How did medical cannabis help Lucy tackle PMDD?
Chronic pain currently affects around 28 million adults in the UK, with research from Mamedica revealing that 51% of UK adults report dealing with chronic pain every single day. However, women are disproportionately impacted, as 56% report feeling ignored or dismissed by medical professionals regarding their pain. This is further supported by our data that shows almost 80% of women have accepted physical pain and discomfort as the norm, compared to 66% of men.
Women also suffer from female-specific pains; particularly in their pelvis, including period pain (dysmenorrhoea) and the pains associated with conditions such as endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). A survey by The Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD) found that 69% of women say they had a negative experience at work due to their period. Yet 25% of women said they have tried at least three different medications for their pain but have not found any to be effective.
The life-changing impact of medical cannabis on Lucy’s life
Mamedica patient Lucy Hartshorn shared her experience with the Daily Mirror on her decade-long battle with receiving her diagnosis for PMDD. Lucy found life-changing relief from medical cannabis after years of being dismissed and even receiving a wrong diagnosis.
“For a long time, I didn’t realise that is what it was, I was misdiagnosed with all sorts for years and years. I thought something was really wrong with me and everyone wrote it off as being just moody.”
Lucy battled severe PMDD symptoms including cramps, headaches, joint and muscle pain, along with emotional symptoms such as feeling suicidal. She first noticed a change when her period stopped due to her pregnancy. This is when she was able to pinpoint that the two were connected. It eventually led to her final diagnosis of PMDD after the birth of her daughter.
Now, Lucy finds relief in medical cannabis, which not only eases her period pain but also helps regulate her mood.
Read about Lucy’s story here.
Can medical cannabis help you?
Since its legalisation for medical purposes in the UK in 2018, the benefits of using cannabis-based prescriptions to treat a range of health conditions as well as symptoms commonly found in women have been well-documented.
Medical cannabis interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system through CB1 and CB2 receptors and helps regulate various physiological functions such as sleep, mood, appetite and pain, and can help improve memory too.
The most well-known cannabinoids, CBD and THC, have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial for conditions such as endometriosis and PMDD. These compounds can also help regulate hormonal imbalances, stress, and anxiety, which can have a direct effect on how women tackle their pain.
With waitlists in the healthcare system reaching unprecedented levels, patients are facing delays in receiving diagnoses and treatment. Furthermore, reliance on traditional medications like opioids frequently results in patients having to deal with severe side effects.
This brings up the urgent need for natural treatments like medical cannabis,that provide a personalised approach to symptom relief. This is further supported by Mamedica’s research which highlighted that over a third (34%) of UK adults felt that their treatment was not tailored to their condition.
Are you considering treatment with Mamedica?
If you or anyone you know is experiencing chronic pain, Mamedica can assist you with medical cannabis prescriptions. Our specialist doctors work with you to understand your symptoms and needs and craft a personalised treatment plan that manages your condition effectively.
We are here to support you on your treatment journey, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Patients who are looking to harness the benefits of medical cannabis can get started by checking their eligibility here.