Marijuana and Women’s Health
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
As marijuana legalization spreads, understanding its impacts on women’s health has become increasingly critical. This blog post will delve into the research and shed light on how marijuana can affect various aspects of women’s health, from menstrual health to fertility and more.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a user of marijuana, or someone simply interested in the health implications of this widely used drug, this information will help you make more informed decisions about cannabis.
How Does Marijuana Affect Estrogen?
Marijuana, specifically the active compound THC, has been found to interact with estrogen receptors in the body. This interaction can lead to a variety of effects, some of which can be beneficial while others can be harmful.
On the positive side, marijuana has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and menopause, which are largely driven by fluctuating estrogen levels. However, excessive use of marijuana can upset a woman’s hormonal balance, potentially leading to irregular menstrual cycles or fertility issues.
Note that research in this area is still ongoing, and much is yet to be understood about the complex relationship between marijuana and estrogen.
How Does Marijuana Affect Menstrual Health?
Marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating the female reproductive system. Research suggests that marijuana use can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle. Some female users have reported changes in the length, frequency, and symptoms of their cycle.
However, due to the lack of research into the subject, the full extent of marijuana’s impact on menstrual health remains unclear.
Can Cannabis Treat Menopause Symptoms?
Research into the use of cannabis for menopause symptoms is still in its early stages. However, preliminary findings suggest it may provide some relief.
The main active ingredient in cannabis known as THC is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of bodily functions, including mood, pain, and temperature–all of which can be affected during menopause. Some women have reported that cannabis helps alleviate common menopausal complaints such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects and potential risks, and women considering this option should consult a healthcare professional first.
Does Marijuana Affect Female Fertility?
Marijuana’s impact on female fertility is a subject of ongoing scientific study. Some research suggests that regular marijuana use disrupts the menstrual cycle, delays ovulation, and potentially impacts egg quality as well.
However, it’s important to note that this evidence is not definitive, and more studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of marijuana use on female fertility. Female marijuana users who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should consult a healthcare provider about their cannabis use.
What Are the Effects of Marijuana Use While Pregnant?
Marijuana use during pregnancy can have several adverse effects. For one, THC can cross the placenta, exposing the fetus and potentially causing it to have developmental issues. Studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to decreased birth weight, premature birth, small head circumference, and small length.
In the long-term, this exposure can lead to problems with behavior, attention, and academic performance during childhood. That said, more comprehensive research is needed to fully understand the impact of marijuana on an unborn child.
Why Choose the Sanctuary?
At the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, our mission is to demystify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card, making it as simple and efficient as possible. Our team of compassionate professionals can guide you through it step-by-step and ensure that you make informed decisions throughout.
We can connect you with a certified physician who can evaluate your qualifying condition(s) and discuss the potential benefits of medical marijuana for you. In addition, we offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment, where your wellness is our priority. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute is ready to be your partner in navigating the path to medical cannabis treatment.
How we reviewed this article:
- Lisa K. Brents (2016). Marijuana, the Endocannabinoid System and the Female Reproductive System
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918871/ - Alyssa Valentin (2020). How Marijuana Affects Your Menstrual Cycle
https://www.clearbrookinc.com/news/how-marijuana-affects-your-menstrual-cycle/ - Claire Wolters (2022). Can Cannabis Relieve Menopause Symptoms?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cannabis-menopause-symptoms-6823261 - Sara Ilnitsky and Stan Van Uum (2019). Marijuana and fertility
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6565391/ - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/pregnancy.html
Current Version
January 16, 2024
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
