A study has indicated cannabis could potentially become part of an overall approach to therapy in the management of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it. It can often be painful and sometimes debilitating; and in particularly severe cases lead to infertility. According to a recently published study out of Germany, endometriosis affects up to 20% of women of reproductive age.
Getting a diagnosis can be drawn out, averaging 4–11 years from the onset of symptoms. And while therapies such as hormonal treatments and laparoscopic surgery are available, pain recurrence is common.
Increasingly, women affected by endometriosis are turning to cannabis for some relief. For example, an Australian study found 72% of Australian and 88.2% of NZ respondents participating in a related survey reported self-administering cannabis illicitly.
But is it effective?
A German study involving 912 women aged 18 – 55 residing in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who provided valid responses to a survey distributed to endometriosis support and advocacy groups on social media found 114 of the group reported using cannabis for self-management – 12.5%. It’s worth noting cannabis consumption was still illegal in the three countries at the time of the study.
Among that sub-group, cannabis was rated as the most effective method to self-manage symptom intensity. Additionally:
- Around 90% of the participants were able to decrease their pain medication intake.
- 91% experienced improved sleep.
- 90% found it beneficial for menstrual pain, and 80% for non-cyclic pelvis pain.
Another observed benefit was among women with anxiety or depression/depressed mood; with three-quarters experiencing improvement. However, more than 5% reported a worsening of these conditions.
Generally, side effects were infrequent (5%), except in the case of fatigue (17%). As for methods of administration, smoking was the most common and also used more regularly than options such as vaporization or edibles.
The results are encouraging, but the researchers also note:
“Further studies are needed to investigate the best administration methods, dosage, THC/CBD ratio, potential side effects, and long-term effects to provide official recommendations to patients and healthcare providers.”
The study has been published in the journal Gynecology and Obstetrics.
