At the Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP) of the USP, a group of 50 women with endometriosis agreed to participate in a scientific journey in search of relief. The study evaluated cannabidiol (CBD), a substance derived from Cannabis sativa, as a possible ally in reducing pain and other symptoms.

Over a period of nine months, patients who had not experienced improvement with hormonal treatment or surgeries were selected and monitored. The study used a double-blind model: half of the volunteers received cannabidiol and the other half received a placebo. Additionally, the study involved almost daily monitoring of the patients, who started with 10 milligrams of CBD oil, gradually increasing to 150 milligrams.

Cannabidiol = "Robust Improvements"

According to the study coordinator, Professor Oméro Benedicto Poli Nétto, the results were significant. One of the highlights was the significant reduction in pain perception, measured using a visual analog scale. “What we noticed is that there is a significant drop in pain intensity. Patients who reported a score of 10, for example, began recording 7 or even 5,” explained Oméro.

Nevertheless, the researcher cautions about the close proximity of results between the placebo effect and cannabidiol regarding pain. “This very close contact of the medical team with the patients may have significantly interfered with the improvement process. However, it shows that with adequate clinical support or with the use of CBD, significant advances can be achieved,” he emphasized.

The research also indicates an improvement in psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and in the quality of life of the patients - although some experienced daytime drowsiness.

“There is no doubt that cannabidiol brings robust improvements for these patients,” stated the researcher.

One in ten Brazilian women feel it firsthand

According to the Ministry of Health, one in ten Brazilian women suffer from endometriosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the disease affects 176 million women worldwide, including over 7 million in Brazil. Despite effective treatments, about 30% of patients do not show a satisfactory response. This was the group chosen for the cannabidiol research.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing inflammation, intense pain in the pelvic region, and in some cases, infertility. Although it is incurable, the disease can be managed with medication or surgery.

Publication under review and new perspectives

The research is completed and awaits approval in a scientific journal. According to FMRP, the article has already gone through the final stages of review and may be published as early as September.

“This is the first study in the world to be concluded on the subject. It paves the way for a better understanding of how CBD acts in patients with endometriosis and chronic pain. Well-designed new research could shed more light for doctors and patients,” Oméro said.

The researcher revealed that he is already planning a new study focused on the differentiated perception of pain in women with endometriosis. According to him, patients who live with pain daily experience greater intensity than the general population.

"Our bet is that CBD, or even the combination of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can modulate this perception, with an effect on the central nervous system and not just on the peripheral disease,” he explained.