Endometriosis/Adenomyosis

An estimated 1 in 9 women in Australia lives with Endometriosis/Adenomyosis, where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus or within the uterine muscle, often resulting in debilitating pain and discomfort. Many women have lived with significant pain, associated anxiety and depression for many years, despite trialling routine treatment options like hormonal therapy or surgery.

Common symptoms can include: 

  • Bladder pain

  • Consistent premenstrual symptoms

  • Heavy, painful periods

  • Lethargy, fatigue and trouble sleeping

  • Pain during sex

  • Pain in the lower back, hips and thighs

  • Pain with bowel movements

  • Pelvic pain

  • Subfertility

"Early-stage research has shown that Australian women who use cannabis for the management of their endometriosis self-reported less pain, as well as other associated symptoms such as poor mental health (anxiety and depression), sleep, gastrointestinal upset and nausea and vomiting. 

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including peripheral and central nervous symptoms, the immune system and organs. Cannabinoid receptors are also found in the pelvis, gut lining and endometrium.

Cannabinoid receptor activity likely suppresses the inflammatory response found in Endometriosis, along with relieving complex chronic pain pathways. Cannabinoid receptor action also helps other symptoms often associated with Endometriosis, such as bowel dysfunction, sleep disturbance, anxiety and mood changes. 

One of the main differences between medicinal cannabis and illicit cannabis is that the dose of CBD and THC is controlled and administered in a fashion to maximise symptom management while minimising the perceptual or cognitive changes. In this fashion, people get the best effects with minimal disruption to their day. 

Medicinal cannabis is an increasingly common and relatively safe prescription medication in Australia and is used by many women for symptomatic relief of treatment-resistant Endometriosis/Adenomyosis. 

To access a prescription, make an appointment through our Cannabis Clinic to see one of our Authorised Prescribing Doctors.