Severe period pain, or dysmenorrhoea, affects up to 90% of women of reproductive age, with many experiencing symptoms intense enough to disrupt daily life.
So, how to reduce period pain? While over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments help many, some continue to suffer despite these interventions.
Emerging evidence suggests that medical cannabis could offer a new avenue for natural period pain relief when conventional options like pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs fail.
Period pain is typically caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining, a process driven by hormones called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps and discomfort throughout the menstrual cycle.
The NHS recommends several methods on how to reduce period pain and ease menstrual cramps:
For some, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, especially in cases linked to underlying conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or issues with the fallopian tubes.
Many seek natural period pain relief to avoid long-term medication use. Bupa UK highlights natural options to help relieve menstrual period cramps and reduce discomfort:
Despite all these strategies, some people still experience painful periods that interrupt their daily routines. If both conventional and natural remedies prove insufficient, alternative options like medical cannabis may be considered.
Medical cannabis has gained attention for its ability to manage chronic pain, including painful cramps linked to menstruation. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences how we experience pain, offering a potential natural pain reliever for women struggling with period-related discomfort.
A review of clinical trials found that two-thirds reported positive analgesic outcomes with medical cannabis use, particularly in managing chronic pain conditions. While specific research on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhoea is still emerging, the pain relief potential from cannabinoids is promising.
It’s important to remember that medical cannabis is only considered when other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or counter medications, haven’t worked. Its use should always be under the guidance of a medical professional.
Since its approval in November 2018, medical cannabis has remained tightly regulated in the UK. Prescriptions are typically only granted for cases where conventional pain relief methods have failed. If you’re curious whether this could be an option, speak with a healthcare provider to explore your eligibility.
For those who haven’t found relief from heating pads, hot water bottles, or anti-inflammatory drugs, contacting a medical cannabis dispensary may offer a new direction in managing painful periods.
Whether it’s a warm bath, water bottle or heat therapy, or alternative treatments, exploring all avenues is key to finding comfort during your menstrual cycle.
As always, consult a qualified medical professional before starting any new pain relief treatment.
Interested in exploring medical cannabis for women’s health? Book a consultation at Lyphe Clinic.
If you enjoyed this, you may be interested in the following Women’s Health articles:
Medical Cannabis for Menopause
Lyphe is your patient-first path to wellness, so book an appointment with one of our medical cannabis expert Doctors and get the relief you need.
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.
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