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Medical Cannabis for Women’s Health: A Natural Alternative for Chronic Conditions

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Introduction

Women’s health conditions, such as endometriosis, menopause, period pain, PMS, PCOS, PMDD, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often go untreated or under-diagnosed.

Traditional treatments may not work for everyone, leading many women to explore alternative therapies like medical cannabis.

Research suggests[1] that cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate pain, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.

What is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-derived treatments prescribed for specific conditions.

It contains active compounds called cannabinoids, which work with the ECS to support pain relief, mood balance, and inflammation reduction.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – psychoactive, provides pain relief and relaxation.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – non-psychoactive, supports inflammation and anxiety reduction.

Common Women’s Health Conditions & How Medical Cannabis Can Help

  1. Endometriosis & Chronic Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis affects 10% of women worldwide[2], that’s 190 million women globally!

This painful condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and fertility issues.

How Cannabis Helps Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain:

  • Pain relief: THC & CBD interact with pain receptors in the nervous system[3].
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammation and discomfort.
  • Muscle relaxation: Helps ease pelvic muscle spasms.

  1. Menopause & Hormonal Imbalance

Menopause brings symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and bone loss.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment, however, not all women can or want to use it.

How Cannabis Helps Menopause and Hormonal Imbalance:

  • Sleep support: CBD may promote deeper, more restful sleep[4].
  • Mood regulation: Helps manage anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
  • Bone health: May support bone density, reducing osteoporosis risk.

  1. Premenstrual Syndrome & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can cause severe mood swings, irritability, depression, and physical discomfort.

How Cannabis Helps PMDD and PMS:

  • Mood stabilization: CBD helps balance serotonin levels.
  • Pain relief: THC provides relief from cramps and body aches.
  • Reduced bloating: Anti-inflammatory properties ease discomfort.

  1. Period Pain & Dysmenorrhea

Severe menstrual cramps can impact daily life, leaving some women bed bound potentially for days. Many women rely on NSAIDs like ibuprofen, but long-term use can cause stomach issues.

How Cannabis Helps Dysmenorrhea and Period Pain:

  • Natural pain relief: Interacts with cannabinoid receptors to block pain signals.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Reduces uterine contractions and inflammation.

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects hormone levels, leading to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and infertility. Insulin resistance plays a key role in its development.

How Cannabis Helps PCOS:

  • Hormone balance: Regulates cortisol & insulin levels.
  • Weight management: Supports metabolism and appetite control.
  • Inflammation reduction: CBD helps lower chronic inflammation (Frontiers in Endocrinology).

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

Since November 2018, specialist doctors can prescribe medical cannabis for certain conditions where other treatments have failed [5]. However, NHS access is limited and to date only a handful of NHS prescriptions have been issued to date by the NHS, leaving many women turning to private clinics for treatment.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription:

  • Fill out an eligibility questionnaire
  • Speak to a licensed specialist at a medical cannabis clinic.
  • Provide medical history for your diagnosed condition.
  • If eligible, you will receive a personalised prescription tailored to your condition.

For more details, visit Lyphe Clinic.

Medical Cannabis Considerations & Side Effects

While medical cannabis is promising, it’s important to consult a medical professional before use.

Potential Side Effects:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Psychoactive effects (THC-based products)

Conclusion: A Natural Alternative for Women’s Health

Medical cannabis is an emerging alternative therapy for conditions like endometriosis, menopause, and PCOS. If traditional treatments haven’t worked, cannabinoid therapy may provide pain relief, hormonal balance, and mood support.

Interested in exploring medical cannabis for women’s health? Book a consultation at Lyphe Clinic.

If you enjoyed this, you may be interested in: Medical Cannabis for Menopause

Reference Footnotes:

[1] Harvard Medical School

[2] World Health Organization

[3] PubMed

[4] NIH

[5] NHS England

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Am I Eligible?

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. We strongly advise readers to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
To reflect its medicinal nature rather than recreational use, we prefer the term ‘medical cannabis’ over terms such as ‘marijuana’, “grass”. or ‘dope’ which may carry negative connotations.
The opinions expressed in the blog belong to the respective authors, who are not medical professionals, and may not necessarily align with those of Lyphe Clinic. Lyphe Clinic does not endorse any specific products or services mentioned, except those provided through Lyphe Clinic.
Readers should be aware that the legality of medical cannabis varies by location, and this disclaimer may be subject to periodic updates.

Author: Becky Mclaren

Marketing Manager at Lyphe Clinic, with a rich background as the former Head of Brand & Content at Vaping.com, a pioneering online platform in harm reduction, Becky brings over 6 years of invaluable experience in crafting compelling brand narratives and spearheading impactful marketing strategies.

Having served in pivotal roles Becky has consistently demonstrated a knack for innovation and engagement, seamlessly weaving brand stories across diverse channels and markets. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum, including creative direction, UX/UI design, SEO optimization, agency coordination, editorial planning, copywriting, and art direction.

Driven by a passion for creating resonant and memorable brand narratives, Becky is dedicated to not only captivating the target audience but also catalysing positive change within the healthcare industry at Lyphe Clinic.

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