Women turn to grass to treat dysmenorrhea
Almost 90% of women of childbearing age worldwide suffer from dysmenorrhea (better known as menstrual cramps). It is pain that precedes, accompanies or follows menstruation. Most women say they use cannabis to treat menstrual cramps and other types of gynecological pain, according to a new survey.
A cross-line survey was broadcast via social media between October and December 2017 in Australia, to endometriosis support and advocacy groups. Women were eligible to take the survey if they were between 18 and 45 years old, lived in Australia and had a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. The survey questions focused on the different types of self-medication used, symptom improvement or reduction in medication, and safety.
Four hundred and eighty-four valid responses were received. Self-management strategies, consisting of personal care or lifestyle choices, were very common (76%) among women with endometriosis. The most commonly used forms were heat (70%), rest (68%), and meditation or breathing exercises (47%). Cannabis, heat, hemp / CBD oil, and dietary changes were highest rated in terms of self-reported efficacy in reducing pain (mean efficacy of 7,6, 6,52, 6,33 and 6,39, respectively, on a 10-point scale). Physical interventions such as yoga / pilates, stretching and exercise were found to be less effective. Adverse effects were common, especially with alcohol (53,8%) and exercise (34,2%).
Women who used cannabis reported the highest self-rated efficacy. Women with endometriosis have unique needs compared to women with primary dysmenorrhea and therefore any self-management strategy, especially those of a physical nature, should be considered in light of the potential for “flare-ups”.
Effective CBD for the treatment of menstrual pain
The use of cannabis for PMS dates back to the 16th century when Chinese women used it to treat PMS. For centuries, women have tried different remedies for relieve this pain, but in vain. It wasn't until recently that women started experimenting with CBD to ease cramps and manage hormonal imbalance.
In gynecology, menstrual disorders account for more than 12% of the total number of emergency visits. The most common menstrual complaints are heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain with cramps.
80% of women experience noticeable menstrual cramps, originating in the lower abdomen but sometimes affecting the thighs, back and chest. There is no cure other than taking ibuprofen, which for some might mean six pills a day for a week a month. One in 10 people experience pain so intense it would be comparable to a heart attack. Taking paracetamol or Advil on a regular basis can irritate the bowel, exacerbating bloating and indigestion which makes menstrual pain worse.
Common emotional symptoms include mood swings, depression, insomnia, temper tantrums, feeling overwhelmed, etc. While behavioral signs include: loss of mental focus, forgetfulness, and feeling tired.
Personalized Researchers of Oregon Health & Science University interviewed more than 1000 women in the United States: 60% had used cannabis, 36% of which was to treat pain, depression and anxiety. This research conducted at OHSU have provided new treatments for women seeking relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and other menstrual complications. Clinicians say urgent clinical trials are needed
The findings, presented at the American College of Gynecology's annual conference, come as many states take years to consider whether to add dysmenorrhea as a condition for which doctors could prescribe herbal medicine under. made of CBD cannabis flowers.
Almost two-thirds of women who have never used cannabis (63%) said they would take the drug to relieve menstrual pain or while having a contraceptive implant.
Which States have approved cannabis for medical purposes for certain gynecological diseases
Although no state has approved medical cannabis for the treatment of menstrual cramps, North Dakota includes endometriosis as a qualifying condition. Additionally, all states with comprehensive legislation allow cannabis for the treatment of pain. Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, both Vermont and West Virginia have approved cannabis to treat “chronic pain”. The states of Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Vermont allow medicinal cannabis to treat "acute pain". The states of Arkansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and West Virginia have approved cannabis for the treatment of “incurable pain”.
The environmental aspects of menstrual hygiene provide an additional argument. The most widely used sanitary protection products are disposable tampons and pads. Each year, more than 6,5 billion tampons and 13,5 billion sanitary napkins, plus their packaging, end up in landfills or sewers in the United States, and more than 170000 tampon applicators are collected in American coastal areas.
