March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide. Maybe you’ve heard about it thanks to women like Chrissy Tiegen, Gabrielle Union, Lena Dunham, Padma Lashki and Dolly Parton speaking publicly about their struggles with the symptoms, which can include debilitatingly painful periods, pain with sex, and infertility.
Awareness is creating action – in December 2020, Congress doubled its research funding for Endo to $26 million in 2021. I have Endometriosis and am passionate about raising awareness about the promising ways cannabis is helping women cope with its painful symptoms. This week’s podcast shares the stories of two women with Endo and offers practical tips for relieving pain with cannabis.
Please share this newsletter and the podcast episode below with anyone it might help.
❤️Ellen
ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS
1. Know the Symptoms: While many women with Endo have painful periods, symptoms vary and can include fatigue, leg pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, urinary issues, GI issues, painful urination, painful diarrhea, painful sex, bloating, nausea and infertility. Studies show that up to 50% of unexplained infertility may be due to Endo. Learn more at Know Your Endo.
2. Cannabis for Cramps: Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that moderate contraction and relaxation of muscles, blood vessels, and inflammation. CBD can inhibit the enzyme that creates prostaglandins. Using CBD on someone who has menstrual cramps can often reduce their pain by reducing the root cause. Try CBD-only Relief & Recovery Cream from Sagely Naturals or in California, Caliva’s All Over Body Recovery Lotion, which contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC. Caliva offers free delivery in CA and 30% off your order with promo code DOTHEPOT.
3. Pain Prevention: Try a CBD oil tincture a few days before your period starts to prevent painful symptoms, and use it to replace Midol during your period. Hold it under your tongue for 30-60 seconds and expect relief in about 15 minutes. In California, try Care By Design 40:1 or CBD tinctures from Juna that ship nationwide.
4. Diagnosis Delay: It takes an average of 10 years to be diagnosed with Endometriosis. We’ve all gotten the pamphlet on preventing breast cancer at the OB/GYN’s office. Where is the Endo pamphlet? Ask your doctor, and if they don’t have one – ask them to create it for all their patients.
5. Mental Health: Dealing with a chronic monthly pain can have a huge impact on mental health, and women with Endo are at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. Check out the 12 essential strains for women to find a cannabis strain that can help lift your mood. In California, try women-owned Pure Beauty Babies CBD blend pre-rolls.
