recent studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ecs) plays a role in pms, menopause, endometriosis and dysmenorrhea, which provides hope that cannabis could be a viable therapy for these sometimes painful conditions.

a 2016 study published in the yale journal of biology and medicine concluded, “the female reproductive system and ecs are intricately linked,” and the highest concentration of the endocannabinoids, anandamide, is found in the uterus. according to the researchers, hormone fluctuation changes the way cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids are expressed. it’s important to note though, that this study was conducted on rats, and extrapolating its results to humans is shaky at best. with a level of discernment, it still gives us some references on how we as women can utilize cannabis to our benefit in the many phases of our lives.
endocannabinoid levels in females have a special relationship with estrogen. when a woman is on or about to start her period, her estrogen levels are at their lowest. this lack of estrogen actually makes it harder for endocannabinoids like anandamide, known for its uplifting effects, to survive. as more and more women are reporting that cbd and thc products are the best tools they have for treating painful periods, some experts believe cannabis can also be an effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, a therapy option for some women specifically going through menopause. and another study published in cannabis and cannabinoid research shows promising results for using a cannabis suppository as a treatment option for the pain associated with endometriosis.