In the past years, marijuana has taken the medical community storm as many studies were conducted evaluating the potential of the plant to treat various health issues. In fact, many states in the United States only grant medical marijuana cards to individuals that have at least one of the qualifying conditions listed in their marijuana laws and policies.

With marijuana laws acknowledging the potentials of cannabis as a treatment or medical aid for treatments of various debilitating conditions and symptoms, you might be curious as to what other conditions it can address. If you are a person suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you will be glad to know that cannabis has the potential to address some of its causes and symptoms.

Now, this is in no way saying that cannabis can heal PCOS. In fact, medical professionals say that there is no cure for this condition. The only way to address it is to manage the symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about this syndrome and how marijuana can potentially help treat it.

What exactly is PCOS?

As the name implies, a person that has this condition has multiple cysts or fluid-filled sacs in the ovary or ovaries. An imbalance of reproductive hormones causes this. Hormones that are involved in these cases are androgen and insulin. According to studies, individuals with this syndrome have high levels of androgens or the so-called male hormones.

Patients also exhibit high levels of insulin, which causes the body to create more androgens. Keep in mind that many individuals with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition that requires the body more insulin in order to breakdown sugar. This means that these people need more insulin in their bodies in order to have normal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance runs in the family.

PCOS is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Check out some of the most common symptoms of this condition:

• Irregular and painful menstruation
• Hirsutism or the occurrence of hair on parts where men usually have hair such as the face, chin and chest
• Acne outbreaks
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Dark patches of skin such as the groin, underneath breasts and neck creases
• Skin tags or excess skin especially in the armpit and next areas

As mentioned, this syndrome cannot be cured. However, when left untreated, PCOS can have adverse effects. This includes the following:

• Increased insulin levels
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sleep issues
• Effects on mental health
• Issues with the endometrium such as endometrial cancer

Common PCOS Treatments

This is why the best way to address this condition is to treat it is by managing the symptoms. It can be done by:

• Hormonal birth control – This includes pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings and hormone intrauterine devices (IUDs). These are taken to make menstruation more regular, decrease risks of endometrial cancer and reduce instances of acne and extra hair
• Anti-androgen – A cause of PCOS is increased androgen levels. Because of this, taking anti-androgen medications can combat the effects of androgen. In turn, this will fight symptoms such as hair loss, excessive hair growth, and acne. Keep in mind that this is not an FDA-approved treatment for this syndrome.
• Home remedies – Instead of taking medications, many people opt to do it naturally and at home. This is done through proper diet and exercise.

How Medical Marijuana and CBD can Aid PCOS Treatments

Now that you know what exactly this condition is, what causes it and how it is treated, you might be curious as to how it can be treated using cannabis and cannabinoids. According to a study published in the Journal of Ovarian Research, the endocannabinoid system may have close involvement with the progression of PCOS.

Here is a more in-depth discussion of the potentials of medical marijuana in treating PCOS:

• Hormone Regulation

As mentioned, this syndrome is caused by an imbalance of two hormones. One of these is insulin, the hormone essential to transforming glucose into energy. If you remember, women with high levels of insulin, as well as those with higher weights are more prone to developing this condition. These two issues are connected with the body’s processing of glucose or sugars into energy.

The research cited above emphasized that the endocannabinoid system is directly involved in energy homeostasis or the balancing of food intake (also called energy inflow) and energy expenditure (also called energy outflow). Research shows that the endocannabinoid system is essential in signaling the need for food intake. It also interacts with the part of the brain in charge of rewards.

This means that the body’s internal cannabinoid system can help regulate food intake by telling the body to consume food when needed and to stop energy inflow when unnecessary. Because of this property, cannabinoids such as CBD is used to prevent diabetes.

This can greatly help individuals who are struggling with PCOS and its symptoms, especially high insulin levels due to excessive food intake and obesity. Such potentials do not only address insulin levels, but also androgen levels. Remember that the body creates more androgens if it has higher levels of insulin.

• Immune System Regulation

One thing you should know about PCOS is that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of the medical condition. This is often caused by a dietary trigger such as glucose. Glucose causes oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation.

Once again, it is important to mention that glucose levels in the blood are regulated by insulin and when there is an excess of this hormone, the body creates androgens. The thing is, hyperandrogenism may be the cause of chronic low-grade inflammation. Now, this definitely makes it apparent why PCOS cannot be cured given the scientific developments currently available.

If you want to address inflammation, cannabis is a great option. This plant and its cannabinoids are known to be effective anti-inflammation substances. This is because the endocannabinoid system has receptors found in the immune system, which is in charge of protecting the body against diseases through various means including inflammatory responses. Intaking CBD capsules, oil, and other CBD products can help minimize inflammations.

Other Advantages of Using Cannabis Products for PCOS

Aside from addressing the major causes of this syndrome, cannabis, and its chemical compounds can also help manage its symptoms. Here are just some ways medical marijuana can do so:

• Acne Control – We have discussed that the plant has regulating properties. CBD is known to exhibit effectiveness in this area. This is why CBD-rich hemp oil for skin is becoming more and more popular. Using topicals can help minimize the occurrence of excessive oil, which contributes to acne attacks. The best thing about these CBD products is that they can moisturize your skin when needed.
• Pain Management – Studies show that cannabis and cannabinoids are a safer option for pain management than opioids. In fact, many people preach CBD oil benefits for pain, which is backed by research. This is because cannabinoids directly target the part of the brain in charge of pain and pleasure, thus, relieving discomfort and even chronic pain.
• Anxiety and Depression Treatment – According to sources, many people who suffer from PCOS tend to have other hormonal imbalance issues such as those that affect mental health. This includes anxiety and depression, making it harder for them to cope with the symptoms. Depression and anxiety are listed among the qualifying condition for medical marijuana because of its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving property.
• Energy Boost – In addressing symptoms at home, doctors recommend regular exercise for weight loss and regulation of sugar levels. However, the drive to exercise can be affected by fatigue. If you feel too fatigued to exercise, you can try consuming CBD. It has energy-boosting properties that can help supply you with the strength you need to do short physical activities. Remember, even a few minutes of exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms.

Just One Thing…

Before you go and try cannabis products to treat your PCOS, make it a point to run it by your doctor first. Just like any other doctor-approved home remedies you take, you want to make sure that you get valuable advice from a medical professional. This is important, especially if you are taking medications to treat the condition.

Remember, there are substances, food, and drugs that have adverse reactions when they interact in your system. For example, fruit as healthy as grapefruit can lessen the effect of cholesterol medications. Similarly, spinach and kale can counteract the effectiveness of anticoagulants.

To make sure that treating your PCOS using medical marijuana and its cannabinoid will be safe, consulting your doctor is the best way to go. You might even get tips and tricks to make your consumption a lot more effective.

The Bottom Line

Individuals who have PCOS may currently not have options to completely cure it, but with the right treatment aids, you can reduce and manage its symptoms. If you are planning to use cannabis and cannabinoids to treat this condition, you can definitely do so after consulting with your doctor.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.