CBD for Endometriosis: Can It Help with Pain & Symptoms?
Ruby Deevoy is an international CBD, cannabis, and psychedelics journalist, public speaker, and media personality. She regularly contributes to publications like The Independent, The Times, and New Scientist and was the UK’s first-ever CBD columnist for Top Santé magazine.
March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month: a time to reflect on this
prevalent condition, how it affects so many lives and what we know about it.
Endometriosis Awareness Day
Recent surveys have shown around 10% of the global female population
struggle with the challenges of endometriosis, a condition characterised by
cells similar to the lining of the womb growing in places they shouldn’t. This
results in a wide variety of symptoms ranging from chronic pain and fatigue to
infertility and severe bleeding, which has the potential to result in very serious
complications.
Around 10% of the global female population struggle with the challenges of endometriosis
Unfortunately, endometriosis remains understudied and misunderstood,
leaving millions of women in the dark about how to manage their discomfort
or, better yet, treat the issue.
All over the world, people have been reaching for CBD to better their lives –
but can you use CBD for endometriosis?
Can you use CBD for endometriosis?
Cannabis has been heavily documented throughout history has been for
treating gynaecological issues, such as endometriosis. As CBD is derived from
the cannabis (or hemp) plant, it’s no surprise that there’s been great interest in
both the study and consumption of CBD for endometriosis. But it’s worth
noting that while CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in this
amazing plant, it’s not the only one. There are actually over 140! Not to
mentions all the terpenes (aromatic compounds) and flavonoids, too.
THC activates the GPR18 receptor , which can potentially worsen endometriosis by increasing ‘cell migration’.
THC (the molecule best known for producing the ‘high’ from using cannabis)
has been shown in multiple studies to play a huge role in pain relief, but of
course that’s not in broad spectrum CBD oil like the one sold by Unspun.
However this isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes to endometriosis, as
some evidence suggests THC activates the GPR18 receptor , which can potentially worsen endometriosis by increasing ‘cell migration’. This is a major
downside, as it’s the migration of womb cells to areas such as the ovaries and
fallopian tubes which causes the problem in the first place.
Some promising research has shown the CBD molecule could stop endometriotic cells from migrating
On the other hand, some promising research has shown the CBD molecule
could stop endometriotic cells from migrating. But there’s still a long way to go
before any medical professional would prescribe CBD for endometriosis pain,
and it’s important to remember that CBD oil is a food supplement, not a
medicine.
What shrinks endometriosis naturally?
One of the most commonly asked questions during endometriosis awareness
month and beyond is: what shrinks endometriosis, naturally? As is so often the
case in female healthcare, women have been largely left to fend for
themselves with this condition, so of course they’re looking for natural
solutions.
Although there’s no official cure or treatment, many professionals recommend
dietary changes, including adding anti-inflammatory foods and supplements to
your lifestyle, and avoiding high FODMAP food/drink such as gluten, dairy and
alcohol.
In this same vein, adding CBD as a supplement to your lifestyle, along with
others like Omega-3 fatty acids, may be helpful. One way that CBD could
support balance in your body is through its interaction with your
endocannabinoid system. Although not looking specifically at CBD, this study
found drugs which stimulate the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors
decrease the growth of endometrial tissue and reduces inflammation. CBD
works in the body largely by supporting the production and release of
endocannabinoids, which naturally activate these receptors.
How many mg of CBD for endometriosis?
When you’re taking CBD as a food supplement, the protocol is always the same– start low and build up slowly.
Although there is guidance on your bottle of Unspun CBD oil, it’s worth
knowing that everyone’s perfect dose is different depending on a number of
factors, including your natural endocannabinoid levels, sensitivity, blood
volume and metabolism. Because of this (and to ensure you’re getting the
most for your money) it’s a good idea to start with 2-3 drops 3 times a day, and titrate your dose every week or two. You may want to journal your journey to
note how you respond to the different doses. This will help you know when
you’ve reached your ideal dose (this will be when you take a higher dose and
notice you don’t feel any more balanced than you did with the lower dose).
Consistency is key when taking CBD for endometriosis (or for any other
reason), so be sure to take it every day for at least a month before you decide whether or not it’s working for you
Consistency is key when taking CBD for endometriosis (or for any other
reason), so be sure to take it every day for at least a month before you decide
whether or not it’s working for you. This allows time for the cannabinoids, and
your own endocannabinoids, to accumulate and restore equilibrium.
Why use broad spectrum CBD for endometriosis?
As mentioned above, CBD is great but it’s not the only molecule of value in the
cannabis plant. When you choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil, like Unspun,
you’re giving yourself the gift of multiple cannabinoids, terpenes and
flavonoids. Theses all work together to produce a superior effect (known as the
entourage effect).
Another star of the show when it comes to endometriosis is CBDa – the raw
cannabidiolic acid CBD converts to when heated. Most CBD oils are lacking in
this precious molecule. However, Unspun CBD has kept it in the mix.
This is an essential one to look for in the lab reports if you’re choosing a CBD
product for endometriosis, as CBDa has been found to inhibit the
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. “What’s that and why does it matter?”, you
might ask. Well, as it turns out, overexpression of COX-2 has been shown to
play a key role in the progression of endometriosis and inflammation.'
Researchers have yet to fully explore and utilise the potential of this, but it’s
certainly something that suggests CBDa is special!
If you’re considering using CBD for endometriosis, or supporting your overall
wellbeing throughout endometriosis awareness month, Unspun has got you
covered!
