How cannabis can help with endometriosis

Life is all about duality: the good and the bad, ups and downs, light and darkness, joy and pain. Throughout history, people can go up and down with the dark side of life. However, if pain does occur, we will do everything we can to stop it. People have spent thousands of dollars eliminating pain as much as possible. And the main consumers of pain relievers bought every day are women.

The pain gap

Research has shown the gender difference in pain relievers and how women take more pain reliever drugs than men. It’s no surprise as there are numerous health problems that only occur in people born with a uterus, such as pregnancy problems, breast cancer, and endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outward. It affects an estimated 2 to 10 percent of American women. Endometriosis most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue that lines your pelvis (although it can grow anywhere in the body), making it a painful experience for women with the condition.

“I’ve always been given extra strength, Aleve, Advil, all the over-the-counter things. I switched my diet several times to help, but nothing took the pain away, ”says Serena Torres. Torres is a 39-year-old New Yorker who was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 26. After finding no help in managing the pain from several doctors and specialists, Torres decided to take matters into her own hands. She started researching cannabis as an alternative.

How cannabis changes pelvic pain and endometriosis

A 2019 research study conducted a survey of endometriosis patients about their experience of using cannabis to manage pain. THC was most likely to be reported as very effective (53.4 percent of clinic participants), while CBD was most likely to be reported as moderately effective (36.8 percent of clinic participants). At the end of the study, all patients reported that CBD and THC were very effective for abdominal pain.

“A total of 252 participants who identified themselves as having endometriosis recorded 16193 sessions with cannabis between April 2017 and February 2020,” said Dr. Margaret Rajnic, National Certified Nursing Physician (DNP) with extensive experience in the care of acute and chronic illnesses. Since cannabis has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, it gives patients the opportunity to live their daily lives without the risk of experiencing pain all day, as the symptoms of endometriosis can be almost debilitating.

“If I hadn’t been pushy enough to research and talk to someone about it, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” says Torres, who has been using cannabis for endometriosis for a decade.

“Within an hour of my first dose, I felt a relief that I had never felt before. Cannabis restored my health. I am allowed to be functional instead of [me] take time out from work or school. And that was a big deal for me because that was all I needed. “

Serena Torres

Relief from cannabis

Cannabis has given women with endometriosis something they have longed for: relief. Unlike years ago, women now have the ability to control endometriosis pain. However, it is recommended to start slowly and with a low dose. It is always best to speak to your doctor or health care provider about your options when using cannabis to manage pain. It is also important for women to self-monitor their symptoms and side effects, as some people may have different results.