Endometriosis is a very painful diagnosis that, according to statistics, every tenth woman suffers from. Today's article is about how and why cannabis can help with endometriosis symptoms. If you suffer from this disease and are looking for a natural way, you can find inspiration here.

Like one in ten women with a vagina, I was diagnosed with endometriosis before I was thirteen. My diagnosis changed the course of my life in almost every way. Today I want to talk about how cannabis helps me with endometriosis.

Life with endometriosis

In the years that followed, I often bled for twenty days straight, regularly leaked through extra-large tampons in an hour, had three laparoscopies, went into chemical menopause with injectables, and tried all sorts of crazy treatments that promised relief. Many nights I barely slept, only to wake up again when my parents burst into my bedroom to calm me down and tell me I was screaming in pain in my sleep.... This is life with endometriosis.

Unrelenting pain, surgeries, hospital stays, ravaged body, invasive procedures, swollen belly, isolation, weakened immune system, depression, constant opioid use, fatigue and painful bowel movements.

I had a life-changing laparoscopy at the age of nineteen, but unfortunately the doctor who operated on me had her license revoked because of the advanced (meaning not yet approved) surgical techniques she used. The endometrial and scar tissue plus the hernias that I had developed while in pain for so many years were removed and repaired.

Endocannabinoid system: We all have a complete network of cells near the central nervous system. These cells have receptors that function have a lock. The key that unlocks them is different cannabinoids. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, heart, digestive tract, kidneys, bones, joints and skin.

CANNABIS and ENDOMETRIOSIS

I opted for an evidence-based cannabinoid treatment to relieve my endometriosis symptoms in my early thirties. That's when I realized that I wanted independence from doctors, that I wanted a holistic approach and that I wanted to be in control of my symptoms. I wanted to give myself the space to transform into the woman I never had the chance to become, up to this point. I wish cannabis had been available to me much earlier in my recovery journey, but I am grateful for all that this plant has given me.

While we are still waiting for definitive answers regarding the development of endometriosis and treatment options, we already know that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and cannabis work together to fight this disease in the following specific ways:

Scientists have discovered a complicated interplay between endometriosis and the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the native system that controls the transmission of messages between cells in our body, including receptors in every organ system responsible for maintaining homeostasis. For example, a properly functioning ECS ​​will increase or decrease hormone levels depending on what our body needs to maintain optimal health.

Endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system The ECS plays an integral role in the healthy function of the reproductive system with a multitude of receptors located throughout the body. Science points out that endometrial pain may be caused by disruption of CB receptors1, but more specifics are still unknown. Researchers also believe that women with endometriosis have fewer CB1 receptors, signaling potential insufficiency of the endocannabinoid system.

The term Endocannabinoids refers to cannabinoids that our body naturally produces on its own. Their deficiency can be supplemented with phytocannabinoids (these are cannabinoids from the cannabis plant) that can suppress many of the symptoms of endometriosis, making them a useful therapy.

We know that various cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, and CBG appear to reduce inflammation in a very similar way, or through the same pathway, as steroids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, and high-dose aspirin).

CBD fights pain by reducing inflammation, and THC has 20 times the anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin and twice the effect of hydrocortisone. We also know that cannabis interacts with other mechanisms in the body to relieve pain, such as a change in the transmission of pain receptor TRPV1 messages to the brain.

The TRPV1 receptor, which causes pain when stimulated, is often overexpressed in patients with endometriosis.

Some research shows that CBD can stimulate this receptor while desensitizing it, ultimately reducing perceived pain.

HOW TO USE HEMP FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS

Here's how I treat my endometriosis with cannabis.

Suppositories against pain and inflammation

I rely on CBD and THC suppositories when I feel pelvic pain and inflammation building up. The great thing about suppositories is that you can insert them vaginally or rectally. The suppositories deliver cannabinoids, terpenes and often other calming plant allies right where your body needs them most.

I insert a tampon, which I previously soak heavily in oil with hemp extract.

Notice: This method can be problematic for some, especially cancer patients, allergy sufferers and people with a weakened immune system. It may not be suitable for those who have low platelet counts, or too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor first.

Selection of terpenes

Terpene selection is at the top of my priority list when shopping for cannabis flowers. At one time, terpenes, which are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in hemp and other plants, were believed to be solely responsible for the flavor and aroma of cannabis.. However, more recent research has suggested that terpenes may have unique properties and medicinal effects.

My favorites that work best for pain and inflammation include cultivars rich in Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Limonene.

If I have extreme acute pelvic pain, I take a nap because inhaled cannabis goes directly into the bloodstream without first passing through the digestive tract and liver, allowing the cannabinoids and terpenes to reach into the bloodstream within 5-15 minutes.

When my pain is really bad, I take an edible (weed bun or other cannabis junk). It takes about 1-2 hours for the edible to really take effect, as the THC must first pass through the gut, then the liver, before finally being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Pain relief

The beauty of cannabis is that you can layer both or other types of consumption to get the results you want – you are in complete control. When used in combination, they produce edibles (edibles with grass) Delta Hydrox 11, while inhalation produces Delta 9, which produces better therapeutic results.

One study shows that women need an average of 6-10 puffs of THC-containing cannabis to relieve endometriosis symptoms, but this varies widely depending on the product consumed, the THC:CBD ratio, and lung capacity.

The pain of making love

Both CBD and THC promote vasodilation, which means they send blood to the genitals, increasing their sensitivity, improving natural lubrication and promoting arousal. They also help relieve anxiety that may stem from a previous painful experience.

If I'm already experiencing mild pelvic pain, I start by inserting a suppository infused in THC oil 30 minutes before the appointment, followed by a microdose (2.5-5mg) of inhaled cannabis, as using cannabis before sex will affect perception. This leads to improved overall experience, desire, climax and pain suppression.

During intercourse, I integrate hemp oils and serums, internally and externally, to treat pain and inflammation. After making love I often get a deep, debilitating, throbbing pain that can only be managed with another suppository and another microdose of inhaled cannabis, plus a deep breathing technique.

When my pain is low, I limit this protocol to only the cannabis products I need to make sure I am present and enjoying my body and my partner. I've learned to trust my body to tell me what it needs.

I use hemp ointments, creams, oils and balms on my lower abdomen and, frankly, on my whole body. The reason hemp products are so effective is because we have CB1 and CB2 receptors in the upper layers of the skin as well. There are other neurotransmitters in the skin that play a role in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) that cannabis can help modulate.

Blocking the pain receptor with another sensation and altering the cellular messages helps to relieve the pain. This is why spicy capsaicin and cooling menthol sometimes work well for pain relief in other neurological pain conditions.

WE NEED MORE RESEARCH ON CANNABIS AND ENDOMETRIOSIS

The truth is that the scientific evidence for how and why cannabis can ease endometriosis symptoms is still in its infancy. I hope that anecdotal reports from individuals will encourage further research so we can have definitive answers in the near future.

written by Ray Hallman
Medically reviewed by Rebecca Abraham, RN, BNS, Chief Nursing Officer, EIR Club

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