="menopause-migraine"><strong>Menopause Migraine</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Migraines may also be influenced by menopause, namely the perimenopause period which is a transitional phase. During perimenopause, the changing oestrogen levels might exacerbate migraine frequency and severity. Many women report a dramatic decrease in the frequency of migraines once they enter menopause and their oestrogen levels settle. Some individuals, particularly those undergoing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/">hormone replacement therapy (HRT), </a>continue to experience headaches. This is because HRT can increase sensitivity to hormonal changes, making one more prone to migraines.&nbsp;</p><img height="400" width="1200" class="" src="https://media.savikalpa.com/storage/v1/object/public/media/1749124614344_causesofmigraineinwomenbloginfographic.jpg" alt="cmbjbmuhy02eakzx188p97ysw"><h2 style="text-align: left" id="gender-disparity-in-migraine"><strong>Gender Disparity in Migraine</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">There is a clear gender difference in the prevalence of migraines in women and men. According to the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-epidemiology"> Migraine Research Foundation</a>, 6% of males and 18% of women in the United States are affected by migraines. During the reproductive years, the discrepancy expands even more, with women between the ages of 18 and 44 reporting the highest prevalence of migraines. This time frame aligns with women&apos;s most active cycles, supporting research that suggests hormone fluctuations may play a major role in the onset of a migraine.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9176156/">According to a Cephalalgia (2020) </a>study, women experience headaches more frequently and with greater severity than men do. They also have a higher likelihood of developing migraine-related disorders, such as chronic migraines, which can continue for up to 15 days per month. Men, on the other hand, are less prone to suffer from chronic migraines and they tend to have shorter, less intense attacks.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="how-migraines-affect-womens-lives"><strong>How Migraines Affect Women’s Lives</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Migraines can severely impact a woman’s daily life, affecting work, family responsibilities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Studies show that women are more likely to experience a diminished ability to perform daily activities, leading to increased stress and emotional strain. Chronic migraine sufferers are also prone to developing anxiety, mental health issues like depression, and sleep disorders. The psychological burden is often greater for women because they frequently report more intense pain and longer-lasting migraines than men.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="managing-migraines"><strong>Managing Migraines</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Given the significant impact of migraines on women, it is crucial to adopt strategies that help manage or prevent migraine attacks. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can make a lot of difference in managing migraines. Avoiding certain foods that can act as migraine triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses, and processed meats can be beneficial. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is essential. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by lowering stress and improving overall health.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest is key to preventing the onset of a migraine. Irregular sleep is a well-known trigger for migraines. Other than these, stress is a common trigger for migraines. Practising stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage both the frequency and intensity of migraines. These approaches, along with consulting a doctor, can help in managing migraine symptoms effectively.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Also Read:</p><ul class="list-disc mx-5"><li><p style="text-align: left; font-size: 16px" class=""><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/what-is-migraine?_pos=1&amp;_sid=2efdb757d&amp;_ss=r">What is Migraine?</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left; font-size: 16px" class=""><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/types-of-migraines?_pos=8&amp;_sid=2efdb757d&amp;_ss=r">Types of Migraine</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left; font-size: 16px" class=""><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/migraine-treatment?_pos=4&amp;_sid=2efdb757d&amp;_ss=r">Migraine treatments and home remedies</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left; font-size: 16px" class=""><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/migraine-symptoms-and-causes?_pos=7&amp;_sid=2fcab6bd5&amp;_ss=r">Migraine symptoms and causes</a></p></li></ul>

Migraines are a commonly misunderstood neurological condition, especially regarding how they affect women. It affects millions worldwide, with women more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Research shows that nearly 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women, and women are three times more at risk of experiencing migraines compared to men. This striking gender difference is largely attributed to hormonal changes that happen throughout a woman’s life, from menstruation to menopause. These hormonal changes can play a big role in triggering migraines. 

In this article, we’ll examine why migraines are more common in women, their impacts on one’s life, and effective strategies to manage them.

Menstrual migraines are a well-recognised subset of migraines that occur in direct relation to a woman's menstrual cycle. According to a 2017 study published in 

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain

, up to 60-70% of women experience migraines around the time of menstruation. These menstrual migraines are triggered by the sudden drop in oestrogen levels that occurs just before a period cycle. Unlike other 

, these migraines are harder to avoid because they are tied to a natural biological cycle.

found that women with menstrual migraines are more likely to experience severe attacks that last way longer. These attacks are also less responsive to common over-the-counter medications compared to non-menstrual migraines. Hormonal fluctuations make managing migraines more challenging for women than for men, whose hormone levels remain relatively stable.

Hormones, in particular oestrogen, are the most significant factor connected to the higher prevalence of migraines in women. Oestrogen is considered crucial in regulating several bodily functions including brain activity related to pain perception. Fluctuating oestrogen levels, particularly the drop in oestrogen before menstruation, are closely linked to more migraine attacks in women than men.

Women are impacted by hormonal changes not only during their menstrual cycle but also during pregnancy and menopause. Oestrogen levels rise sharply during pregnancy, and many women report having fewer migraines overall, especially in the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women going through their first trimester can have more frequent migraines because of the abrupt changes their body goes through. 

Migraines may also be influenced by menopause, namely the perimenopause period which is a transitional phase. During perimenopause, the changing oestrogen levels might exacerbate migraine frequency and severity. Many women report a dramatic decrease in the frequency of migraines once they enter menopause and their oestrogen levels settle. Some individuals, particularly those undergoing 

continue to experience headaches. This is because HRT can increase sensitivity to hormonal changes, making one more prone to migraines. 

There is a clear gender difference in the prevalence of migraines in women and men. According to the

, 6% of males and 18% of women in the United States are affected by migraines. During the reproductive years, the discrepancy expands even more, with women between the ages of 18 and 44 reporting the highest prevalence of migraines. This time frame aligns with women's most active cycles, supporting research that suggests hormone fluctuations may play a major role in the onset of a migraine.

study, women experience headaches more frequently and with greater severity than men do. They also have a higher likelihood of developing migraine-related disorders, such as chronic migraines, which can continue for up to 15 days per month. Men, on the other hand, are less prone to suffer from chronic migraines and they tend to have shorter, less intense attacks.

Migraines can severely impact a woman’s daily life, affecting work, family responsibilities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Studies show that women are more likely to experience a diminished ability to perform daily activities, leading to increased stress and emotional strain. Chronic migraine sufferers are also prone to developing anxiety, mental health issues like depression, and sleep disorders. The psychological burden is often greater for women because they frequently report more intense pain and longer-lasting migraines than men.

Given the significant impact of migraines on women, it is crucial to adopt strategies that help manage or prevent migraine attacks. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can make a lot of difference in managing migraines. Avoiding certain foods that can act as migraine triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses, and processed meats can be beneficial. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is essential. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by lowering stress and improving overall health. 

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest is key to preventing the onset of a migraine. Irregular sleep is a well-known trigger for migraines. Other than these, stress is a common trigger for migraines. Practising stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage both the frequency and intensity of migraines. These approaches, along with consulting a doctor, can help in managing migraine symptoms effectively.

What Causes Migraine in Women?

role_of_endocannabinoid_system_in_desmenorrhea_blog_featured_image.png

<h2 style="text-align: left" id="what-is-dysmenorrhea">What is Dysmenorrhea?</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">&quot;Dys&quot; means difficult and &quot;rrhea&quot; means discharge or flow. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term referring to painful periods or cramps during menstruation. It can also include other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue or diarrhoea. Dysmenorrhea impacts nearly half the population of women, and in 10% of cases, symptoms can escalate to the extent of interfering with daily activities.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="primary-dysmenorrhea">Primary Dysmenorrhea</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Primary dysmenorrhea is a term often thrown around in discussions about menstrual pain, but what exactly does it entail? Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurring menstrual pains that occur with each menstrual cycle, unrelated to any other underlying medical condition. Typically, the pain initiates one or two days before the onset of menstruation or when bleeding commences. The discomfort, ranging from mild to severe, is commonly felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. This pain typically diminishes within two or three days. Primary dysmenorrhea stands out as the more prevalent form of dysmenorrhea and simply put, it is the experience of menstrual pain without any discernible underlying physiological changes in the reproductive organs.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="secondary-dysmenorrhea">Secondary Dysmenorrhea</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea is a condition where menstrual pain is intrinsically linked to an identifiable disease or disorder of structural changes inside or outside the uterus, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or polyps. Typically, the discomfort associated with secondary dysmenorrhea initiates earlier in the menstrual cycle and persists for a more extended period compared to ordinary menstrual cramps. For instance, one might encounter cramping days before the onset of menses, and the pain may endure until the cessation of bleeding. It&apos;s worth noting that secondary dysmenorrhea is less prevalent.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="primary-dysmenorrhea-symptoms">Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Let’s look into the range of symptoms that arise from primary dysmenorrhea. Hallmark features include crampy, colicky spasms of pain concentrated in the suprapubic area. These discomforting sensations typically manifest within a window of 8 to 72 hours from the onset of menstruation, reaching their peak during the initial days as menstrual flow intensifies. Beyond the localised pelvic pain, individuals with primary dysmenorrhea often contend with accompanying backaches and thigh pain, adding layers to the overall discomfort. The ordeal extends further with headaches. Moreover, the spectrum of symptoms broadens to include gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, amplifying the impact severe period cramps can have on a woman&apos;s well-being during her menstrual cycle.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="physiology-of-dysmenorrhea">Physiology of Dysmenorrhea</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The largest contributing physiological factor in primary dysmenorrhea is increased amounts of prostaglandins present in the menstrual fluid and reduced levels of progesterone. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced in the body that play a key role in causing uterine contractions and inflammation, leading to the pain and discomfort experienced during dysmenorrhea. On the other hand, progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the intensity of uterine contractions, providing relief from the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">After ovulation when progesterone levels dwindle in the absence of pregnancy, during the second half of one’s menstrual cycle, a series of changes occur as a consequence that make the outer layers of cells in the uterus unstable. A decrease in progesterone destabilises cell membranes in endometrial tissue, leading to the hydrolysis of cell membrane phospholipids, primarily omega-6, in turn resulting in the formation of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is further turned into prostaglandins, namely PGE2 and PGF2a. These excess prostaglandins play a role when the lining of the uterus breaks down during menstruation, releasing a surge that stimulates strong muscle contractions. These contractions, in turn, reduce blood flow to the uterus, leading to low oxygen levels, and causing the painful cramps associated with primary dysmenorrhea.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="the-endocannabinoid-systems-role-in-dysmenorrhea">The Endocannabinoid System’s Role in Dysmenorrhea</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has emerged as a promising target for addressing menstrual pain. The ECS regulates various physiological processes including pain modulation, inflammation and homeostasis. Recent studies indicate that the ECS also plays a crucial role in various aspects of the female reproductive system and in hormone release.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Research illuminates elevated systemic levels of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), in individuals with endometriosis, accompanied by reduced local expression of cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1). The ECS&apos;s role doesn&apos;t end there; research suggests that it might play a role in causing dysmenorrhea in people with adenomyosis. Adenomyosis refers to a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Endocannabinoids help reduce pain by interacting with cells in the nervous system. These compounds, like anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), are produced in the body when the body senses pain signals. Endocannabinoids act like messengers, attaching to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1, on certain nerve cells. This process stops the release of pain signals, helping to ease pain.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The analgesic effect of the endocannabinoid system hinges on the activation of cannabinoid receptors, with CB1 and CB2 playing distinct roles in alleviating pain. CB1 activation helps control the release of neurotransmitters, especially in areas of the body related to pain. This limits the transmission of pain signals and makes it feel like the pain is less. On the flip side, activating CB2 is important for reducing inflammation, a heightened sensitivity to pain, and neuropathic pain.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Research demonstrates that phytocannabinoids in cannabis activate CB1 and CB2 receptors similar to the body&apos;s endocannabinoids. CBD helps alleviate inflammation, pain, and anxiety, while THC helps alleviate pain, muscle spasms, and nausea.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) stands out as a promising avenue for addressing dysmenorrhea, with cannabis medicine offering a potential means to manage this often debilitating condition. By engaging cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2, cannabinoids may provide targeted relief by modulating pain pathways and reducing inflammation associated with menstrual discomfort or dysmenorrhea. An expanding understanding of ECS involvement in the female reproductive system, including in the management of conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, underscores its significance as a therapeutic target. Harnessing the potential of cannabis medicine opens up new possibilities for innovative treatments, offering renewed optimism for individuals grappling with the challenges of dysmenorrhea via a holistic pathway to improved female reproductive health.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Explore from our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.savikalpa.com/collections/shunyata">wide range of plant based medicines</a> to help relieve symptoms of painful menstruation.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><div class="note">Medically Reviewed by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/about">Dr. Bhanu, Ayurvedic Physician</a></div><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Also Read:</p><ul class="list-disc mx-5"><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/endometriosis-and-the-endocannabinoid-system">Endometriosis and the Endocannabinoid System</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/australian-women-turning-to-cannabis-to-treat-endometriosis-symptoms">Cannabis as Endometriosis Medication for Australian Women</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/can-cannabis-help-endometriosis-patients">The Relationship Between Cannabis and Endometriosis</a></p></li></ul>

"Dys" means difficult and "rrhea" means discharge or flow. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term referring to painful periods or cramps during menstruation. It can also include other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue or diarrhoea. Dysmenorrhea impacts nearly half the population of women, and in 10% of cases, symptoms can escalate to the extent of interfering with daily activities. 

Primary dysmenorrhea is a term often thrown around in discussions about menstrual pain, but what exactly does it entail? Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurring menstrual pains that occur with each menstrual cycle, unrelated to any other underlying medical condition. Typically, the pain initiates one or two days before the onset of menstruation or when bleeding commences. The discomfort, ranging from mild to severe, is commonly felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. This pain typically diminishes within two or three days. Primary dysmenorrhea stands out as the more prevalent form of dysmenorrhea and simply put, it is the experience of menstrual pain without any discernible underlying physiological changes in the reproductive organs.

On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea is a condition where menstrual pain is intrinsically linked to an identifiable disease or disorder of structural changes inside or outside the uterus, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or polyps. Typically, the discomfort associated with secondary dysmenorrhea initiates earlier in the menstrual cycle and persists for a more extended period compared to ordinary menstrual cramps. For instance, one might encounter cramping days before the onset of menses, and the pain may endure until the cessation of bleeding. It's worth noting that secondary dysmenorrhea is less prevalent.

Let’s look into the range of symptoms that arise from primary dysmenorrhea. Hallmark features include crampy, colicky spasms of pain concentrated in the suprapubic area. These discomforting sensations typically manifest within a window of 8 to 72 hours from the onset of menstruation, reaching their peak during the initial days as menstrual flow intensifies. Beyond the localised pelvic pain, individuals with primary dysmenorrhea often contend with accompanying backaches and thigh pain, adding layers to the overall discomfort. The ordeal extends further with headaches. Moreover, the spectrum of symptoms broadens to include gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, amplifying the impact severe period cramps can have on a woman's well-being during her menstrual cycle. 

The largest contributing physiological factor in primary dysmenorrhea is increased amounts of prostaglandins present in the menstrual fluid and reduced levels of progesterone. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced in the body that play a key role in causing uterine contractions and inflammation, leading to the pain and discomfort experienced during dysmenorrhea. On the other hand, progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the intensity of uterine contractions, providing relief from the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. 

After ovulation when progesterone levels dwindle in the absence of pregnancy, during the second half of one’s menstrual cycle, a series of changes occur as a consequence that make the outer layers of cells in the uterus unstable. A decrease in progesterone destabilises cell membranes in endometrial tissue, leading to the hydrolysis of cell membrane phospholipids, primarily omega-6, in turn resulting in the formation of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is further turned into prostaglandins, namely PGE2 and PGF2a. These excess prostaglandins play a role when the lining of the uterus breaks down during menstruation, releasing a surge that stimulates strong muscle contractions. These contractions, in turn, reduce blood flow to the uterus, leading to low oxygen levels, and causing the painful cramps associated with primary dysmenorrhea.

The Endocannabinoid System’s Role in Dysmenorrhea

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has emerged as a promising target for addressing menstrual pain. The ECS regulates various physiological processes including pain modulation, inflammation and homeostasis. Recent studies indicate that the ECS also plays a crucial role in various aspects of the female reproductive system and in hormone release. 

Research illuminates elevated systemic levels of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), in individuals with endometriosis, accompanied by reduced local expression of cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1). The ECS's role doesn't end there; research suggests that it might play a role in causing dysmenorrhea in people with adenomyosis. Adenomyosis refers to a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Endocannabinoids help reduce pain by interacting with cells in the nervous system. These compounds, like anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), are produced in the body when the body senses pain signals. Endocannabinoids act like messengers, attaching to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1, on certain nerve cells. This process stops the release of pain signals, helping to ease pain.

The analgesic effect of the endocannabinoid system hinges on the activation of cannabinoid receptors, with CB1 and CB2 playing distinct roles in alleviating pain. CB1 activation helps control the release of neurotransmitters, especially in areas of the body related to pain. This limits the transmission of pain signals and makes it feel like the pain is less. On the flip side, activating CB2 is important for reducing inflammation, a heightened sensitivity to pain, and neuropathic pain. 

Research demonstrates that phytocannabinoids in cannabis activate CB1 and CB2 receptors similar to the body's endocannabinoids. CBD helps alleviate inflammation, pain, and anxiety, while THC helps alleviate pain, muscle spasms, and nausea.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) stands out as a promising avenue for addressing dysmenorrhea, with cannabis medicine offering a potential means to manage this often debilitating condition. By engaging cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2, cannabinoids may provide targeted relief by modulating pain pathways and reducing inflammation associated with menstrual discomfort or dysmenorrhea. An expanding understanding of ECS involvement in the female reproductive system, including in the management of conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, underscores its significance as a therapeutic target. Harnessing the potential of cannabis medicine opens up new possibilities for innovative treatments, offering renewed optimism for individuals grappling with the challenges of dysmenorrhea via a holistic pathway to improved female reproductive health.

 to help relieve symptoms of painful menstruation. 

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Dysmenorrhea

endometriosis_and_the_endocannabinoid_system_blog_featured_image.jpg

<h2 style="text-align: left" id="understanding-endometriosis">Understanding Endometriosis&nbsp;</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Referred to as endometrial implants, this tissue is often found on various reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, as well as within the pelvic and abdominal regions. Predominantly affecting women of reproductive age, endometriosis is a prevalent gynaecological disorder.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The presence of endometrial implants can lead to the formation of adhesions, scar tissue, and cysts, causing pain or discomfort, which can potentially impact fertility. Symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful menstruation, discomfort during sexual intercourse, painful urination, painful bowel movements and challenges related to fertility. Unfortunately, the anguish doesn’t stop there. The pain can be so severe that the anxiety and fear of the next menstrual cycle often lead to depression. In many cases, personal and professional relationships take a hit when women need to stay at home to deal with the debilitating symptoms that come with endometriosis.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="pathophysiology-of-endometriosis">Pathophysiology of Endometriosis&nbsp;</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Endometriosis manifests through various pathophysiological mechanisms. One prevailing theory, widely accepted in the medical community, is retrograde menstruation. Retrograde menstruation occurs during the menstrual cycle when some of the menstrual blood, carrying endometrial cells, flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. These displaced endometrial cells find fertile ground on the surfaces of pelvic organs and tissues, where they can attach and grow, forming endometrial implants.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Another possible cause is immune system dysfunction. Typically, the immune system functions to recognize and eliminate misplaced cells or abnormal growths. However, in women with endometriosis, there may be abnormalities in immune response, allowing the survival and unchecked growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. Genetic factors also play a role, with evidence suggesting a genetic predisposition to endometriosis. Women with a family history of the condition may be at a higher risk.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Hormonal influences, particularly related to estrogen, contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Estrogen, a hormone regulating the menstrual cycle, can stimulate the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. In women with endometriosis, there is often an abnormal response to oestrogen, leading to excessive growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. This hormonal imbalance is further characterised by altered progesterone and oestrogen hormone efficiency, resulting in progesterone resistance. Progesterone&apos;s primary role is to prepare the lining of the uterus for the potential implantation and growth of a fertilised egg.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Additionally, inflammation and angiogenesis are associated with endometriosis. In the affected areas, an inflammatory environment promotes the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), contributing to the formation of lesions and exacerbating symptoms of pain and discomfort.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="the-role-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-on-endometriosis">The Role of the Endocannabinoid System on Endometriosis</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates numerous physiological processes, including influencing inflammation and nociception. Nociception is the body&apos;s way of sensing or feeling pain. Recent studies have shown the ECS&apos;s involvement in crucial aspects of the female reproductive system. The ECS interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, managing and controlling key reproductive processes like helping eggs mature, pain modulation, the development of the uterus lining, implantation, the development of the embryo during pregnancy and more. The HPO serves as a communication pathway that extends from the hypothalamus in the brain to the ovaries. It regulates the menstrual cycle and various reproductive functions in females. The ECS plays a crucial role in safeguarding women against the complications of endometriosis by regulating inflammation, the formation of new blood vessels, cell death and cell growth in the uterine lining, and scarring.</p><img height="400" width="1200" class="" src="https://media.savikalpa.com/storage/v1/object/public/media/1749813567493_howisecsinvolvedinendometriosispainbloginfographic.png" alt="cmbuptii00194kz3lz97k957z"><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The ECS plays a role throughout female reproductive tissues. In the context of endometriosis, the CB1 receptor, a key cannabinoid receptor, may be impaired during menstruation in individuals with endometriosis. When CB1 is activated, it modulates analgesic activity, reducing the perception of pain; conversely, when CB1 is blocked, pain levels increase. The increased presence of CB1 receptors in nerve fibres and cells within affected endometrial tissue suggests a crucial role of the ECS in managing pain associated with endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Another aspect worth considering is the observed endocannabinoid deficiency in endometriosis patients. Studies reveal a scarcity of endocannabinoids, compounds the body produces which activate the ECS, in individuals grappling with this condition. Women experiencing dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, conditions marked by painful periods and painful intercourse respectively, exhibit elevated plasma levels of endocannabinoids. Additionally, there is a decrease in the expression of CB1 receptors in endometrial stromal cells, cells in the lining of the uterus that play a role in supporting and maintaining the tissue structure.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The promising insight derived from these findings suggests that phytocannabinoids, compounds found in the cannabis plant, could offer relief from the pain associated with endometriosis. By interacting with the ECS, phytocannabinoids may prove a potential avenue for managing and alleviating the challenges faced by women with endometriosis.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="limitations-of-current-treatments">Limitations of Current Treatments</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The current medications for endometriosis, while offering relief, come with their share of problems. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, effectively address period cramps by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation. However, they also inhibit the COX-1 enzyme, crucial for stomach and intestinal health, leading to potential gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including ulcers. Meftal spas, a popular NSAID, contains mefenamic acid, which can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Hormonal therapies, like birth control pills, can alleviate menstrual pain by preventing ovulation and reducing prostaglandin production (prostaglandins are natural substances in the body that play a role in inflammation and pain regulation). However, they come with side effects such as headaches, nausea, thrombosis (blood clotting in vessels), bloating, and fatigue. Additionally, they result in a thinner uterine lining, causing scanty flow.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Progestogens, which counteract estrogen and inhibit endometrial growth, have limitations due to virilizing side effects associated with certain steroids like danazol and gestrinone. Virilizing side effects refer to the development of male characteristics in females, such as deepening of the voice or increased body hair. While steroids like dienogest and norethisterone acetate show tentative evidence for pain relief, limited studies hinder a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) modulators, including agonists and antagonists like leuprorelin and elagolix, work by reducing oestrogen levels. Reviews suggest their effectiveness in pain relief, yet concerns about decreased bone density arise. Surgical intervention, although an option, poses challenges with a high recurrence rate.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Anti-neuropathic drugs like amitriptyline, pregabalin, and gabapentin show limited evidence for their effectiveness in endometriosis. Previous trials indicate gabapentin&apos;s efficacy in Chronic Pelvic Pain, but its impact on endometriosis-associated pain, which is not typically neuropathic, remains uncertain. Overall, these limitations highlight the need for continued research and exploration of alternative approaches to enhance endometriosis management.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="how-cannabinoids-help">How Cannabinoids Help?</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, specifically CBD and THC, in managing endometriosis are gaining attention due to their diverse properties. CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) qualities, aligns with a fundamental feature of endometriosis – inflammation. THC, another key cannabinoid, exhibits analgesic (pain-relieving), antispasmodic (spasm-inhibiting), and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) properties. By targeting various pathways, CBD and THC offer a promising avenue for easing the discomfort associated with endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">A crucial aspect of the way cannabinoids act involves the modulation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels. These channels play a role in transmitting signals related to neuropathic pain. By influencing these channels, cannabinoids have the potential to mitigate the signals contributing to pain in endometriosis. Additionally, CBD&apos;s interaction with serotonin receptors (5HT1A) posits further therapeutic potential. This modulation not only enables anxiolytic and antidepressant effects but also aids in pain relief through antinociceptive effects, reducing the perception of pain.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="types-of-cannabinoid-medication">Types of Cannabinoid Medication</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Cannabinoid medication comes in various forms tailored to different preferences and needs. Oral formulations, such as oils, capsules or tinctures, offer a straightforward way to incorporate cannabinoids into daily routines. Try <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.savikalpa.com/collections/shunyata/products/shunyata-calm-for-insomnia-and-sleep">Shunyata Calm for an effective oral option</a>.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Topical formulations, like cannabis-based balms or roll-ons, can be particularly useful for targeted relief. When applied to the lower abdomen during cramping, topical products promote muscle relaxation, providing localised support where it&apos;s needed most. We have formulated a topical roll-on called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.savikalpa.com/collections/shunyata/products/shunyata-period-pain-relief">Shunyata Cramp Relief</a> so you can harness the healing potential of cannabinoids on the go.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Transdermal patches represent an innovative option for sustained cannabinoid delivery and are most effective when worn for 24 hours. These patches are activated by body heat, releasing a controlled amount of CBD through the skin into the bloodstream. Transdermal delivery creates a concentration gradient, ensuring the patch delivers a higher cannabinoid concentration than the skin and penetrates deep below the surface, offering lasting relief.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">For a more direct approach, cannabinoid-based vaginal suppositories closely target the female reproductive tract&apos;s abundance of cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids dissolve quickly and are efficiently absorbed by blood vessels, providing prompt and targeted relief by interacting directly with cannabinoid receptors in the reproductive tract. By bypassing the digestive tract, suppositories and patches prevent gastric inflammation and offer a prolonged release of cannabinoids, ensuring a steady and sustained therapeutic effect.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Understanding endometriosis, from its pathophysiology to the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids, opens a promising avenue for more targeted and effective interventions. The limitations of current treatments emphasize the need for alternative approaches, and cannabinoid-based therapies emerge as compelling options. Phyto cannabinoids provide a potential pathway to alleviate the challenges posed by endometriosis. As research progresses, the intersection of cannabinoids and endometriosis holds the promise of not only managing pain but also improving the overall well-being of those affected by this painful condition.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><div class="note">Medically Reviewed by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/about">Dr. Bhanu, Ayurvedic Physician</a></div><p style="text-align: left" class="null"></p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Also Read:</p><ul class="list-disc mx-5"><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/the-role-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-in-dysmenorrhea">The Role of Endocannabinoid System in Dysmenorrhea</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/australian-women-turning-to-cannabis-to-treat-endometriosis-symptoms">Cannabis as Endometriosis Medication for Australian Women</a></p></li><li><p style="text-align: left" class="null"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://savikalpa.com/blog/can-cannabis-help-endometriosis-patients">The Relationship Between Cannabis and Endometriosis</a></p></li></ul>

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Referred to as endometrial implants, this tissue is often found on various reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, as well as within the pelvic and abdominal regions. Predominantly affecting women of reproductive age, endometriosis is a prevalent gynaecological disorder.

The presence of endometrial implants can lead to the formation of adhesions, scar tissue, and cysts, causing pain or discomfort, which can potentially impact fertility. Symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful menstruation, discomfort during sexual intercourse, painful urination, painful bowel movements and challenges related to fertility. Unfortunately, the anguish doesn’t stop there. The pain can be so severe that the anxiety and fear of the next menstrual cycle often lead to depression. In many cases, personal and professional relationships take a hit when women need to stay at home to deal with the debilitating symptoms that come with endometriosis. 

Endometriosis manifests through various pathophysiological mechanisms. One prevailing theory, widely accepted in the medical community, is retrograde menstruation. Retrograde menstruation occurs during the menstrual cycle when some of the menstrual blood, carrying endometrial cells, flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. These displaced endometrial cells find fertile ground on the surfaces of pelvic organs and tissues, where they can attach and grow, forming endometrial implants.

Another possible cause is immune system dysfunction. Typically, the immune system functions to recognize and eliminate misplaced cells or abnormal growths. However, in women with endometriosis, there may be abnormalities in immune response, allowing the survival and unchecked growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. Genetic factors also play a role, with evidence suggesting a genetic predisposition to endometriosis. Women with a family history of the condition may be at a higher risk.

Hormonal influences, particularly related to estrogen, contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Estrogen, a hormone regulating the menstrual cycle, can stimulate the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. In women with endometriosis, there is often an abnormal response to oestrogen, leading to excessive growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. This hormonal imbalance is further characterised by altered progesterone and oestrogen hormone efficiency, resulting in progesterone resistance. Progesterone's primary role is to prepare the lining of the uterus for the potential implantation and growth of a fertilised egg. 

Additionally, inflammation and angiogenesis are associated with endometriosis. In the affected areas, an inflammatory environment promotes the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), contributing to the formation of lesions and exacerbating symptoms of pain and discomfort. 

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System on Endometriosis

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates numerous physiological processes, including influencing inflammation and nociception. Nociception is the body's way of sensing or feeling pain. Recent studies have shown the ECS's involvement in crucial aspects of the female reproductive system. The ECS interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, managing and controlling key reproductive processes like helping eggs mature, pain modulation, the development of the uterus lining, implantation, the development of the embryo during pregnancy and more. The HPO serves as a communication pathway that extends from the hypothalamus in the brain to the ovaries. It regulates the menstrual cycle and various reproductive functions in females. The ECS plays a crucial role in safeguarding women against the complications of endometriosis by regulating inflammation, the formation of new blood vessels, cell death and cell growth in the uterine lining, and scarring.

The ECS plays a role throughout female reproductive tissues. In the context of endometriosis, the CB1 receptor, a key cannabinoid receptor, may be impaired during menstruation in individuals with endometriosis. When CB1 is activated, it modulates analgesic activity, reducing the perception of pain; conversely, when CB1 is blocked, pain levels increase. The increased presence of CB1 receptors in nerve fibres and cells within affected endometrial tissue suggests a crucial role of the ECS in managing pain associated with endometriosis.

Another aspect worth considering is the observed endocannabinoid deficiency in endometriosis patients. Studies reveal a scarcity of endocannabinoids, compounds the body produces which activate the ECS, in individuals grappling with this condition. Women experiencing dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, conditions marked by painful periods and painful intercourse respectively, exhibit elevated plasma levels of endocannabinoids. Additionally, there is a decrease in the expression of CB1 receptors in endometrial stromal cells, cells in the lining of the uterus that play a role in supporting and maintaining the tissue structure.

The promising insight derived from these findings suggests that phytocannabinoids, compounds found in the cannabis plant, could offer relief from the pain associated with endometriosis. By interacting with the ECS, phytocannabinoids may prove a potential avenue for managing and alleviating the challenges faced by women with endometriosis. 

The current medications for endometriosis, while offering relief, come with their share of problems. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, effectively address period cramps by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation. However, they also inhibit the COX-1 enzyme, crucial for stomach and intestinal health, leading to potential gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including ulcers. Meftal spas, a popular NSAID, contains mefenamic acid, which can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.

Hormonal therapies, like birth control pills, can alleviate menstrual pain by preventing ovulation and reducing prostaglandin production (prostaglandins are natural substances in the body that play a role in inflammation and pain regulation). However, they come with side effects such as headaches, nausea, thrombosis (blood clotting in vessels), bloating, and fatigue. Additionally, they result in a thinner uterine lining, causing scanty flow.

Progestogens, which counteract estrogen and inhibit endometrial growth, have limitations due to virilizing side effects associated with certain steroids like danazol and gestrinone. Virilizing side effects refer to the development of male characteristics in females, such as deepening of the voice or increased body hair. While steroids like dienogest and norethisterone acetate show tentative evidence for pain relief, limited studies hinder a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) modulators, including agonists and antagonists like leuprorelin and elagolix, work by reducing oestrogen levels. Reviews suggest their effectiveness in pain relief, yet concerns about decreased bone density arise. Surgical intervention, although an option, poses challenges with a high recurrence rate.

Anti-neuropathic drugs like amitriptyline, pregabalin, and gabapentin show limited evidence for their effectiveness in endometriosis. Previous trials indicate gabapentin's efficacy in Chronic Pelvic Pain, but its impact on endometriosis-associated pain, which is not typically neuropathic, remains uncertain. Overall, these limitations highlight the need for continued research and exploration of alternative approaches to enhance endometriosis management.

The potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, specifically CBD and THC, in managing endometriosis are gaining attention due to their diverse properties. CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) qualities, aligns with a fundamental feature of endometriosis – inflammation. THC, another key cannabinoid, exhibits analgesic (pain-relieving), antispasmodic (spasm-inhibiting), and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) properties. By targeting various pathways, CBD and THC offer a promising avenue for easing the discomfort associated with endometriosis.

A crucial aspect of the way cannabinoids act involves the modulation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels. These channels play a role in transmitting signals related to neuropathic pain. By influencing these channels, cannabinoids have the potential to mitigate the signals contributing to pain in endometriosis. Additionally, CBD's interaction with serotonin receptors (5HT1A) posits further therapeutic potential. This modulation not only enables anxiolytic and antidepressant effects but also aids in pain relief through antinociceptive effects, reducing the perception of pain.

Cannabinoid medication comes in various forms tailored to different preferences and needs. Oral formulations, such as oils, capsules or tinctures, offer a straightforward way to incorporate cannabinoids into daily routines. Try 

Shunyata Calm for an effective oral option

Topical formulations, like cannabis-based balms or roll-ons, can be particularly useful for targeted relief. When applied to the lower abdomen during cramping, topical products promote muscle relaxation, providing localised support where it's needed most. We have formulated a topical roll-on called 

 so you can harness the healing potential of cannabinoids on the go. 

Transdermal patches represent an innovative option for sustained cannabinoid delivery and are most effective when worn for 24 hours. These patches are activated by body heat, releasing a controlled amount of CBD through the skin into the bloodstream. Transdermal delivery creates a concentration gradient, ensuring the patch delivers a higher cannabinoid concentration than the skin and penetrates deep below the surface, offering lasting relief.

For a more direct approach, cannabinoid-based vaginal suppositories closely target the female reproductive tract's abundance of cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids dissolve quickly and are efficiently absorbed by blood vessels, providing prompt and targeted relief by interacting directly with cannabinoid receptors in the reproductive tract. By bypassing the digestive tract, suppositories and patches prevent gastric inflammation and offer a prolonged release of cannabinoids, ensuring a steady and sustained therapeutic effect.

Understanding endometriosis, from its pathophysiology to the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids, opens a promising avenue for more targeted and effective interventions. The limitations of current treatments emphasize the need for alternative approaches, and cannabinoid-based therapies emerge as compelling options. Phyto cannabinoids provide a potential pathway to alleviate the challenges posed by endometriosis. As research progresses, the intersection of cannabinoids and endometriosis holds the promise of not only managing pain but also improving the overall well-being of those affected by this painful condition.

Endometriosis and the Endocannabinoid System

Woman in pain and discomfort 

<p style="text-align: left" class="null"><em>How serious is endometriosis? Common symptoms include pelvic pain and fatigue, with many women reporting significant negative impact on their life including on education, work, friendships, and sexual relationships. Learn how cannabis is helping manage symptoms of this often undiagnosed condition that affects millions worldwide.</em></p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="studying-treatments-for-endometriosis">Studying Treatments for Endometriosis</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">A new study published in Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Canada has found one in eight Australian women use cannabis for endometriosis to alleviate pain and other symptoms, rating the plant-based medicine as the most effective way to self-manage the disorder.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Researchers from NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University and UNSW Sydney surveyed 484 Australian women with endometriosis between the ages of 18 and 45 to determine the types of strategies they used to self-manage symptoms.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">They found more than three quarters of Australian women with endometriosis are turning to self-management strategies including breathing techniques, yoga, dietary changes, heat, and CBD for endometriosis. CBD oil benefits were ranked as the most effective treatment by women.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="the-impact-of-cannabis-on-endometriosis">The Impact of Cannabis on Endometriosis</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The women said that along with reducing pain, they felt that cannabis for endometriosis significantly reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, problems with their sleep, feelings of depression, and anxiety.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Women using cannabis for endometriosis also reported a decrease in the medication that they normally took for their endometriosis symptoms, with just over half saying they decreased their medication by 50 per cent or more. Reported side effects were mild and relatively rare.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="what-is-endometriosis">What is Endometriosis?</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, and commonly causes pelvic pain and fatigue, with many women reporting a significant negative impact on women&apos;s health in many aspects of their life including education and work, friendships, and sexual relationships.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">In Australia, around one in nine women born between 1973-78 were diagnosed with endometriosis by age 40-44. The condition may cost up to $9.7 billion in Australia per year, mostly through productivity losses.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="current-treatments-for-endometriosis">Current Treatments for Endometriosis</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Aside from surgery, current treatments for endometriosis include the use of oral contraceptives or progestogens, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which do not always provide adequate pain control, or have side effects that are hard to tolerate for some women. Opioid analgesics are often prescribed for pain, however there is a risk of dependency and overdose. This is where CBD oil benefits women suffering from endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Lead author on the study, NICM Health Research Institute Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Research and Education Collaboration, Justin Sinclair said that due to the limitations of existing medical treatments for endometriosis, women are turning to self-care interventions, lifestyle interventions or alternative medicines for endometriosis for symptom relief and research is needed into the effectiveness of these self-management strategies.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="cannabis-as-a-treatment-for-endometriosis">Cannabis as a Treatment for Endometriosis</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“Cannabis for endometriosis has a long history of use in the ancient and scientific literature for various conditions such as period pain, however until now nothing has been investigated for cannabis being used for endometriosis,” Mr Sinclair said.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“Past research has demonstrated that certain compounds within cannabis known as cannabinoids exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Our research sought to determine the prevalence, tolerability, and self-reported effectiveness of CBD for endometriosis in women&apos;s health.&quot;</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Although the study showed promising results for the use of CBD for endometriosis symptoms, Mr Sinclair cautioned that CBD oil benefits were not without risk, however the reported rates of adverse effects were low in their study.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“One in ten women in the study who used CBD reported an undesirable effect such as drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, or increased anxiety,” he said.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="shortcomings-of-the-study">Shortcomings of the Study</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">According to Chief Investigator on the study NICM Health Research Institute’s Dr Mike Amour, Australian law currently requires legal medicinal cannabis use to follow specific, regulated pathways that limit prescription by this method; however, self-reported illicit use of cannabis for endometriosis remains relatively common in Australian women.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“Due to the timing of when the survey was administered, most if not all of the women in the survey would have been using illicit cannabis as an alternative medicine for endometriosis, as access to medicinal cannabis was still in its infancy,” Dr Armour said.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“This means we don’t have any information about the different varieties of cannabis that women were using, or what might have been in the cannabis that was being used as it was derived from illicit sources which are not quality assured. Also, this was a self-reported survey, which can lead to over or under estimation of the positive or the negative effects.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">“Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of quality controlled medicinal cannabis and women with endometriosis.”</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.savikalpa.com/collections/shunyata">plant based medicine</a> here.&nbsp;</p>

How serious is endometriosis? Common symptoms include pelvic pain and fatigue, with many women reporting significant negative impact on their life including on education, work, friendships, and sexual relationships. Learn how cannabis is helping manage symptoms of this often undiagnosed condition that affects millions worldwide.

A new study published in Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Canada has found one in eight Australian women use cannabis for endometriosis to alleviate pain and other symptoms, rating the plant-based medicine as the most effective way to self-manage the disorder.

Researchers from NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University and UNSW Sydney surveyed 484 Australian women with endometriosis between the ages of 18 and 45 to determine the types of strategies they used to self-manage symptoms.

They found more than three quarters of Australian women with endometriosis are turning to self-management strategies including breathing techniques, yoga, dietary changes, heat, and CBD for endometriosis. CBD oil benefits were ranked as the most effective treatment by women.

The women said that along with reducing pain, they felt that cannabis for endometriosis significantly reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, problems with their sleep, feelings of depression, and anxiety.

Women using cannabis for endometriosis also reported a decrease in the medication that they normally took for their endometriosis symptoms, with just over half saying they decreased their medication by 50 per cent or more. Reported side effects were mild and relatively rare.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, and commonly causes pelvic pain and fatigue, with many women reporting a significant negative impact on women's health in many aspects of their life including education and work, friendships, and sexual relationships.

In Australia, around one in nine women born between 1973-78 were diagnosed with endometriosis by age 40-44. The condition may cost up to $9.7 billion in Australia per year, mostly through productivity losses.

Aside from surgery, current treatments for endometriosis include the use of oral contraceptives or progestogens, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which do not always provide adequate pain control, or have side effects that are hard to tolerate for some women. Opioid analgesics are often prescribed for pain, however there is a risk of dependency and overdose. This is where CBD oil benefits women suffering from endometriosis.

Lead author on the study, NICM Health Research Institute Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Research and Education Collaboration, Justin Sinclair said that due to the limitations of existing medical treatments for endometriosis, women are turning to self-care interventions, lifestyle interventions or alternative medicines for endometriosis for symptom relief and research is needed into the effectiveness of these self-management strategies. 

Cannabis as a Treatment for Endometriosis

“Cannabis for endometriosis has a long history of use in the ancient and scientific literature for various conditions such as period pain, however until now nothing has been investigated for cannabis being used for endometriosis,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Past research has demonstrated that certain compounds within cannabis known as cannabinoids exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Our research sought to determine the prevalence, tolerability, and self-reported effectiveness of CBD for endometriosis in women's health."

Although the study showed promising results for the use of CBD for endometriosis symptoms, Mr Sinclair cautioned that CBD oil benefits were not without risk, however the reported rates of adverse effects were low in their study.

“One in ten women in the study who used CBD reported an undesirable effect such as drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, or increased anxiety,” he said.

According to Chief Investigator on the study NICM Health Research Institute’s Dr Mike Amour, Australian law currently requires legal medicinal cannabis use to follow specific, regulated pathways that limit prescription by this method; however, self-reported illicit use of cannabis for endometriosis remains relatively common in Australian women.

“Due to the timing of when the survey was administered, most if not all of the women in the survey would have been using illicit cannabis as an alternative medicine for endometriosis, as access to medicinal cannabis was still in its infancy,” Dr Armour said.

“This means we don’t have any information about the different varieties of cannabis that women were using, or what might have been in the cannabis that was being used as it was derived from illicit sources which are not quality assured. Also, this was a self-reported survey, which can lead to over or under estimation of the positive or the negative effects.

“Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of quality controlled medicinal cannabis and women with endometriosis.”

Cannabis as Endometriosis Medication for Australian Women

The Relationship Between Cannabis and Endometriosis

<h2 style="text-align: left" id="overview"><strong>Overview</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Cannabis can provide significant relief for endometriosis, by modulating and activating the endocannabinoid system — a key system which affects this condition.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">While some treatments and surgeries exist to treat this condition, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2972363/">they are not always effective</a> at alleviating the often intense pain that comes with endometriosis, so more options are desperately needed for the women who are suffering from this challenging and painful condition. Cannabis is one potential therapy currently being researched.</p><h2 style="text-align: left">&nbsp;<strong>How Cannabis Works on Endometriosis</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">To get a good idea of how cannabis might be able to help with endometriosis, we first need to understand how endometriosis is affected by the endocannabinoid system. This crucial system in the human body is made up of endocannabinoid receptors (called CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (natural chemicals in the human body which activate or modulate CB1 and CB2 activity), and enzymes which metabolize the endocannabinoids and clear them from the body. This system is tasked with maintaining homeostasis — and keeps many of our most important functions in balance. Modulating functions like sleep, hunger, pain, anxiety, nausea and energy metabolism, the endocannabinoid is a vital system for maintaining our ongoing health.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">While this system is usually activated by our own internal endocannabinoids, they can also be stimulated by chemicals in cannabis called cannabinoids. These chemicals work similarly to our natural endocannabinoids.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">As it turns out, the endocannabinoid system is also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2972363/">involved in endometriosis and its associated pain</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Researchers had suspected this might be the case because women reported reduced pain when using cannabis and CBD benefits for endometriosis. Specifically, scientists hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system was involved in both the development of endometriosis, and in the manifestation of its associated pain. They found several pieces of evidence to support their theory on the relationship between cannabis and women’s health.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">For one thing, studies have recently found that sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers actually sprout branches into these abnormal tissue growths, innervating them with sensation and allowing them to feel pain. CBD benefits for endometriosis greatly here. These fibers are rich with CB1 receptors, and thus can be modulated with endocannabinoids, the cannabinoids in cannabis or CBD oil for endometriosis (which can both activate CB1). Not only are the fibers and growths rich in CB1, but so are the neurons from which these fibers sprout, presenting great potential for cannabis as one of the alternative treatments for endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Researchers explain that all of this could suggest that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the progression of endometriosis and the sprouting of innervating fibers and, therefore, in natural pain management for endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">We can also see in fertility research that higher levels of anandamide (a CB1 stimulating endocannabinoid) at ovulation and lower levels at implantation is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436335/">important for a successful pregnancy.</a></p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Alterations in these endocannabinoid signaling can even lead to miscarriage, so we know that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the female reproductive system.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">There is also a significant increase in endocannabinoid levels, along with decreased levels of CB1 receptors, in women with endometriosis compared to those without endometriosis, complicating the use of cannabis as one of the endometriosis treatment options. This result suggests a negative feedback loop in pain regulation, which may impair the capability of the endocannabinoid system to control pain in endometriosis patients.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">All of this evidence has even led some researchers to describe endometriosis as an “endocannabinoid deficiency&quot; condition.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="medical-studies-on-cannabis-and-endometriosis"><strong>Medical Studies on Cannabis and Endometriosis</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">So it’s clear that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in endometriosis, but does that mean that cannabis can help treat it? To find out, we need to look at the research on cannabis as a treatment for endometriosis in human subjects.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">So it’s clear that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in endometriosis, but does that mean that cannabis can help treat it? To find out, we need to look at the research on cannabis as natural pain management for endometriosis in human subjects.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Of course, using cannabis to treat gynecological problems is nothing new in the world of cannabis and women’s health. Cannabis actually has an ancient tradition of being used as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1300/J175v02n03_02?needAccess=true">a medicine in obstetrics and gynaecology.</a>. It’s been used historically to treat conditions like dysmenorrhea, dysuria, hyperemesis gravidarum, and menopausal symptoms. And to this day, many women report positive effects from using cannabis-based natural remedies for endometriosis pain.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Still, there are very few studies (and no clinical studies) which actually research the impact of cannabis on endometriosis in humans, making it hard to determine the benefits of cannabis products like CBD oil for endometriosis. But we do have two recent survey based studies which asked women suffering from endometriosis how cannabis worked for them as a tool for natural pain management for endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The first <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(19)30808-4/fulltext">study</a>&nbsp;Looked at women with endometriosis aged 18 to 45, who live in Australia. They asked about what types of self-management methods the subjects used to work with their endometriosis symptoms, along with questions about changes in symptoms or medication use, costs, and adverse events while using natural remedies for endometriosis. Seventy-six percent of respondents reported using self-management techniques, and 13% of those subjects said they used cannabis for CBD’s benefits for endometriosis. Those who did use cannabis reported high levels of pain reduction (7.6 of 10), with 56% also reporting that they were able to reduce pharmaceutical medications with natural pain management for endometriosis by at least half. These women reported the greatest improvements in sleep, nausea and vomiting, and adverse effects were relatively rare (10%) and minor.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">The authors of this study argue that these results warrant follow-up with more clinical studies to confirm cannabis’ potential to treat endometriosis.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">In another 2019 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(19)31092-1/abstract">survey</a>,&nbsp;patients responded to questions about their experience with cannabis and CBD for the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. The majority reported that it was moderately or very effective, proving potential CBD benefits for endometriosis.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="endometriosis-and-cbd"><strong>Endometriosis and CBD</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">In the same 2019 survey where cannabis was reported to be very or moderately effective in 75.9% of cases, researchers also asked about CBD in the forms of CBD oil for endometriosis. Around a third of respondents reported having tried CBD, with more than half of these reporting CBD to be very or moderately effective.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Among both of the participant groups, cannabis was most likely to be reported as very effective, while CBD benefits for endometriosis was most likely to be reported as moderately effective.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">This study gives more evidence of cannabis’ helpful role for endometriosis treatment options, and shows that it is a common endometriosis treatment option being used. It also sheds light on the relative efficacy between CBD and whole plant cannabis — suggesting that cannabis might be more effective as a tool for natural pain management for endometriosis than CBD oil for endometriosis alone.</p><h2 style="text-align: left" id="potential-side-effects-of-cannabis-use">Potential side effects of cannabis use</h2><p style="text-align: left" class="null">While there hasn’t been much clinical research on using cannabis as one of the many natural remedies for endometriosis, in the studies we do have, adverse effects were relatively rare (affecting around 10% of patients) and were generally minor for patients using cannabis as alternative treatments for endometriosis. In general, side effects from cannabis are modest but can include symptoms like mild difficulties in concentration and memory, impaired coordination, increased appetite, nausea, racing heart, light-headedness, dry mouth, and fatigue.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">In addition, cannabis may interact with some drugs in a harmful way — slowing their metabolism and consequently increasing the amount of the drug present in the bloodstream. This could lead to overdose issues with certain medications when cannabis is being used as a natural remedy for endometriosis. Those taking other medications should always consult with a doctor before beginning cannabis use to ensure there are no conflicts with pre-existing medications.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">Explore <a target="_blank" href="https://cannigma.com/">plant based medicines</a> for assisting with Endometriosis here.</p><p style="text-align: left" class="null">&nbsp;This article was originally published on The Cannigma, and shared here with permission.</p>

Cannabis can provide significant relief for endometriosis, by modulating and activating the endocannabinoid system — a key system which affects this condition.

While some treatments and surgeries exist to treat this condition, 

 at alleviating the often intense pain that comes with endometriosis, so more options are desperately needed for the women who are suffering from this challenging and painful condition. Cannabis is one potential therapy currently being researched.

To get a good idea of how cannabis might be able to help with endometriosis, we first need to understand how endometriosis is affected by the endocannabinoid system. This crucial system in the human body is made up of endocannabinoid receptors (called CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (natural chemicals in the human body which activate or modulate CB1 and CB2 activity), and enzymes which metabolize the endocannabinoids and clear them from the body. This system is tasked with maintaining homeostasis — and keeps many of our most important functions in balance. Modulating functions like sleep, hunger, pain, anxiety, nausea and energy metabolism, the endocannabinoid is a vital system for maintaining our ongoing health.

While this system is usually activated by our own internal endocannabinoids, they can also be stimulated by chemicals in cannabis called cannabinoids. These chemicals work similarly to our natural endocannabinoids.

As it turns out, the endocannabinoid system is also 

involved in endometriosis and its associated pain

Researchers had suspected this might be the case because women reported reduced pain when using cannabis and CBD benefits for endometriosis. Specifically, scientists hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system was involved in both the development of endometriosis, and in the manifestation of its associated pain. They found several pieces of evidence to support their theory on the relationship between cannabis and women’s health.

For one thing, studies have recently found that sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers actually sprout branches into these abnormal tissue growths, innervating them with sensation and allowing them to feel pain. CBD benefits for endometriosis greatly here. These fibers are rich with CB1 receptors, and thus can be modulated with endocannabinoids, the cannabinoids in cannabis or CBD oil for endometriosis (which can both activate CB1). Not only are the fibers and growths rich in CB1, but so are the neurons from which these fibers sprout, presenting great potential for cannabis as one of the alternative treatments for endometriosis.

Researchers explain that all of this could suggest that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the progression of endometriosis and the sprouting of innervating fibers and, therefore, in natural pain management for endometriosis.

We can also see in fertility research that higher levels of anandamide (a CB1 stimulating endocannabinoid) at ovulation and lower levels at implantation is 

Alterations in these endocannabinoid signaling can even lead to miscarriage, so we know that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the female reproductive system.

There is also a significant increase in endocannabinoid levels, along with decreased levels of CB1 receptors, in women with endometriosis compared to those without endometriosis, complicating the use of cannabis as one of the endometriosis treatment options. This result suggests a negative feedback loop in pain regulation, which may impair the capability of the endocannabinoid system to control pain in endometriosis patients.

All of this evidence has even led some researchers to describe endometriosis as an “endocannabinoid deficiency" condition.

Medical Studies on Cannabis and Endometriosis

So it’s clear that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in endometriosis, but does that mean that cannabis can help treat it? To find out, we need to look at the research on cannabis as a treatment for endometriosis in human subjects.

So it’s clear that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in endometriosis, but does that mean that cannabis can help treat it? To find out, we need to look at the research on cannabis as natural pain management for endometriosis in human subjects.

Of course, using cannabis to treat gynecological problems is nothing new in the world of cannabis and women’s health. Cannabis actually has an ancient tradition of being used as 

a medicine in obstetrics and gynaecology.

. It’s been used historically to treat conditions like dysmenorrhea, dysuria, hyperemesis gravidarum, and menopausal symptoms. And to this day, many women report positive effects from using cannabis-based natural remedies for endometriosis pain.

Still, there are very few studies (and no clinical studies) which actually research the impact of cannabis on endometriosis in humans, making it hard to determine the benefits of cannabis products like CBD oil for endometriosis. But we do have two recent survey based studies which asked women suffering from endometriosis how cannabis worked for them as a tool for natural pain management for endometriosis.

 Looked at women with endometriosis aged 18 to 45, who live in Australia. They asked about what types of self-management methods the subjects used to work with their endometriosis symptoms, along with questions about changes in symptoms or medication use, costs, and adverse events while using natural remedies for endometriosis. Seventy-six percent of respondents reported using self-management techniques, and 13% of those subjects said they used cannabis for CBD’s benefits for endometriosis. Those who did use cannabis reported high levels of pain reduction (7.6 of 10), with 56% also reporting that they were able to reduce pharmaceutical medications with natural pain management for endometriosis by at least half. These women reported the greatest improvements in sleep, nausea and vomiting, and adverse effects were relatively rare (10%) and minor.

The authors of this study argue that these results warrant follow-up with more clinical studies to confirm cannabis’ potential to treat endometriosis.

, patients responded to questions about their experience with cannabis and CBD for the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. The majority reported that it was moderately or very effective, proving potential CBD benefits for endometriosis.

In the same 2019 survey where cannabis was reported to be very or moderately effective in 75.9% of cases, researchers also asked about CBD in the forms of CBD oil for endometriosis. Around a third of respondents reported having tried CBD, with more than half of these reporting CBD to be very or moderately effective.

Among both of the participant groups, cannabis was most likely to be reported as very effective, while CBD benefits for endometriosis was most likely to be reported as moderately effective.

This study gives more evidence of cannabis’ helpful role for endometriosis treatment options, and shows that it is a common endometriosis treatment option being used. It also sheds light on the relative efficacy between CBD and whole plant cannabis — suggesting that cannabis might be more effective as a tool for natural pain management for endometriosis than CBD oil for endometriosis alone.

While there hasn’t been much clinical research on using cannabis as one of the many natural remedies for endometriosis, in the studies we do have, adverse effects were relatively rare (affecting around 10% of patients) and were generally minor for patients using cannabis as alternative treatments for endometriosis. In general, side effects from cannabis are modest but can include symptoms like mild difficulties in concentration and memory, impaired coordination, increased appetite, nausea, racing heart, light-headedness, dry mouth, and fatigue.

In addition, cannabis may interact with some drugs in a harmful way — slowing their metabolism and consequently increasing the amount of the drug present in the bloodstream. This could lead to overdose issues with certain medications when cannabis is being used as a natural remedy for endometriosis. Those taking other medications should always consult with a doctor before beginning cannabis use to ensure there are no conflicts with pre-existing medications.

 This article was originally published on The Cannigma, and shared here with permission.