What is endometriosis? According to the medical dictionary,
endōˌmētrēˈōsəs/
noun: endometriosis
- a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain.
But, that’s the benign version. It’s many things to the many women who have the condition. Pain in the pelvis during intercourse or periods, swelling, painful bowel movements and infertility all can be symptoms of endometriosis. On the other hand, some women have no symptoms at all. Regardless, the endometrial tissue often becomes inflamed, causing pain or distorting the inside of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other organs to which it attaches. The condition is still misunderstood and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of recourse for treating it.
Enter CBD. Yes, I know. It seems like a miracle treatment for all conditions. Well, that may not be far from the truth. First, we know CBD can help ease pain. We also know it can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. All of which are common with endometriosis. Used as a topical rubbed on the abdomen, ingested in the form of an oil or a tincture, or used as a patch, women have had good results in treating symptoms with CBD and cannabis.
As with other conditions, endometriosis has been linked to a deficiency of CB1 receptors. We all have the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies—I know I’m repeating myself—which are part of the endocannibinoid system. By introducing CBD into or onto your body, the receptors start to produce anti-inflammatory responses, as well as antioxidant and any other anti-bad-thing-you-can-think-of response. Well, maybe not. But, you do see what I’m saying.
CBD has properties that can boost the immune system, curtail inflammation, soothe pain and other symptoms without the side effects often associated with treatments that include hormones, surgery and opioids. In some instances, infertility may be treated with CBD and cannabis.
Although it’s not a sure cure, CBD doesn’t produce devastating side effects. Naturally, you need to understand what’s going on in your own body, do your research and find out what works for others and what doesn’t. No one has enough money to just throw it at the next great thing. On the other hand, studies have shown that CBD effectively treats many of the symptoms associated with endometriosis. Do yourself a favor and give CBD the benefit of a doubt. No one thing works for every person, but if it works for you, isn’t that enough?