Accelerate Action: Medical cannabis for women's health

International Women’s Day 2025

What is International Women’s Day? - International Women’s Day (IWD) has been celebrated since the early 20th century and was adopted by the United Nations in 1975. It is a dedicated day to celebrate women's achievements and campaign for gender rights and freedom. 

The theme of IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. This year’s event aims to “recognise and advance the strategies, resources, and initiatives driving progress for women worldwide.”

Gender inequality in healthcare

The gender health gap - defined as the institutionalised sexism within healthcare, and the poorer outcomes and services women receive as a result - persists as a major problem in the UK and many other countries around the world. Eight out of 10 women in the UK report feeling they were not listened to by healthcare professionals while taboos and stigmatisation of certain conditions and symptoms can prevent women from seeking medical help. 

Medical cannabis in women’s healthcare

Medical cannabis can now be prescribed in the UK for a wide range of conditions and symptoms, including a number of gender-specific conditions. So, let’s take a closer look at these conditions, their impact, and how medical cannabis treatment could help. 

Medical cannabis for endometriosis

Endometriosis is estimated to affect around 10% of women and people with wombs. The condition is characterised by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. It can be associated with a number of symptoms, including painful periods and intercourse, heavy bleeding, and fatigue. Patients with endometriosis are also at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 

It takes, on average, seven years for a woman to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. During this time, symptoms of the condition can be debilitating and treatments ineffective. However, even a diagnosis of endometriosis doesn’t guarantee effective treatment. Many patients do not receive adequate relief with conventional treatments such as hormone therapy and painkillers. 

Studies suggest that a significant portion of individuals with endometriosis seek symptom relief with cannabis. There is growing evidence to support the use of medical cannabis in this setting, and many women and people with wombs with endometriosis are likely to be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription. You can learn more about medical cannabis treatment for endometriosis in our recent blog, “How medical cannabis may help endometriosis patients”.

Medical cannabis for menopause

Menopause is a natural part of women’s lives, beginning when the ovaries stop producing eggs and menstrual cycles end. Yet, many women are still left feeling misunderstood and stigmatised as a result of their menopausal symptoms, even within a healthcare setting. Physical symptoms of menopause commonly include hot flashes, sleep disturbance, and joint pain, while many women also experience mental symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, and depression. 

So, what medication is prescribed for menopause? The most common menopause medication is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which replaces hormones that are at low levels. While this treatment can be effective at managing many menopause symptoms, some people may prefer alternative approaches. 

According to a 2022 study of menopausal and perimenopausal women who used medical cannabis to manage their symptoms, over three-quarters endorsed its use for menopause-related symptoms, including sleep disturbance (67.4%) and mood/anxiety (46.1%). To learn more about medical cannabis treatment for menopause symptoms, check out our blog, “Ease the Transition: How medical cannabis can help during the menopause”.

Medical cannabis for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects the function of the ovaries. The condition is typically characterised by irregular periods, high levels of “male” hormones in the body, and polycystic ovaries (where the ovaries become enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs). It’s thought that PCOS may affect around one in 10 women in the UK. 

PCOS can be associated with a number of symptoms, including weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, pain, and inflammation. There is no cure for PCOS but pharmaceuticals may be prescribed to manage excessive hair growth and infertility caused by the condition. In some cases, a surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), which involves using heat to destroy androgen-producing tissues, may be recommended.

In some cases, cannabis-based medicines may be considered for the management of PCOS symptoms when conventional therapies have failed to provide adequate relief. More research is needed to understand the potential role of cannabinoids in PCOS treatment; however, some evidence indicates that medical cannabis could be useful in managing symptoms such as pelvic pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. 

Final thoughts

International Women’s Day presents an opportunity for reflection on the progress made towards gender equality and the work that still needs to be done. Understanding the disparities in healthcare for men and women is crucial in ensuring every patient receives adequate and effective care. 

Women with the conditions explored in this article (and many more) can often feel ignored in a healthcare setting, particularly when conventional treatment options are not delivering adequate relief. However, it is possible to explore alternative options. To learn more about medical cannabis and women’s health, get in touch with one of our specialist doctors today.