Cannabis for PMS: Cramps and Chronic

Menstrual cramps are the bane of a lot of women�s existences. Even when the cramps are described as mild, they still suck. But my doctor actually described mine as �debilitating dysmenorrhea�. �Debilitating� is a nice way of saying that I get them so bad that it pretty much makes everyday activities impossible, and all I can do is curl up in a ball and wait until it ends. �Dysmenorrhea� is the fancy medical term for menstrual cramps. Obviously, I can�t speak for all of womankind, but to me, it feels like my uterus is attacking me, or that my body is rejecting it and trying to force it out or something. I cramp so bad that you can actually see the spasm on the outside when you look at my belly.

A blessing and a curse.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary is the most common type that we tend to think about when we think about the cramps. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the result of reproductive disorders. And then there are disorders to consider, as well. Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that usually lines the uterus’s insides grows on the outside. It creates a lot of spasms and pain. I’ve had friends that have struggled with it their whole lives, and I can safely say that even though my menstrual cramp pain is bad, theirs is worse.

What causes cramps to hurt? Well, aside from the fact that your uterus is cramping, there actually is a scientific reason. Cramps are contractions of the uterus. They’re an attempt by the uterus to expel its lining. Sometimes it can contract too hard, putting pressure on nearby blood vessels. When this happens, it cuts off oxygen flow to the uterus, which hurts like hell. When you understand what causes cramps to hurt, it’s not surprising that they also cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Lack of oxygen to any part of the body can cause similar symptoms.

What you've likely already tried.

There are a number of home and pharmaceutical remedies for menstrual cramps, none of which actually work. Their effect is more like taking a Tylenol for a compound fracture- it simply isn’t enough. Some of these include chamomile and various other herbal teas, heating pads, and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDS. NSAIDS tend to work a bit better than Tylenol for cramps, but they