Women’s Health

Medical cannabis has emerged as a promising alternative for women seeking relief from various health conditions that traditional healthcare systems may have overlooked. In response to a government-led Women’s Health Strategy, more women are exploring unconventional options like yoga, acupuncture, and notably, medical cannabis. The rebalancing of the endocannabinoid system through cannabinoids has shown efficacy in managing a spectrum of women’s health conditions, including menopause, period pain, PMS, endometriosis, and pelvic pain.

Menopause

Menopausal symptoms, affecting over 75% of women, often lead to low mood, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other challenges lasting an average of seven years. A significant number of women have turned to cannabis for symptom management, with specific cannabinoid combinations proving effective. High-CBD during the day and a small amount of THC at night have shown positive responses in treating perimenopausal symptom clusters, helping to rebalance hormones and alleviate various symptoms.

Period Pain and PMS

Medical cannabis has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing both physical and mental aspects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Cannabis interacts with serotonin receptors, regulating mood and promoting feelings of happiness. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties and pain desensitization contribute to effective pain relief, addressing common menstrual symptoms such as cramps and headaches.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a debilitating condition affecting 1.5 million women in the UK, often leads to severe pain, fatigue, and potential infertility. While research is in its early stages, medical cannabis has shown promise in managing endometriosis symptoms. Women with endometriosis may have fewer cannabinoid receptors, and activating these receptors with cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, may inhibit cell multiplication and migration, providing relief.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain, ranging from chronic discomfort to severe agony, has traditionally been managed with hormonal therapy, pain medications, or surgery. However, women experiencing pelvic pain have reported success with medical cannabis, reducing pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. Some have even been able to decrease reliance on traditional medications.

Medical cannabis has emerged as a promising alternative for women seeking relief from various physical and mental health conditions that traditional healthcare systems may have overlooked. Some of these women’s health conditions include:

• Endometriosis
• Menopause
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Period Pain and PMS
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Depending on the specific type of women’s health condition, they may suffer from:
Abdominal pain, pelvic or back pain during your period or in between periods

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in mood
• Difficulty in urination
• Fever and chills
• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
• Heavier, unpredictable, or irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant)
• Migraine pattern change
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or menstrual cramps
• Sleep problems
• Slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair
• Vaginal discharge or dryness
• Weight gain

These symptoms can come and go in periods known as relapses and flare-ups. Relapses refer to a loss of treatment gains or a regression to pre-treatment baselines whereas flare-ups refer to when symptoms are particularly severe.

Treatment for women’s health conditions will largely depend on the root cause of the condition or the underlying condition it’s related to. The most common treatment plans often include combinations of the following treatment options:

• Over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Prescription medications are often used to manage pain. However, for many people, a combination of treatments is most effective.
• Physical therapy
• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques
• Psychological counselling