CBD and Endo

[PotatoSalad]

Hi Team, has anyone had any positive experience of using CBD to manage symptoms? I’ve been reading trials and studies around cannabis and CBd for pain management. Wondering if anyone had any experience or recommendations to share.

thanks x

[Roxita]

Hey! I don't have experience of using it, but I was also seriously considering it.

From what I've understood from studies is that yes, there is a potential to help with pain management (but this depends on your own predisposition, hormonal levels, what type of endo/where etc + on the type of CBD, or cannabis used.).

However, there are also serious side effects to be considered. For me personally, I already struggle with stress and potentially high cortisol levels. Whilst cannabinoids could have immediate positive effect on stress - long term they are proven to increase anxiety and stress. Which in turn could make endo worse as stress -> high cortisol-> low progesterone-> heavier/ more painful periods. So this didn't sound too appealing to me in the long run.

My conclusion was - if I was suffering from cancer, either going through treatment which is temporary, or sadly terminal then yeah, pain relief from CBD/cannabinoids would be worth it. But since endo is chronic and I'd need to do it every month then potential negative long term effects outweigh the benefit of pain management during the period.

Of course, this also depends on your pain levels and how much it affects your life. Mine are about 7/10. I don't pass out of pain, nor end up in hospital on monthly basis. Perhaps, if my endo pain levels were higher than 7/10 then I would consider using cannabinoids and try to balance the negative long term effects via other stress management methods.

One of the best sources of information that helped me to come to my personal decision for using (or not using) cannabis derivatives was listening to Huberman Lab podcast on Spotify. Look up Huberman Lab "The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on Brain and Body". Its also available on YouTube if you don't use Spotify.

Good luck and I hope this helps you to bit closer to decide if CBD is the right thing to try for you xxx

[MrsMarlene]

Hiya! I've been prescribed cbd and cannabis oil from Sapphire Medical. Since starting 9 months ago the severity of my pain flare ups have lessened. I taken it as and when I am badly suffering but was taking it daily. It all depended when I was able to stay at home to take it as the effects can last 8-10 hours, usually 8. Do your own research and google Sapphire Medical. They work alongside GP practices to supply medication tailored for you.

[PAPanda]

Hi I am not yet diagnosed but have had symptoms for years - my last ultrasound scan said i have a bulky womb and fibroids but waiting since last November to see gynae specialist.

I have just tried Foria Relief (800mg) CBD melts- they are suppositories with CBD blended into natural cocoa butter. They are expensive - you have to get them shipped in from the US, they are in packs of 8 and it works out at £5 per suppository so kept them ready for the worst days of my cycle - but it did really help with pain, combined with my usual OTC pain relief and a heat pad over my tummy. I was in bed anyway so using the suppository vaginally and lying down for a while is the best way to make sure they work.

I suffer from anxiety and there was no negative effect from cbd used this way -I tried oral cbd and it didn't work for me, so this us a great alternative. ( CBD is different to full spectrum marijuana which contains THC aswell - it's the THC that can make anxiety/paranoia worse. )

They also make Intimacy Melts which are lower strength but along with their CBD Awaken arousal oil ( used externally on the vulva) are good if one of your symptoms is painful sex. I wish they were available on prescription as its a helpful thing to try for anyone with pelvic pain, i would use these products all the time if I could afford it!