What is the current research on cannabis use and its effects on fertility for women? Are there any known risks of cannabis use for women who are trying to conceive?
There is still much work to be done regarding research on cannabis and its effects on women’s fertility, particularly due to the lack of recent human studies. Most of the available data examining the relationship between cannabis use and fertility relies on national surveys and self-reported information. (Ilnitsky et al., 2019)
Current research on the effects of cannabis on women trying to conceive is limited. It suggests that chronic cannabis use may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory dysfunction (Ryan et al., 2021). While more studies are needed to understand the relationship between cannabis use and fertility fully, some survey data indicates that cannabis may not significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive. However, there seems to be an association with difficulties for individuals experiencing infertility or subfertility (Kasman et al., 2018). Given this, further research is essential to confirm these findings, and it is important to recognize that there may be confounding factors in the existing data.
Can cannabis help with hormonal-related mood disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or perimenopause symptoms?
Cannabis may help with hormonal-related mood disorders such as PMS, PMDD, and perimenopause symptoms with the effects of both THC and CBD. In the case of PMS and PMDD, impaired function of the CB1 receptor may contribute to mood instability, anxiety, and depression. (Hill et al., 2008)
Research has shown that acute THC use can lead to increased dopamine release and neuronal activity, resulting in improved mood and emotional regulation. (Bloomfield, 2016) Additionally, THC activates CB1 receptors in the amygdala, a region of the central nervous system associated with stress and anxiety, thereby reducing emotional distress related to PMS.
On the other hand, CBD may enhance serotonin activity, which can help alleviate irritability, mood swings, and depression associated with PMS and PMDD. Clinical studies suggest that CBD has anxiolytic effects, making it a promising alternative to pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating hormone-related mood disorders. (Blessing et al., 2015)
Does cannabis interact with any medications that women commonly take during menopause (e.g., hormone replacement therapy)?
Can cannabis be beneficial for managing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, low libido, and mood swings?
Cannabis may be helpful in managing various symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, low libido, and mood swings. It may regulate mood and anxiety, which aligns with its effects on other menstrual disorders.
Additionally, cannabis shows promise for improving bone health during menopause. More specifically, CBD interacts with CB2 receptors in bone cells, promoting bone formation and enhancing fracture healing. This effect could be beneficial for women at risk of osteoporosis due to estrogen fluctuations that occur during menopause (Kogan et al., 2015).
As a medical professional, which areas of cannabis research related to women’s health do you believe require more attention? What do you envision as the future of cannabis in women’s healthcare over the next 5-10 years?
Jullien responded, “We definitely need more human studies on the effects of cannabis on fertility in women. I definitely see more growth in use with cannabis for matters concerning women’s health in the next 5 to 10 years given its availability and increasing prevalence in medicine.”
References
- Hill MN, et al. Downregulation of endocannabinoid signaling in the hippocampus following chronic unpredictable stress. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005 Mar;30(3):508-15. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300601. PMID: 15525997.
- Ilnitsky S, Van Uum S. Marijuana and fertility. CMAJ. 2019 Jun 10;191(23):E638. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.181577. PMID: 31182459; PMCID: PMC6565391.
- Kogan NM, et al. Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts. J Bone Miner Res. 2015 Oct;30(10):1905-13. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.2513. Epub 2015 May 10. PMID: 25801536.
- Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Feb;4(1):245-59. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s1928. PMID: 18728714; PMCID: PMC2503660.
- Ryan KS, Bash JC, Hanna CB, Hedges JC, Lo JO. Effects of marijuana on reproductive health: preconception and gestational effects. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2021 Dec 1;28(6):558-565. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000686. PMID: 34709212; PMCID: PMC8580253.
