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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids |
Editors | Victor R. Preedy, Vinood B. Patel, Colin R. Martin |
Place of Publication | U.K. |
Publisher | Academic Press |
Pages | 483-494 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780323915786 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780323900362 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2023 |