Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that effects 1 in 5 women of reproductive age worldwide. It involves an imbalance in a woman’s reproductive hormones. The discrepancy happens where there is higher production of male hormones to female hormones. Excessive amounts of androgens create an imbalance with progesterone and estrogen. This causes problems in the woman’s ovaries leading to infertility, irregular menses, and cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries. PCOS patients also fail to release eggs during their menstrual cycles.
Women with PCOS may experience male pattern baldness, excessive hair growth on face chest and abdomen, coarse hair growth, cystic acne, dark patches on the skin (Acanthosis nigricans), obesity, missed periods, pelvic pain, extremely heavy periods, no periods and bleeding with no ovulation. If left untreated, it can cause changes in appearance and impact your long-term health.
Many medical professionals do not know what the exact cause of PCOS is, it continues to remain a mystery. Due to this, the condition often goes undiagnosed. PCOS has the potentiality to increase a woman’s risk for diabetes and heart attacks. They are more likely to suffer from depression or some other mood disorder. Other serious complications with PCOS can include severe liver inflammation, sleep apnea, eating disorders and endometrial cancer.
Conventional remedies for PCOS vary depending on the symptoms a woman is experiencing. Those who do not want to become pregnant can take oral contraceptives which help regulate menstrual periods, reduce androgens, clear acne, and reduce hair growth. Insulin sensitizing agents like Metformin are used to stabilize levels of glucose, making the body more responsive to insulin. Several options to try and treat infertility include letrozole, clomiphene and gonadotropins.
Cannabis and PCOS
The endocannabinoid system already has enough scientific evidence to show its involvement with regulating the female reproductive procedures. It plays a role in folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovarian endocrine secretion. CB1 and CB2 receptors have been found in the ovaries. Anandamide and FAAH (both enzymes of the ECS) have also been found in the female reproductive system. Based on this scientific information, this demonstrates that both THC and CBD could potentially assist with complications.
There is no evidence that cannabis cures PCOS, there is also a minimal body of research on utilizing cannabis directly for PCOS treatment. Majority of our knowledge about the effects of cannabinoids on ovarian function is derived from in vitro and animal studies. But, there is research demonstrating it could potentially be effective against treating the symptoms experienced such as depression, anxiety, insulin resistance, inflammation in the body, and stress reduction.
Depression and Anxiety
To aid in depression and anxiety we can utilize cannabis strains that are higher in CBD than THC. Although many patients utilize THC to help combat depression and anxiety symptoms, during clinical studies patients who utilized THC vs those who did not, experienced a higher frequency of Panic/Anxiety attacks in between doses. Cannabis strains with higher percentages of limonene can potentially assist with lack of energy and motivation, focus and concentration and can help boost your mood. If you reflect back on the effects of citrus on mental health, inhalation can significantly improve depressant behaviors.
Weight Loss and Insulin Resistance
Weight loss is a component of treating PCOS, we can potentially decrease our bodies insulin resistance with CBD oil. Insulin regulates our bodies uptake of glucose (sugar), if there is too much glucose it will convert into glycogen and store itself as fat until it is time to utilize it in the future. CBD has demonstrated in some studies it can decrease insulin resistance; this will allow the body to let go of the increased fat stores in the body and maintain our glycemic index.
Cramps and Inflammation
PCOS causes high inflammation in the body. Inflammation causes pain and in turn affects our mobility, sleep, focus and concentration and many other activities of daily living. Caryophyllene, myrcene and humulene are all great terpenes in the cannabis plant that can aid in the anti-inflammatory response. There are several CBD strains on the Medical market providing many of these components. Some strains have been utilized as a treatment option for pain due to its capacity to treat a ruptured ovarian cyst.
Sleep
Cannabis Indica. strains with Myrcene terpene dominance is increasing in popularity. It is no longer about the plant type Sativa or Indica that we look for to assist patient sleep patterns. Terpene profile and cannabinoids play a significant role in the effectiveness in sedation on cannabis. Both THC and CBD can support a patient sleep. There is growing evidence that THC promotes sleep through the activation of CB1 receptors, although you should monitor your THC usage if you are utilizing other medications for sleep control. Too much excitement within your CNS could potentially cause nightmares. Strains high in Myrcene, Terpinolene and Linalool can be great for de-stressing and relaxation.
This underdiagnosed disease is very common in women across Canada. We have the benefit here to use a natural means of medication alongside alternative therapies. A high protein low carb diet combined with exercise is a much better way to increasing your health and quality of life. CBD and THC cannabinoids have long proven their worth in the holistic treatment of mental health and chronic pain. It has only been recently that studies are beginning to show all of the positive effects in treating conditions such as PCOS in women’s health.
If you or someone you know is suffering from PCOS and feel that medical cannabis could be an option, we recommend discussing with your medical team. Canada House offers a team of licensed professionals who can help you develop a personalized care plan best suited for your needs. No one should suffer in silence.