Ouch, it hurts! Women around the world are all too familiar with pains that come with periods. But what happens when PMS (premenstrual syndrome) turns into excruciating symptoms that are felt throughout the month?
More than 10% of women in America suffer from Endometriosis. That’s roughly 1 out of every 10 ladies you might know. But despite how common Endometriosis is, this condition is often misdiagnosed and treatment options are still limited. Unfortunately, doctors and specialists still have no idea what causes Endometriosis. The symptoms alone are debilitating, and affect victims’ day to day lives (1).
Women with Endometriosis are often treated with painkillers and other habit-forming prescription drugs. What’s more, researchers have yet to find a cure, leaving millions of women to endure Endometriosis into their older age. While Endometriosis is still a highly misunderstood condition, women are finding relief through natural alternatives to help mitigate the life-altering symptoms they so bravely endure.
Lately, many people are becoming aware of the powerful therapeutic effects of Cannabidiol (CBD). Even scientists are becoming more aware of CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. That said, CBD is changing the lives of women who currently battle the crippling Endometriosis symptoms (see this Nanocraft CBD review for how Nanocraft CBD helped alleviate Endometriosis pain).
In this article, you’re about to learn how CBD can actually help reduce the disruptive symptoms of Endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis causes the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus – endometrium – to grow outside of the uterus.
Patches of endometrial tissue can develop on the:
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Pelvis
- Bladder
- Rectum
- Intestines
- And other abdominal areas
In rare cases, endometrial tissue may develop on organs such as the appendix, lungs, and even the skin. This misplaced tissue is affected by the natural fluctuations of our hormones. Each month during menstruation, the patches of misplaced endometrial tissue becomes trapped in our body, producing chronic inflammation and excruciating pain.
Symptoms of Endometriosis include:
- Painful menstrual periods
- Irregular bleeding (heavy bleeding or spotting throughout the month)
- Pelvic, back, and abdominal pain
- Painful intercourse
- Infertility
- Painful urination
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms –– diarrhea, constipation, nausea, etc.
- Bloating
- Etc.
While Endometriosis is not a life-threatening disease, it can contribute to other life-altering health issues and crippling symptoms (2).
CBD and Endometriosis
In the last few years, scientists have been studying the therapeutic properties of CBD and how it interacts with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) –– a system made up of receptor cells that communicate regulation and balance throughout our body.
Reproductive health issues, like Endometriosis, are usually a result of a disruptive ECS. Many things can disrupt our ECS: poor diet, too much stress, lack of exercise, and harsh chemicals we put in and on our body. However, consuming CBD allows our body to naturally regulate, balance, and heal by addressing the root cause of various health conditions.
CBD reduces pain and inflammation
When our body endures injury, infection, or a negative change in our genetics, we experience pain and inflammation. Inflammation is usually our body’s way of healing, but when chronic inflammation sets in, long term issues can take place. causing excruciating pain.
One way CBD can help with Endometriosis symptoms is by reducing pain and inflammation. In a 2016 study, researchers topically applied CBD on rats with arthritis. Each group received different milligrams of CBD each day for four days – 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, and 62.3 mg. There was a noticeable reduction of inflammation and pain in the rats that received 6.2 and 62.3mg/day of CBD. Amazingly, no side effects were noted (3).
Additionally, preclinical testimony suggests that CBD may protect against intestinal inflammation as well. This is promising news, as Endometriosis often causes IBS-like symptoms in its victims (4).
CBD and cell migration
Women often have their endometriotic lesions surgically removed as a way of treatment. However, Endometriosis very frequently returns and it usually spreads to other locations in the body. Amazingly, however, scientists have discovered that CBD holds anti-angiogenic properties –– which prevent the proliferation and migration of new cells or blood vessels. This means potential lesions can only reproduce if a network of blood vessels start to develop. CBD prevents that from happening, allowing the body to heal from within (5 , 6).
CBD and prescription drugs
Women with Endometriosis often take multiple prescriptions, painkillers, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for their disruptive symptoms. NSAIDs, in particular, are the most common as they prevent inflammation in the body by suppressing inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2. Sadly, these treatment options produce side effects which are often managed through additional prescriptions. CBD, on the other hand, also inhibits the COX-2 enzymes without causing additional harm to the body. This allows Endometriosis suffers a safer option to treat their pain (7).
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Endometriosis, then chances are you’ve heard of CBD. While it’s true that more research is needed regarding CBD and Endometriosis, millions of women are seeing positive and dramatic changes in their reproductive health from this therapeutic molecule. If you are interested in trying CBD, be sure to purchase high-quality, 3rd party tested CBD from reputable companies. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement. For first-time CBD users, be sure to start slow and with a low dose, steadily increasing until you reach the desired effect.
Sources:
- http://endometriosis.org/news/research/research-priorities-in-endometriosis-wce2008/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/endometriosis-a-to-z
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/antiangiogenesis-agent
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3504989/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18556441
