Worldwide, 176 million women suffer from endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, where it may also cause bleeding. Inflammation, pelvic pain, and cramping outside of the menstrual cycle, as well as nausea and vomiting, headaches, back pain, and gastrointestinal issues are all common in patients with endometriosis. Symptoms can range from mild to so completely debilitating that it prevents women from working, going to school, or taking care of the family. Treatments focus on palliative care rather than treating the root cause of the problem, and include multiple surgeries to remove tissue, medications that shut down monthly menstrual cycles, opioid painkillers, antidepressants, and steroid anti-inflammatories. Many of these treatments are expensive, have dangerous side effects (including risk of addiction, blood clots, or even death), and are ineffective at managing symptoms. Women are now turning to natural remedies like CBD oil for a healthier alternative to improve the quality of their lives with this painful condition.
CBD oil contains phytocannabinoids that activate cannabinoid receptors that are abundant in the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive tissues. One theory of endometriosis is that a dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system is the root cause, and by restoring balance to this system through CBD oil, hormonal issues and disease symptoms are resolved. CBD and THC have been used in animal trials to stop the migration of endometriosis tissue, and patients using CBD oil have found symptom relief. CBD oil can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and stop cramping. CBD oil also contains terpenes and phytocannabinoids that improve mood and even boost serotonin, helping with the nausea and vomiting that come with the chronic pain from endometriosis. Taking 15–25 milligrams of CBD oil twice daily can make living with endometriosis more comfortable.