Unlocking The Potential Of Cannabis For Menstrual Pain Relief
Written by Dr. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, FemHealth Insights
In the complex landscape of women's health, particularly regarding chronic conditions such as menstrual pain, the search for effective treatments is ongoing. Amidst various traditional and modern therapeutic approaches, cannabis has been identified for its potential benefits.
Historical Context and Modern Implications
The use of cannabis for women's health is not new; it has been documented across various cultures and eras, from ancient China and Egypt to 19th-century Western medicine, for conditions ranging from menstrual pain to facilitating childbirth. The anecdotal evidence of Queen Victoria using cannabis for menstrual cramps, under the guidance of her physician, highlights the longstanding recognition of its therapeutic potential.
Contemporary Research and Challenges
Current research into how cannabinoids like CBD affect the female reproductive system is promising, suggesting potential benefits in pain and inflammation management. However, the journey from historical use to modern therapeutic applications is fraught with challenges. These include the need for standardized treatment protocols, overcoming legal and regulatory barriers, and addressing variability in cannabis strains and delivery methods. Further clinical trials are essential to establish effective, evidence-based guidelines for the use of cannabis in treating women's health conditions.
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters, has been a game-changer in understanding how cannabis interacts with the human body, particularly in the context of female reproductive health. The ECS, with its primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, plays a vital role in regulating fertility, pregnancy, and pain modulation within the uterus. Research has shown that a balanced ECS is crucial for successful embryo implantation and overall reproductive health, while its dysregulation can contribute to conditions like endometriosis and dysmenorrhea.
The Future of Cannabis in Gynecological Health
Menstrual pain is a significant concern for many women, with conditions like Chronic Pelvic Pain, Period Pain, and Interstitial Cystitis ( bladder pain) affecting an estimated 109 million women in the United States. Traditional treatments often involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or hormonal contraceptives, which can have severe side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and increased risk of stroke. Opioids, another alternative, present risks of dependency and a range of adverse effects, underscoring the need for safer, more effective options.
As contemporary research delves into the mechanisms by which cannabinoids impact the female reproductive system, a promising landscape of therapeutic applications unfolds. Studies suggest that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, can significantly reduce menstrual pain and inflammation, offering a holistic approach to managing conditions like dysmenorrhea and endometriosis without the drawbacks of conventional pharmaceuticals.
AIMA’s Cannabis-Based Solution
In this context, the company AIMA (pronounced “eh-ma”) introduces OVY Relief™, a cannabis-based product aimed at providing an alternative for managing menstrual and pelvic pain. AIMA's approach to addressing menstrual and pelvic pain is grounded in the understanding that cannabis, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), has significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Like many women’s health startups, the company was founded by women who experienced a pain point in the healthcare system and were completely disasatisifed with current solutions.
“In 2018, I couldn't take any more Advil or birth control pills for my debilitating period cramps. I had developed stomach ulcers and felt exhausted and hopeless. But when I went to my doctor again, she tried to prescribe me opioids. I knew I needed to find an alternative solution. So, I turned to cannabis,” says Lanna Last, Cofounder of AIMA.
Lanna Last, Co-Founder of AIMA
Their flagship product, OVY Relief™, is a patent-pending vaginal and rectal suppository that delivers targeted doses of hemp-derived CBD and CBG isolates. This method ensures a direct, localized effect aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, thereby offering relief without the systemic side effects associated with oral medications. This product is formulated to maintain normal vaginal pH, ensuring safety and comfort for users. Clinical studies and trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of OVY Relief™, with a significant percentage of users experiencing relief from menstrual symptoms.
Conclusion
The introduction of cannabis-based products like AIMA's OVY Relief™ into the women's health market reflects an ongoing exploration of alternative treatments for menstrual and pelvic pain. While the historical and current research into cannabis' potential benefits is intriguing, a cautious and balanced approach is necessary. This entails acknowledging the complexities of cannabis as a treatment, the need for more research, and the importance of navigating legal and regulatory landscapes. As the understanding of the ECS and its role in female reproductive health evolves, so too will the strategies for addressing women's health issues with cannabinoid-based therapies.
About the Author:
Dr. Brittany Barreto, PH.D., is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FemHealth Insights. Every day, Brittany dedicates her work to advancing women’s health innovation by equipping key stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic advice on the FemHealth market. She is also host of the FemTech Focus Podcast - the number 1 femtech podcast globally.
