The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Female Reproductive Health
The ECS is shown to play a crucial role in regulation of the female reproductive system
Women have held a long-standing relationship with medicinal herbs, wisdom, and rituals throughout history.
Going as far back as ancient Egypt, women have been utilising plant-based medicine for pain and stress relief. Dating back to at least 1500 BCE ancient Egyptian texts describe endocannabinoid medicine to help manage and control labour pain.
In the 1800’s the British Medical Journal, published two research papers about the application of medicinal cannabis for menstruation and bleeding.
And in 1988, scientists were able to tie the story together after discovering the body’s own regulatory system, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), at which point the connection between the female reproductive system and cannabis as medicine really clicked.
As a critical modulatory system, the Endocannabinoid System is known as our body’s ‘Master Regulator’, influencing at least 15 major functions in the human body, including:
The (ECS) is a complex network of neurotransmitters, receptors, and enzymes that play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including reproductive health. The Endocannabinoid System (link to blog: What is the ECS?) has two key receptor sites that are located throughout the body, called CB1 and CB2 receptors.
It has been described as being perhaps the most important physiological system and enables optimal health through a network of chemical signals and receptors that are regulated by naturally produced molecules, called endocannabinoids.
The ECS is an essential regulator of women’s reproductive health, with its receptors found in key reproductive organs and tissues, and are particularly concentrated in the ovaries. It’s shown to play a crucial role in the regulation of the female reproductive system, including the:
The ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are highly concentrated in CB1 receptors, with CB2 receptors existing predominantly in the immune cells of the reproductive system. Research shows that the ECS also plays a critical role in hormonal regulation, with CB1 activation potentially impacting oestrogen and progesterone levels, which are essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
The Endocannabinoid System is closely associated with the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis (HPO) creating a two-way communication network between the ECS, the HPA and steroid hormone production and effective secretion.
The ovaries and other hormone regulating systems (like the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland) are also shown to have both CB1 and CB2 receptors and influenced by the dysregulation or regulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The imbalance and dysfunction of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has been linked to a number of female reproductive disorders, particularly endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Dysfunction of the ECS system can also act as a contributing factor in a number of co-existing symptoms and imbalances in the body including pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and temperature regulation.
Treating the Endocannabinoid System can help to manage and treat those symptoms associated with reproductive changes and disorders:
Regulating the ECS takes a multi-functional approach to relieving symptoms of menopause, like: irritability and mood changes, dysregulated metabolism, stress, nervous system dysfunction, and chronic pain.
As a chronic condition, people with endometriosis can suffer from a variety of symptoms, including that can present as dull, to unbearable. Balancing the ECS can help to bring relief to symptoms like: pain, heavy periods, bloating, anxiety, and fatigue.
Treating the ECS can help to treat and manage symptoms of PCOS, including: hormone secretion, pain, and infertility.
Chronic pain typically is most commonly associated with PCOS, endometriosis, and inflammation. Treating dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system can help to regulate and control pain, in addition to its associated symptoms: insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
As a closely related regulatory body system, the ECS has an influence over nervous system regulation, playing a key role in the symptoms of nervous system dysregulation, including anxiety and depression. A common side effect of reproductive disorders and hormone imbalances, the ECS can help manage these symptoms.
Working directly with the Endocannabinoid System to create homeostasis, Ananda Clinics prescribes precise compounds to help treat reproductive health, or dysfunction at its core. Find out more by Booking an appointment with a GP.
DISCLAIMER: The Ananda Clinics blog is here to provide education and information, without implying medical advice, or recommendation for the use of cannabis as medicine or adult use purposes.
Medical cannabis remains strictly regulated by the Australian TGA as it is not a registered therapeutic agent due to the lack of research and evidence in support of its efficacy or potential side effects.
If you think medical cannabis may be right for you, book an appointment with one of our doctors to find out more.
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