Endometriosis is classified as the appearance of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. Women with Endometriosis shed the lining of the uterus (which is shed during a period) outside of the uterus.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women (also affecting transgender people and, in extremely rare cases, men). It is estimated that 176 million people are affected worldwide. However, other studies suggest that the number is much closer to 200 million women.
Endometriosis is a disease that takes 7 to 10 years to accurately diagnose; the disease is often misdiagnosed and leaves many women upset and confused. Currently, there is also no cure or adequate treatment for Endometriosis. However, The Equinox Study is evaluating an oral investigational medication to see if it may reduce moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.
‘Investigational medication’ means that the medication is being tested through a clinical research study, and has not yet been approved by the FDA to be prescribed by doctors.
You can join this study on their website.
Many of the research studies that are currently underway are focusing on drug-based treatment and are ignoring alternatives like Cannabis. As of now, the research focuses on the primary prescription drug Orilissa, which is an oral form of the controversial injection drug, Depot Lupron.
The goal of the study is to assess the ability of the drug to control the patients’ pain associated with Endometriosis.
Some studies are focused on the diagnosis of Endometriosis. In these studies, researchers are looking to find a protein or bio maker that would make it possible to diagnosis via blood test or saliva sample. Companies like DotLab and SYNG pharmaceuticals work hard to make a diagnosis of Endometriosis much easier and non-invasive.
Big campaigns like EndoSpeak are using celebrities, like Julianne Hough, to spread awareness of the disease. Large Endometriosis companies (Endometriosis Foundation of America) spread awareness but are backed by drug companies like AbbVie Inc, who claims “We target specific difficult-to-cure diseases where we can leverage our core R&D expertise to advance science. We’re constantly working to create solutions that go beyond treating the illness to have a positive impact on patients’ lives, on societies—and on science itself.” – AbbVie Inc
With the difficulty of the disease and the treatment options offered by most doctors cannabis is a great alternative. When I’m asking about what I use or what’s best to treat things like pain, nausea, insomnia, and loss of appetite I always recommend cannabis. Cannabis can be used to treat so many different things. As we move into a more cannabis friendly society you will see more and more cannabis options. Great products that you don’t inhale are suppositories, tinctures, capsules, and creams.
At this point, science is looking into easier diagnosis and treating the disease with medications. I feel, that scientists need to be looking into someone to eradicate the disease or at least minimize symptoms and spread of the disease.
If you or someone you know has Endometriosis and is looking for support, has questions, or wants to try medical cannabis as an alternative to the prescribed medications often given to Endo patients contact Kristen McRobie today.
Kristen McRobie, Founder of Endometriosis and Me
Endometriosisandme.com
kristen@endometriosisandme.com
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Womens Cannabis Clinic
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