New Study: Cannabis Emerges as Top Choice for Endometriosis Symptom Relief

A recent study published in the journal Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine reveals promising results for using cannabis to manage endometriosis symptoms. The research, conducted in German-speaking countries, surveyed 912 adult endometriosis patients, with 17% reporting cannabis use for symptom management.

Key findings:

1. Effectiveness: Cannabis users rated it as the most effective self-management strategy for reducing symptom intensity.
2. Symptom improvement: Significant improvements were reported in sleep (91%), menstrual pain (90%), and non-cyclic pain (80%).
3. Reduced medication use: About 90% of cannabis users decreased their pain medication intake.
4. Minimal side effects: Apart from increased fatigue (17%), side effects were infrequent (≤5%).
5. Potential for multimodal therapy: The study suggests cannabis could become an important part of a comprehensive treatment approach for endometriosis.

The researchers noted that cannabis use was still illegal in the surveyed countries at the time of the study, with medical cannabis rarely prescribed due to complex requirements. Despite this, patients sought cannabis as an alternative to conventional therapies that often provide insufficient pain relief and cause unpleasant side effects.

While the results are promising, the authors emphasize the need for further research to determine optimal administration routes, dosages, THC/CBD ratios, and potential long-term effects. They also highlight the importance of addressing structural issues such as legal barriers, physician education, and social stigma.

This study aligns with previous research from other countries, suggesting a growing interest in cannabis as a treatment option for endometriosis. However, the authors stress the importance of clinical trials to verify these findings and investigate potential consequences, especially for young women of childbearing age.