People with endometriosis experience chronic pain that can be difficult to manage. Although there is limited research, some people say that CBD (cannabidiol) reduces their symptoms.
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is one of the active plant compounds found in cannabis. However, unlike its fellow cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it does not intoxicate the user or give them a “high.”
Studies and clinical trials suggest that CBD has a range of
Read more to learn about using CBD for endometriosis, how it works, and more.
Clinical evidence for the effectiveness of CBD in treating endometriosis is limited, but some people say it helps relieve their symptoms.
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This indicates that while CBD could help ease pain and lower the need for pain medications, it will not work for everyone. As this was a survey, it did not show a causal link between CBD and pain relief.
According to a 2021 study, the placebo effect may explain CBD oil’s results.
The researchers gave some participants a placebo and some CBD. They told some of them the formulation they were given, but told others that they had received the formulation.
The people taking the active CBD reported a reduction in pain. However, the participants who were told they were taking CBD but were actually taking the placebo also reported pain relief.
It is important to always read the label before taking any form of CBD. People should note the strength of the CBD oil they plan to take.
Products come in a range of potencies — for example, 300 milligrams (mg), 600 mg, or 1,000 mg. It is also possible to buy CBD products as strong as 2,000 mg or even 4,000 mg.
CBD also affects individuals differently, depending on a wide range of factors. Therefore it is advisable for people to consult a doctor on which dosage is best. They may suggest an appropriate dosage or advise a person against CBD if they are taking certain medications that may cause a dangerous drug interaction.
If it is safe to take CBD, a person could start with a dose of 20 mg a day and increase this slowly until it reaches the desired effect. People should always stay within the manufacturer’s safe upper limit recommendations unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare professional.
Generally, people usually take CBD oil sublingually, which means they drop it into the mouth, beneath the tongue. Other methods of using CBD include:
- CBD patches applied directly to the skin
- CBD creams applied directly to the skin
- CBD inhalers inhaled into the lungs
- CBD gummies in chewable sweet form
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Although there is limited research on CBD specifically, some researchers have studied using medical cannabis for endometriosis.
Medical cannabis may include CBD. It describes any cannabis product recommended by a physician to treat a health condition.
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The researchers could not conclusively state the therapeutic properties of CBD alone due to the available products containing both THC and CBD. While many CBD-only supplements are currently available, they are nonpharmaceuticals, so there is a lack of clinical studies to determine their effectiveness.
However, research has shown that THC alone can be effective. One systematic review of 16 studies on medical cannabis for gynecological pain conditions demonstrated a reduction in pain following the consumption of medical cannabis. Of the people surveyed,
Another study in 2018 concluded that current evidence backs using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain in adults. Despite this, it said that larger, longer studies are needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of these products.
There is limited research on using CBD for endometriosis, but many people with the condition report that it provides pain relief. However, there is more research supporting the use of THC alone and products containing THC and CBD.
CBD oil comes in a range of different strengths and is commonly taken under the tongue. To decide on a safe dose, it is advisable to contact a doctor.