The little known compound that can calm endometriosis inflammation and pain

New survey: Canadian women with pelvic pain using CBD report relief from pain, sleep issues, and anxiety.

July 11, 2025,

3 min read

A new Canadian study finds that two-thirds of women with both pelvic pain and fibromyalgia reported using cannabidiol (CBD), with many experiencing pain relief as well as improvements in sleep, mood, energy, and overall health. However, the findings are based on self-reported data from an observational survey, not clinical trials.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid found in cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high” or intoxicating effect. It’s often derived from hemp, a variety of cannabis with low THC levels.

Study details

Study Title: Cannabidiol Use and Perceptions of Effectiveness in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain

Journal: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada (JOGC), July 2025

Link: ScienceDirect

Research reliability

Criteria	Assessment
Double-blind, placebo-controlled?	No – This is a survey-based observational study, not a clinical trial.
In vitro or in vivo?	Neither – It uses self-reported human data, not biological testing.
In animals or humans?	Humans – Women with chronic pelvic pain.
Published in peer-reviewed journal?	Yes – Published in the peer-reviewed JOGC.
Conflicts of interest disclosed?	No major conflicts; minor affiliations were disclosed and are unlikely to bias the study’s findings.
Results consistent with other research?	Yes – Generally consistent with reports that women with pelvic pain explore cannabis/CBD for relief.

Study findings

Objective

To explore how women with chronic pelvic pain use cannabidiol (CBD) and whether they perceive it as effective for their symptoms.

Key results

Use prevalence: 31.8% of surveyed women reported using CBD to manage pelvic pain.
Perceived effectiveness:
- 72.6% said it reduced pain.
- 50% noted improvements in sleep.
- 41.1% said it helped with anxiety.
Usage patterns: Women used CBD in various forms—topicals, oils, edibles, and vapes.
Medical guidance: Only a minority were using CBD under medical supervision.
Side effects: Rare and mostly mild, such as drowsiness.

What this means

Area	Insight
Efficacy perception	Most users found CBD somewhat or very effective, especially for pain and sleep.
Medical oversight	CBD use is largely self-directed, not guided by physicians.
Scientific strength	The study captures real-world use, but doesn’t establish causality or clinical efficacy.
Limitations	Self-selection bias, placebo effect, and lack of dosage/formulation consistency.

Bottom line

This survey provides important user insight into real-world CBD use among women with chronic pelvic pain, including endometriosis. However, the study is observational, not experimental. While women report relief, these findings do not prove effectiveness—they highlight the need for clinical trials.

CBD in hemp seeds and oil

Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil do not contain meaningful amounts of CBD. Although they come from the same plant, they are made from different parts. Hemp seeds and their oil are rich in nutrients and healthy fats, but CBD is found mainly in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant—not in the seeds. To obtain CBD, it must be extracted specifically from those parts.

If you can’t access CBD but want a compound that targets the similar cannabinoid receptors, explore PEA.