Medical Marijuana and Endometriosis Interna (Adenomyosis)

cannabis for endometriosis

Endometriosis Interna is not a common term in everyday life. In fact, it only applies to women only. The better medical term for this condition is Adenomyosis. And even though the term is quite unknown, it is a common condition in women. The condition affects the inner lining of the uterus and causes painful symptoms. Often, women suffering from adenomyosis also suffer from depression. A woman likely develops endometriosis Interna only later in their child-bearing years and after she had children.

What is Endometriosis Interna or Adenomyosis?

In this condition, the uterus wall grows thicker. The endometrial tissue that lines the uterus into the muscles of the uterus is the cause of the thickening of the walls. As a result, women suffering from this, experience heavy or longer-than-usual menstrual bleeding. Intercourse can also be painful, just as the menstrual cycle is.

Adenomyosis or Endometriosis Interna should not be confused with endometriosis, although they can occur together. Endometriosis is where endometrial cells (the lining of the uterus) are found outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis occurs when these cells exist or grow into the uterus wall. Both are painful conditions, but endometriosis does not always cause heavy bleeding.

Adenomyosis could be found in only a part of the uterus, or it could affect the entire uterus. The displaced tissue continues to thicken and breaks down each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The uterus might also enlarge because of the condition. When a woman reaches menopause, the condition will not continue. But if the suffering is too much before menopause, a hysterectomy is normally the only option of treatment.

Typical Symptoms of Adenomyosis

As with so many other conditions, it depends on the person and the severity of the condition of how the symptoms are manifesting. Some women might not even realize that they have adenomyosis, whilst others suffer from severe debilitating symptoms. During menstruation, the endometrial tissue is also discharged vaginally as menstrual bleeding. Sometimes there is severe vaginal pressure and it could feel like the uterus is trying to push out through the vagina. The symptoms of Endometriosis Interna normally include:

Intense debilitating pain all the time

Acute and increasing pain at menstruation and ovulation

Abdominal cramps

Strong ´contraction´ feel of the uterus and a bearing-down feeling

Pressure on the bladder and a dragging sensation down the legs and thighs

Heavy bleeding and flooding

Large blood clots

Prolonged bleeding (could be 8 to 14 days)

Loose stools, nausea, or vomiting

Painful intercourse

When this condition continues for too long periods, it can also lead to chronic anemia.

Why Does It Happen?

The cause is unknown, but there are theories that include the following:

Invasive tissue growth – Uterine incisions made during operation like a cesarean section promotes the direct invasion of endometrial cells into the walls of the uterus

Developmental origins – some experts think that adenomyosis begins withing the uterine muscle when the uterus was first forming in the female fetus

Uterine inflammation related to childbirth – Another theory suggests that there is a link between adenomyosis and childbirth. Inflammation of the uterine lining during the postpartum period might cause a break in the normal boundary of the cells that line the uterus

Those at risk are women in their 40´s and 50´s before menopause. Other risks leading to Endometriosis Interna are women who had children naturally or delivered by cesarean. Surgery to remove fibroids could also cause the condition. Many women with this condition will have a uterus that´s double or triple the normal size.

Why Medical Cannabis is Good for Adenomyosis

Pain and discomfort are very much part of the symptoms of adenomyosis. Cannabis is excellent for treating these symptoms. Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is vital in regulating our bodies. It strives constantly to restore the state of homeostasis. Cannabinoids derived from cannabis is remarkably similar to the body´s natural endocannabinoids. The cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors where they are broken down by the enzymes in the endocannabinoid system. Fun Fact: the endocannabinoid system is named after cannabinoids in cannabis. It was only discovered because of how marijuana interacted with it.

Rather substantial research proved that cannabis is able to relieve pain. As research developed, other properties and benefits of the plant were also discovered. Cannabis is also viable for treating nausea, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, inflammation, and more. Pain relief is one of the major uses of medical marijuana.

Cannabis produces dose-related pain relief, peaking at approximately 5 hours. It has no side-effects. When taken together with opioid narcotics, it acts as an opioid-sparing agent where it allows lower doses of narcotics and fewer side-effects.

In addition to pain and inflammation relief, cannabis also has a positive effect on mood. It helps to fight depression due to a chronic state of pain. When it comes to Endometriosis Interna, pain is one of the major causes of suffering. This, and other side-effects like nausea and vomiting, will benefit effectively from cannabis treatment.