Endometriosis is a common chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition where tissue, similar to the tissue that normally grows inside the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. The most common places where endometriosis occurs are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the bowel, and the areas in front, on the back, and to the sides of the uterus. It can also be found in the bladder and bowel. In some cases, it is found outside the pelvis (lung, skin, brain, diaphragm).
Endometriosis affects about 10% of women worldwide and affects the fertility of 30% to 50% of them. In Canada, the situation is no different:
- 500,000+ Canadian girls and women are affected by endometriosis
- 27.9 years old is the average diagnosis age in Canada
- In Canada, individuals with endometriosis often experience a diagnosis delay of more than five years
Even though it affects so many women, treating endometriosis is still challenging. In this scenario, the use of cannabis-based products becomes even more relevant, due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
A 2020 survey, carried out in New Zealand with more than 200 women and published in the scientific journal Women’s Health, revealed that the use of cannabis relieved pain, decreased nausea and vomiting, in addition to improving sleep and reducing the use of other medications such as anti-inflammatories
Because it is a chronic disease, treatment works to relieve symptoms. Compared to conventional methods of endometriosis, CBD stands out mainly for its mild or almost zero side effects, in addition to reduced contraindications.
The therapeutic potential found in Cannabis Sativa goes beyond pain relief, as its anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce the symptoms present during some phases of the menstrual cycle, periods of greater exacerbation of symptoms related to endometriosis.
In this sense, medical cannabis has become a great therapeutic potential in coping with the disease and ensuring the patient’s quality of life. See how CBD works:
Minimizes the pain
Severe pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Therefore, the use of CBD as a treatment can be an option for reducing pain, being a natural option with few or almost no side effects.
Studies also show that medical cannabis can attenuate the sensation of pain caused by endometriosis, by desensitizing the receptors responsible for this physiological response. Furthermore, thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids, dealing with pain tends to be easier.
Prevents cell proliferation and migration
Research has shown that CBD has an anti-proliferative effect on endometrial cells. One of its main actions is in the development of apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death.
In addition to the cellular anti-migratory effect, functions have also attracted the use of Cannabis-based products in cancer treatments.
Briefly, CBD could prevent the cells, which are distributed outside the uterus, from becoming inflamed and facilitate their detachment from the endometrial tissue.
The main reason for this lies in the fact that cannabidiol prevents the GPR18 receptor, responsible for the migration of these damaged cells, from being activated. This inhibition, in turn, contributes to better control of inflammatory processes.
It is noteworthy that these findings were discovered in preclinical research, still requiring clinical follow-up and in vivo effects.
Reduces inflammation
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which results from the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium, which lines the inside of the uterine cavity, but outside the uterus.
Therefore, during the menstrual period, a time of female physiological change, this extra-uterine tissue also undergoes hormonal actions, leading to the known symptoms of endometriosis.
With less tissue being formed and, consequently, less fibrosis and risk of inflammation, severe pain tends to be gradually controlled and the patient manages to recover her quality of life.
Regulates the mood
Endometriosis has a great social and psychological impact on women’s lives. Pain can imply both anxiety and depression, especially in cases of chronic conditions.
In this sense, the emotional aspect is weakened and susceptible to everyday problems and, once again, the cannabidiol product comes out ahead of conventional remedies.
This occurs because CBD is also known to act on the neurotransmitters responsible for dopamine and serotonin, hormones that help in the feeling of well-being and happiness.
This advantage is only possible thanks to the interaction of cannabidiol with GABA receptors, which generate a calming effect in situations of anxiety and stress.
Still have questions?
At Gaia Hemp, we believe in the miracle healing power of herbs, as we personally have experienced the restorative medicinal benefits of CBD. We value transparency by offering the finest quality Canadian-grown hemp and cold-pressed CBD extracted with 100% purity. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us today.
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