Endometriosis : features and potential role of medicinal cannabis

Justin Sinclair, Mike Armour

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition affecting around 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth. Significant pain including severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) and noncyclical pelvic pain is common. Current treatment strategies include analgesics, both opioid and nonopioid, along with hormonal treatments and surgery. While these benefit some people, a significant proportion does not get sufficient pain and/or symptom control from these treatments. This may be why the use of cannabis, either medically prescribed, legally self-administered, or illicit, is common among people with endometriosis. The endocannabinoid system may be dysfunctional in those with endometriosis, and this may explain why the use of exogenous phytocannabinoids provides pain and symptom relief in those with endometriosis. Inhaled forms (e.g., vaping) may provide faster pain relief than oral forms; however, the latter appears to have greater benefit in gastrointestinal symptoms. Reduction in opioid analgesia is the most commonly reported substitution effect.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
EditorsVictor R. Preedy, Vinood B. Patel, Colin R. Martin
Place of PublicationU.K.
PublisherAcademic Press
Pages483-494
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9780323915786
ISBN (Print)9780323900362
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

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