Around 190 million people globally suffer from endometriosis, a condition where pain and discomfort are common. Interest in cannabis as a treatment is growing, particularly because cannabis may be a way to help ease chronic pain, the primary issue for many women suffering from endometriosis.
The World Health Organization reports that about 10% of women deal with endometriosis, and women often wait 7 to 11 years for an endometriosis diagnosis. Endometriosis can greatly affect one’s life and work, leading some patients to medical cannabis.
Understanding Endometriosis and Its Impact on Life Quality
Endometriosis affects up to 1 in 10 women in the UK. Worldwide, endometriosis is widespread, influenced by genetic risks and a weakened immune system. It affects people all over the world, contributing to severe pelvic pain and fertility problems, like being unable to conceive.
The World Endometriosis Society stresses the need to classify the disease’s severity. They know how it changes lives, from causing discomfort to affecting fertility.
Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing: The Burden of Endometriosis
Endometriosis goes beyond physical pain, affecting mental and social health. It often leads to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Studies show that Cannabis can bring pain relief, addressing endometriosis pain directly and indirectly.
The Endocannabinoid System in Human Physiology
Cannabinoids found in cannabis mimic our own endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG. Cannabinoids work on our endocannabinoid system via cb1 and cb2 receptors and have been found to reduce pain, fight inflammation, and stop cell growth, all of which are important for treating endometriosis.
The ECS plays a big part in keeping our bodies balanced. It oversees many processes, including how we feel pain and inflammation. Researchers are exploring how its anti-inflammatory and pain relief roles could change treatment for reproductive issues. Recent studies show positive outcomes for women’s health, particularly in managing endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
Differences Between THC and CBD: Roles and Effects
THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids and the primary key to cannabis’s medical benefits. They interact in different ways with the endocannabinoid system in the body. THC, inebriating effects aside, is great at easing chronic pain. Studies have shown that THC lessens pelvic pain in mice without making them anxious. The linked study states that THC also stopped endometrial growths from developing, showing potential for changing the course of the disease in studies.
CBD is non-psychoactive but can still mildly relieve pain by reducing inflammation, as well as controlling vomiting, and lowering anxiety. Women suffering from endometriosis face many challenges, including anxiety and reduced quality of life. Thankfully, THC and CBD together may yield promising results for dealing with these symptoms.
Cannabis for Endometriosis
Current research shows promise in using cannabis for chronic conditions like endometriosis. It could offer a better quality of life for many women. The conversation around cannabis for chronic pain is evolving. Studies into cannabis for endometriosis treatment show promising results. In the UK, since the legalisation of medical cannabis in November 2018, patients can get unlicensed prescriptions from specialist doctors prescribed by UK Cannabis Clinics. This is good news for those suffering from endometriosis.
The global medical cannabis market, valued at nearly $10 billion in 2022, is expected to soar to $54 billion by 2030. This growth underscores cannabis’s increasing value in therapy12.
Endometriosis patients are more likely to become dependent on painkillers. This makes alternative treatment methods like medical cannabis a game-changer for many, as cannabis may offer pain relief without the addiction and side effects from opiates.
Research shows low endocannabinoid levels in the blood are tied to more severe pain in endometriosis patients. Over 140 papers highlight cannabis’ success in managing endometriosis pain. For those seeking treatment without THC, studies have shown CBD lessens endometrial pain and reduces the growth of endometriotic implants.
Cannabis Oil and CBD for Pain Relief: Evaluating the Benefits
Since November 2018 a growing number of unlicensed cannabis medicine prescriptions have been issued while NHS prescriptions have remained limited. These figures show a growing need for alternative treatments on the NHS as patients turn to cannabis for endometriosis treatment.
Looking ahead, the use of cannabis in endometriosis treatment plans seems likely to increase via private cannabis clinics. This is thanks to ongoing studies on its effectiveness in pain relief and management.
Traditional Treatments vs Cannabis-Based Therapies for Endometriosis
Exploring traditional treatments next to cannabis-based options offers hope for those with endometriosis pain.
From Hormonal Therapies to CBD: A Comparative Look
Hormone treatments try to manage endometriosis by controlling estrogen. But, they come with problems, like mood changes and can affect fertility. On the other hand, CBD for pain relief might be a suitable alternative. CBD may help with pain with few side effects. Cannabis works by affecting the body’s ECS.
Pelvic Floor Therapy and Cannabis: Complementary Approaches?
Combining pelvic floor therapy with cannabis could provide a comprehensive way to tackle endometriosis symptoms. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on muscle issues causing pain. Using cannabis could support these efforts. Research highlights cannabis’s role, particularly how it helps manage symptoms and improve life quality during the menstrual cycle.
Treatment Approach | Benefits | Drawbacks | Suitability |
---|---|---|---|
Hormonal Medications | Reduces endometriosis progression | Side effects, can impact fertility | Non-suitable for those planning pregnancy |
Surgical Interventions | Effective at removing endometrial tissue | Costly, long wait times, potential for recurrence | Considered after other treatments fail |
Pelvic Floor Therapy | Improves muscle function, reduces pain | Requires regular sessions | Suitable for most patients |
Cannabis-Based Therapies | Targets endocannabinoid system for pain relief | Legal and accessibility restrictions | Patients seeking complementary treatments |
Legal Framework and Access to Medical Cannabis in the UK
Getting medical cannabis in the UK is relatively straightforward in 2024, but cannabis is still not readily available on the NHS, so a private prescription must be sought. To qualify, patients should have tried two conventional treatments unsuccessfully before cannabis can be considered.
Becoming a Medical Cannabis Patient: The UK’s Qualifying Conditions
In the UK, people who want cannabis for relief must meet certain conditions. Though over 89,239 prescriptions for cannabis medicines were given outside the NHS between November 2018 and July 2022, very few were from within it. About 1.8 million Britons self-medicate with legacy market cannabis, showing a big need for better medical cannabis policies to facilitate these patients.
Read our guide on how the Medical Cannabis Prescription process works in the UK.
Regulatory Guidelines for Cannabis-Based Medication
NICE sets the rules for using unlicensed cannabis medicines, like for severe epilepsy. In March 2021, NICE made its advice clear, hoping to make these medicines more accessible. They also look at cannabidiol with clobazam for certain seizures. The law already includes products like Sativex and nabilone.
Changes were attempted recently via new proposals, like the medical cannabis bill in 2022. Though it didn’t pass, it aimed to make prescribing easier and suggested creating a commission on cannabis medicines. For UK patients, especially those with endometriosis, this would likely have meant easier access to the medicines they need via the NHS.
Patient Experiences and Self-Management Strategies
Many women with endometriosis find self-help strategies effective. A whopping 76% use different methods to ease their pain. Among these, 13% turn to cannabis for its healing effects. They seek relief from this challenging condition.
Australians Using Cannabis for Endometriosis: Survey Insights
In Australia, 1 in 8 women battling endometriosis use cannabis. They’ve noticed less pain and less reliance on other drugs. 56% cut their other medication use by half or more. Cannabis stands out for its pain relief, beating methods like heat or diet changes.
Cannabis also leads to fewer side effects.
Individual Case Studies: CBD Oil Impact on Endometriosis
CBD oil has proved very helpful against endometriosis. It helps with nausea, stomach issues, sleep problems, and even anxiety. Personal stories show it offers more control over these symptoms.
Conclusion
Looking at the future of treating endometriosis, cannabis stands out as a strong supporter for endometriosis relief. Cannabis shows hope for up to 10% of women globally living with this condition. It’s not just about easing pain but also enhancing life quality for those impacted. The economic toll of endometriosis on work and life quality is huge, with the costs varying based on the condition’s severity.
This move towards more cannabis prescriptions in the UK highlights the importance of catering to individual needs. In the UK, medical cannabis laws ensure that medical cannabis is available for those needing new ways to control symptoms where other medicines have failed.