Cannabis: an effective treatment for endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease caused by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterus, affecting over 176 million women worldwide. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, and there is currently no cure. However, research shows that the symptoms of this disease could be relieved with cannabis.

What is endometriosis?

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. In healthy women, the endometrium thickens with each menstrual cycle, thanks to estrogen hormones, in anticipation of pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium disintegrates and bleeds: this is called menstruation.

In women with endometriosis, endometrial cells migrate outside the uterus, gradually colonizing other organs. Uterine tissue can migrate to the ovaries, the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and the organs within), the uterine ligaments, and the space between the vagina and the rectum. However, these cells remain sensitive to hormones, so they bleed during menstruation. This blood cannot be evacuated naturally, resulting in lesions, nodules or cysts, as well as inflammatory reactions with the formation of fibrous scars and adhesions that bind the neighbouring organs together and prevent their proper mobility, which is very painful.

In the most severe cases, uterine tissue can migrate into the colon and small intestine, cervix, vulva, vagina, abdominal wall, diaphragm, pleura (membrane covering the lungs) or ureters (urinary ducts running from the kidneys to the bladder).

Endometriosis and cannabis

The relationship between cannabis and pain relief is known. The substance's anti-inflammatory properties mean that it is gradually beginning to replace opioids in the treatment of pain associated with chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

The company Foria has already developed cannabis tampons, to relieve menstrual cramps. Some American states are also studying the possibility of making cannabis legal to relieve menstrual pain, following a survey of 1,000 women, of whom 63% said they would be willing to take the test.

A Australian study conducted an online survey to learn about pain management techniques among women with endometriosis. Cannabis, heat, hemp oil/CBD and dietary changes were rated highest in terms of self-reported effectiveness for pain reduction by these women.

But cannabis could also be effective in treating, to some extent, endometriosis itself. Studies seem to suggest that endometriosis is caused by imbalance in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system extends throughout the body thanks to endocannabinoids - which are cannabinoids produced by the body itself. The importance of the endocannabinoid system is crucial to the body's proper functioning, regulating functions such as memory, mood and appetite.

Cannabis contains cannabidoids, such as THC and CBD. They could provide a natural balance to the endocannabinoid system, helping to slow the development of endometriosis.

However, further research is needed to confirm this relationship.