Updated on January 25, 2019. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal issue that typically affects women of childbearing age. This condition is frequently characterized by irregular or absent periods, acne, excessive hair growth and polycystic ovaries.
Although the ovaries may produce a buildup of follicles over time, those with this disorder may not always have cysts. Rather, PCOS manifests when the reproductive hormones are imbalanced. These hormones are responsible for ensuring the ovaries remain in healthy working condition. In women with PCOS, the irregularity of these hormones can create reproductive and ovary issues over time.
When left untreated, PCOS can create a variety of complications for the patient, including:
Because PCOS creates the potential for other health complications, it’s crucial to find a form of relief that helps a patient efficiently manage their symptoms. Because the precise cause of PCOS is not entirely known, the manifestation of this disorder is not always preventable. However, patients have access to a myriad of options — including medical cannabidiol (CBD) products — that can help alleviate their daily discomforts.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is not entirely known, researchers believe the production of insulin plays a crucial role in the formation of this hormone disorder. This is a vital piece of information to understand when examining the endocannabinoid system, which can explain why the body of patients with PCOS struggles to reach normalized hormone levels.
Hormones are responsible for ensuring proper bodily regulation. Those with PCOS may exhibit insulin resistance that contributes to their formation of hormonal imbalances. CB1 and CB2 receptors — two fundamental components of the endocannabinoid system — play a fundamental role in ensuring hormones receive proper signals that provide normal levels of production.
In women with PCOS, however, CB1 in adipose tissue is significantly higher than for those without this hormonal disorder. The overexpression of these cannabinoid receptors created insulin resistance, causing the androgen production levels to rise. This imbalance can create difficulties in ensuring ovulation, stimulating PCOS as a result.
Because research studies suggest that dysfunction or irregularity in the endocannabinoid system can stimulate the development of PCOS, it’s essential to find a form of treatment that helps to normalize this system.
Luckily, CBD may provide the healing powers necessary to help PCOS patients find relief. The cannabinoids from marijuana plant products, such as CBD, can modulate the body by supplementing it with the cannabinoids it needs.
CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to help ensure proper bodily regulation. Insulin and other crucial hormones undergo a normalizing effect, alleviating many of the side effects caused by PCOS.
Although the symptoms of PCOS can cause significant discomfort and pain, there are many pharmaceuticals currently available in the medical field that can offer relief. One such option is CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid within marijuana that lessens PCOS side effects.
If you decide to include CBD into your treatment plan, it’s essential to choose which form of medical cannabis is best suited for you. Patients with PCOS have access to many CBD products in a variety of forms, including:
Always consult with a trained physician to develop the medical cannabis plan best suited to your needs.
Once you decide to incorporate CBD into your wellness plan, it’s time to determine what products you’ll need to use. Researchers and herbalists craft various cannabis strains to treat a myriad of conditions for higher levels of effectiveness and potency. If you find yourself currently experience PCOS symptoms, consider choosing from the following CBD varieties:
PCOS can produce a range of symptoms and side effects, so it’s essential to choose the cannabis strains best suited for your condition. Be sure to check with our marijuana strains page to learn more about which CBD varieties may work best for you!
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we provide you with the resources you need to stay up-to-date on the latest cannabis news in the industry. Whether you want to learn more about PCOS or are merely looking for a way to connect to trained medical marijuana professionals in your area, be sure to scan our extensive database today for the information you deserve.
Learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’s symptoms.