What gynecologists need to know about marijuana use in teenage girls
A review for pediatric gynecologists found adolescent marijuana use carries risks for brain development, reproductive health, sexual behavior, and mental health outcomes, with risks likely outweighing potential benefits in this population.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Despite limited research specifically on gynecological conditions, the many risks of adolescent marijuana use include negative effects on developing brains, adverse reproductive outcomes (menstrual irregularities, pregnancy complications), risky sexual behavior, and mental health problems. These risks likely outweigh potential benefits for adolescents.
Key Numbers
No specific quantitative data highlighted. Review covers brain development effects, reproductive outcomes, sexual health risks, and mental health associations. Notes that adolescent marijuana use shows no sign of decreasing.
How They Did This
Narrative review of current literature on marijuana risks and potential benefits during adolescence, with focus on reproductive, sexual health, and mental health outcomes relevant to pediatric gynecology.
Why This Research Matters
Pediatric gynecologists are uniquely positioned to screen for and counsel about marijuana use in teenage girls, yet most have limited training on this topic. With legalization expanding, the information gap between patients and providers is growing.
The Bigger Picture
Adolescent girls face sex-specific cannabis risks related to reproductive health, pregnancy, and hormonal development. These risks are underresearched compared to general adolescent cannabis effects, creating a gap in evidence-based gynecological care.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Limited research specifically addresses marijuana effects on gynecological conditions. Much of the evidence is extrapolated from general adolescent cannabis research. The review does not include meta-analytic data.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does marijuana use affect menstrual cycle regularity?
- ?What are the mechanisms of cannabis effects on female reproductive function?
- ?Should gynecologists routinely screen for marijuana use in adolescent patients?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Risks likely outweigh benefits in teens
- Evidence Grade:
- Rated moderate because the review synthesizes relevant literature, though the evidence base for gynecological-specific cannabis effects is limited.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuana Use in Adolescents.
- Published In:
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 32(4), 349-353 (2019)
- Authors:
- Chadi, Nicholas(3), Levy, Sharon(9)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01973
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does marijuana affect reproductive health in teenage girls?
Limited research suggests potential effects on menstrual regularity and pregnancy outcomes. The review notes that these risks, combined with brain development and mental health concerns, likely outweigh potential benefits for adolescents.
Should gynecologists ask about marijuana use?
The authors suggest yes, given the expanding legalization and increasing use among teenage girls. Gynecologists are well-positioned to screen for and counsel about marijuana use during routine visits.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01973APA
Chadi, Nicholas; Levy, Sharon. (2019). What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuana Use in Adolescents.. Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 32(4), 349-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2019.03.004
MLA
Chadi, Nicholas, et al. "What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuana Use in Adolescents.." Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2019.03.004
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuan..." RTHC-01973. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/chadi-2019-what-every-pediatric-gynecologist
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.