CBD and THC show promise for endometriosis symptoms but human evidence is lacking
A literature review found that CBD demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic effects in experimental endometriosis models, but clinical data on cannabinoid treatment for endometriosis in humans remains extremely limited.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
An experimental rat study demonstrated CBD's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic effects in endometriosis treatment via intraperitoneal administration. However, human clinical evidence is sparse, and current use is off-label without established dosing or administration routes.
Key Numbers
Approximately 10% of women of reproductive age affected. One experimental rat study demonstrated CBD efficacy. Current human use is off-label.
How They Did This
Literature review searching PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies on CBD and THC therapeutic potential for endometriosis symptoms, including assessment of reproducibility, safety, dosing, and administration routes.
Why This Research Matters
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. Current treatments have significant limitations, creating urgency for new therapeutic options.
The Bigger Picture
The endocannabinoid system is present in reproductive tissues and modulates pain and inflammation. Endometriosis involves both, making cannabinoid therapy theoretically promising. However, the gap between theoretical rationale and clinical evidence is vast.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Very limited primary research available. Only one animal study of CBD in endometriosis. No clinical trials identified. Review methodology not described as systematic.
Questions This Raises
- ?When will clinical trials of cannabinoids for endometriosis begin?
- ?Could cannabis interact with hormonal treatments commonly used for endometriosis?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- of women of reproductive age affected by endometriosis, a condition with limited treatment options where cannabinoids show theoretical promise
- Evidence Grade:
- Literature review identifying very limited primary evidence. One positive animal study does not establish therapeutic potential in humans.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication.
- Original Title:
- Cannabidiol and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Endometriosis: A Literature Review on Therapeutic Applications and Mechanisms.
- Published In:
- JBRA assisted reproduction (2025)
- Authors:
- Godoy, Joana Retzke, Castilhos, Júlia Prauchner de, Caruso, Fernanda Borsatto, Hentschke, Marta Ribeiro
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06552
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis treat endometriosis?
There is theoretical rationale and one positive animal study, but no clinical trials or systematic human evidence. Many women with endometriosis report using cannabis for symptom management, but this is off-label and unguided by research.
Why might cannabinoids help endometriosis?
Endometriosis involves chronic inflammation, pain, and abnormal tissue growth. CBD has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic (blocking new blood vessel formation that feeds ectopic tissue) properties that could theoretically address multiple disease mechanisms.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06552APA
Godoy, Joana Retzke; Castilhos, Júlia Prauchner de; Caruso, Fernanda Borsatto; Hentschke, Marta Ribeiro. (2025). Cannabidiol and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Endometriosis: A Literature Review on Therapeutic Applications and Mechanisms.. JBRA assisted reproduction. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20250168
MLA
Godoy, Joana Retzke, et al. "Cannabidiol and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Endometriosis: A Literature Review on Therapeutic Applications and Mechanisms.." JBRA assisted reproduction, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20250168
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabidiol and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Endometriosis: A ..." RTHC-06552. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/godoy-2025-cannabidiol-and-9tetrahydrocannabinol-in
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.