“Cannabis lowers estrogen levels in women.”

Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles.Abstract Marijuana use among women is highly prevalent, but the societal conversation on marijuana rarely focuses on how marijuana affects female reproduction and endocrinology. This article reviews the current scientific literature regarding marijuana use and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis regulation, ovarian hormone production, the menstrual cycle, and fertility. Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles. Tolerance to these effects has been shown in rhesus monkeys, but the effects of chronic marijuana use on human female reproduction are largely unknown. Marijuana-induced analgesia, drug reinforcement properties, tolerance, and dependence are influenced by ovarian hormones, with estrogen generally increasing and progesterone decreasing sensitivity to marijuana. …

Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles.Abstract Marijuana use among women is highly prevalent, but the societal conversation on marijuana rarely focuses on how marijuana affects female reproduction and endocrinology. This article reviews the current scientific literature regarding marijuana use and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis regulation, ovarian hormone production, the menstrual cycle, and fertility. Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles. Tolerance to these effects has been shown in rhesus monkeys, but the effects of chronic marijuana use on human female reproduction are largely unknown. Marijuana-induced analgesia, drug reinforcement properties, tolerance, and dependence are influenced by ovarian hormones, with estrogen generally increasing and progesterone decreasing sensitivity to marijuana. …

Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles.Abstract Marijuana use among women is highly prevalent, but the societal conversation on marijuana rarely focuses on how marijuana affects female reproduction and endocrinology. This article reviews the current scientific literature regarding marijuana use and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis regulation, ovarian hormone production, the menstrual cycle, and fertility. Evidence suggests that marijuana can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles. Tolerance to these effects has been shown in rhesus monkeys, but the effects of chronic marijuana use on human female reproduction are largely unknown. Marijuana-induced analgesia, drug reinforcement properties, tolerance, and dependence are influenced by ovarian hormones, with estrogen generally increasing and progesterone decreasing sensitivity to marijuana. …

In females, chronic exposure to cannabinoids has been shown to delay sexual maturation, cause menstrual cycle disruption, depress ovarian follicular maturation, and reduce serum concentrations of LH and sex hormones [34] . … Taken together, these data show that cannabinoids exert negative effects on reproduction by reducing the secretion of GnRH, which subsequently blocks the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland, thus suppressing gonadal function which negatively impacts gonadal estrogen and progesterone release (Fig. 1 ). … Their chief finding was that THC, or its metabolites, inhibited FSH-stimulated accumulation of estrogen and progesterone, along with the FSH-stimulated increase in LH receptors.… 1 ), readiness for fertilization and implantation [17, 37, 38] . Chronic exposure to cannabinoids in male rodents and humans has been shown to result in reduced sperm count [34] , serum testosterone levels [39] and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) [34] . In females, chronic exposure to cannabinoids has been shown to delay sexual maturation, cause menstrual cycle disruption, depress ovarian follicular maturation, and reduce serum concentrations of LH and sex hormones [34] . Endocannabinoids, their metabolic enzymes, and target receptors have been shown to respond to endocrine signals [9] . Likewise, they have been shown to interfere with reproductive signals in both male and female reproductive processes [9] . … Consistent with this, Chakravarty et al reported that THC treatment lowered GnRH concentration in the hypothalamus of female rats [49] . Taken together, these data show that cannabinoids exert negative effects on reproduction by reducing the secretion of GnRH, which subsequently blocks the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland, thus suppressing gonadal function which negatively impacts gonadal estrogen and progesterone release (Fig. 1 ). Role of the ECS in ovarian function … However, THC has been shown in several studies to block the release of LH [6, [56] [57] [58] , which is critical for ovulation, and this may potentiate the probability of infertility. Using cultured rat granulosa cells, Adashi et al examined the effects of cannabinoids on ovarian function [59] . Their chief finding was that THC, or its metabolites, inhibited FSH-stimulated accumulation of estrogen and progesterone, along with the FSH-stimulated increase in LH receptors. This direct effect of THC was determined to occur at a point downstream of the formation of cAMP and involves the inhibition of steroidogenesis [59] . Indeed, they found that THC reduced the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone [59] . …

With increasing THC dosing, MCL and FSH concentrations increased, while basal E2 concentration was stable.… ### Main Outcome Measure(s): Menstrual cycle length (MCL), anti-Müllerian hormone, prolactin, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Result(s): The average before THC weight was 6.9 kg (standard deviation, 0.8), and at the highest THC dosing, the average weight was 7.2 kg (standard deviation, 0.8). With increasing THC dosing, MCL and FSH concentrations increased, while basal E2 concentration was stable. The average MCL concentration increased 4.0 days for each mg/7 kg/day of THC (95% CI, 1.4–6.6 days). Follicle-stimulating hormone concentration increased significantly with increasing THC dose, 0.34 ng/mL for each mg/7 kg/day of THC (95% CI, 0.14–0.57 ng/mL). No significant trends were observed between THC dosing and average basal progesterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, prolactin, LH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations. Conclusion(s): …

Marijuana has been shown to disrupt the ovulatory cycle and hormonal secretion, raising concern that it could impact estrogen levels, though it was unknown if CBD could have the same impact [50]. … Findings from our pilot study demonstrate reassuring safety data, with no evidence of CBD causing increased estradiol concentrations using an ultrasensitive assay in AI‐treated patients.… This finding is consistent with other studies of the impact of baseline anxiety on change in chronic pain conditions [46, 47, 48, 49]. Additional research is needed to explore this relationship and whether screening for baseline anxiety and, if identified, subsequent treatment would be beneficial in the care of individuals with AIMSS. Another important finding in this study is the safety of CBD use in patients with hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer. Marijuana has been shown to disrupt the ovulatory cycle and hormonal secretion, raising concern that it could impact estrogen levels, though it was unknown if CBD could have the same impact [50]. The efficacy of AI therapy in preventing breast cancer recurrence relies on the adequate suppression of estrogen production [31]. Findings from our pilot study demonstrate reassuring safety data, with no evidence of CBD causing increased estradiol concentrations using an ultrasensitive assay in AI‐treated patients. Given that ongoing inflammation has been postulated to contribute to the development of AIMSS, this study also sought to evaluate the impact of CBD on circulating blood inflammatory markers [3, 34, 51]. In addition, research in individuals with chronic pain has found that an elevated stimulated immune response is common, suggesting these patients may have circulating immune cells that are primed to be pro‐inflammatory [52, 53, 54, 55]. …

Because cannabis receptors are found throughout the female reproductive system in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, cannabis intake is theorized to cause changes in the release of fertility-related hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen[11].… There is growing interest in the impact of various preconception exposures on the ability to conceive. Cannabis has long been an exposure of interest in fertility research [8], [9], [10]. Because cannabis receptors are found throughout the female reproductive system in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, cannabis intake is theorized to cause changes in the release of fertility-related hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen[11]. This interaction between cannabis and the reproductive system is hypothesized to impact an individual’s ability to become pregnant [9], [10], [12]. Increased menstrual cycle length and ovulatory dysfunction with chronic cannabis exposure has been observed in animal models [13]. Observational evidence regarding the impacts of cannabis on the human reproductive system remains limited and mixed [12], [14]. …

We observed no significant changes in basal or activated estradiol secretion in response to THC or CBD. … Although cannabinoids have been shown to influence sex hormones in vivo, our data suggest that these effects are not mediated at the granulosa cell level.… To characterize the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in these cells, we performed a meta-analysis of publicly available RNA sequencing datasets, revealing expression of key ECS components. KGN cells were cultured with or without cannabinoids in the presence of protein kinase activators, PKA (FSK), PKB (SC79), and PKC (PMA). Following cannabinoid and kinase stimulations, the media were collected and analyzed for estradiol concentrations via ELISA. We observed no significant changes in basal or activated estradiol secretion in response to THC or CBD. These findings were supported by RT-qPCR analysis showing no alteration in the expression of CYP19A1, the gene encoding aromatase, which catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens in granulosa cells. Although cannabinoids have been shown to influence sex hormones in vivo, our data suggest that these effects are not mediated at the granulosa cell level. This study contributes to a better understanding of how cannabinoids may interact with ovarian steroidogenesis and reproductive function. Authors

Estradiol and progesterone remained unchanged, whereas LH and PRL revealed modest but signi cant pulses of ∼45-minute duration indicating that there are acute yet tangible endocrine shifts due to THC.… Similarly, Mendelson et al. (1985) reported that PRL decreased signi cantly over time after smoking a marijuana cigarette containing 1.8% Δ-9-THC on the day of ovulation in the woman's menstrual cycle. Eight healthy adult females aged 21-33 years (mean age 26 years), who regularly used cannabis (14 occasions per month) were enrolled. This was an acute exposure trial in which each participant smoked one marijuana cigarette weighing 1 gram over approximately 12 minutes. Estradiol and progesterone remained unchanged, whereas LH and PRL revealed modest but signi cant pulses of ∼45-minute duration indicating that there are acute yet tangible endocrine shifts due to THC. With respect to pregnancy, only one study could be located with this population of female humans. Braunstein et al. (1983) compared 13 pregnant participants who were cannabis users, all at different trimesters to a matched group of 13 non-users. Cannabis use was veri ed via tests for THC in blood serum, varying from 3.2 to 70.6 ng/ml (suggesting recent use during 2-4 h before testing). …

Blood samples for analysis of LH, estradiol, and progesterone were collected on alternate days before, during, and after marihuana smoking. … Normal ovulatory menstrual cycles were observed, and there was no evidence of a marihuana dose-related suppression of ovulation or disruption of luteal phase function in women classified as heavy (6.1 ± 1.45 cigarettes per day), moderate (2.72 ± 0.16 cigarettes per day) or occasional (0.90 ± 0.22 cigarettes per day) marihuana smokers.… Marihuana smoking was also followed by a small but statistically significant decrease in prolactin levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, but this probably was not biologically significant. The hormonal effects of daily marihuana smoking over 21 days were studied in 21 women who lived on a clinical research ward for 33 days. Women worked at a simple operant task to acquire marihuana cigarettes. Each marihuana cigarette contained 1.8% Δ9-THC. Blood samples for analysis of LH, estradiol, and progesterone were collected on alternate days before, during, and after marihuana smoking. Normal ovulatory menstrual cycles were observed, and there was no evidence of a marihuana dose-related suppression of ovulation or disruption of luteal phase function in women classified as heavy (6.1 ± 1.45 cigarettes per day), moderate (2.72 ± 0.16 cigarettes per day) or occasional (0.90 ± 0.22 cigarettes per day) marihuana smokers. These data indicate that smoking marihuana at the dose levels observed for 21 days did not disrupt the menstrual cycle in healthy adult women. Authors

The studies suggest that the exogenous cannabinoids may interfere with endocannabinoid system and disrupt hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis. Consequently, it impacts the female fertility by disruption of normal secretion of ovarian sex hormones and menstrual cycles.… First published:16 May 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.4630 Citations:2 **Funding information:**This study did not receive any financial aid from institutes or research center. Abstract The marijuana is considered as widely used recreational illicit drug that has become popular among women of reproductive age. It is believed that the marijuana use may have negative impacts on the female fertility. However, the exact mechanisms of its reproductive toxicity remain unclear. The studies suggest that the exogenous cannabinoids may interfere with endocannabinoid system and disrupt hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis. Consequently, it impacts the female fertility by disruption of normal secretion of ovarian sex hormones and menstrual cycles. However, other studies have shown that medical marijuana is useful analgesic agent for pain management. But, given that the wide range of cannabinoids side effects are reported, it seems that caution should be taken in the recreational use of these substances. In summary, this article aimed to review the possible impacts of marijuana and its derivatives on the main female reproductive organs and embryonic growth and development. CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT …

Chronic exposure to THC has been shown to reduce GnRH, LH, FSH, and PRL levels [165] [166] [167] [168] [169] [170] [171] . … In animal models (rats, rhesus monkeys), THC exposure delays puberty onset, disrupts estrous cycles, and affects endometrial stromal differentiation [111, 172, 173] , possibly via altered ovarian and pituitary signaling [174] . … Bidirectional regulation between sex hormones and ECS components has also been demonstrated. Estradiol (E2) modulates ECS elements in the uterus, and AEA levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle [84, 173, 175, 176] .Disruption or absence of CBRs impairs hormonal release and reproductive function [162] . In females, ECS dysregulation has been linked to menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and delayed ovulation, associated with altered receptor expression in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, ovaries, and endometrium [163, 164] . Chronic exposure to THC has been shown to reduce GnRH, LH, FSH, and PRL levels [165] [166] [167] [168] [169] [170] [171] . In animal models (rats, rhesus monkeys), THC exposure delays puberty onset, disrupts estrous cycles, and affects endometrial stromal differentiation [111, 172, 173] , possibly via altered ovarian and pituitary signaling [174] . Bidirectional regulation between sex hormones and ECS components has also been demonstrated. Estradiol (E2) modulates ECS elements in the uterus, and AEA levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle [84, 173, 175, 176] . Importantly, reduced FAAH activityresponsible for AEA degradation-has been associated with miscarriage [111, 177] . ECS dysregulation, especially due to exogenous cannabinoids, may contribute to reproductive pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [178] and is also linked to altered CB1/CB2 receptor expression in endometrial disorders [179, 180] . ECS in Female Reproductive Tissues and Gametes

To date, there is a paucity of research on the specific role of exogenous cannabis (either CBD or THC) on the female reproductive system, including differences according to consumption (acute, subacute, and chronic), mode of intake, and timing in relation to the menstrual cycle. The little evidence available suggests a possible role in affecting human reproductive hormones.… However, rigorous studies on health outcomes from these devices are largely lacking. Vitamin E acetate, an additive in some e-cigarette or vaping products, is strongly linked to lung injury.58Ingested or “edible” cannabis products avoid inhalation-related risks but delay the onset of psychoactive effects and may lead to higher doses and increased adverse effects (mainly acute impairment).59 Section snippets Female Reproductive Hormones and Reproductive Tract To date, there is a paucity of research on the specific role of exogenous cannabis (either CBD or THC) on the female reproductive system, including differences according to consumption (acute, subacute, and chronic), mode of intake, and timing in relation to the menstrual cycle. The little evidence available suggests a possible role in affecting human reproductive hormones.60 There is a strong bidirectional overlap between the endocannabinoid system and the female reproductive cycle.60,61,62 Cannabis and Sexual Function in Women Effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on women’s sexual function have been poorly studied. …

The cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts estrogen signaling in human placenta… *Toxicology.* 2017; **376**:94-101 Crossref Scopus (40) PubMed Google Scholar 139. Natale, B.V. ∙ Gustin, K.N. ∙ Lee, K. ... **Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to symmetrical fetal growth restriction and labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta** *Sci Rep.* 2020; **10**:544 Crossref Scopus (38) PubMed Google Scholar 140. Maia, J. ∙ Almada, M. ∙ Midão, L. ... **The cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts estrogen signaling in human placenta** *Toxicol Sci.* 2020; **177**:420-430 Crossref Scopus (0) PubMed Google Scholar 141. Lee, C.C. ∙ Chiang, C.N. **Maternal-fetal transfer of abused substances: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data** *NIDA Res Monogr.* 1985; **60**:110-147 PubMed Google Scholar 142. Hutchings, D.E. ∙ Martin, B.R. ∙ Gamagaris, Z. ... **Plasma concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in dams and fetuses following acute or multiple prenatal dosing in rats** *Life Sci.* 1989; **44**:697-701 Crossref …

One study in healthy Swiss men would suggest that cannabis users with confirmed levels of plasma CBD exhibited higher AEA, androgens and estradiol, but the contributing effect of CBD alone on semen quality could not be definitely assessed (Zufferey et al. 2024).… higher number of abnormal acrosomes) despite no effects on testis weight, sperm count or hormone levels (Carvalho et al. 2022). In studies with a prepubertal exposure to cannabichromene (CBC), the cannabinoid with better binding affinity, CBC exposed males also exhibited decreased spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis (Taiwo et al. 2023). However, to date, there is a great paucity of clinical studies regarding the effects of CBD alone on human sperm quality. One study in healthy Swiss men would suggest that cannabis users with confirmed levels of plasma CBD exhibited higher AEA, androgens and estradiol, but the contributing effect of CBD alone on semen quality could not be definitely assessed (Zufferey et al. 2024). Effects of THC and CBD on male reproductive outcomes

This study examined effects of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in women at two phases of the menstrual cycle differing in circulating levels of estrogen (E). … We conclude that the differences in levels of E occurring during the early and LF phase of the men strual cycle do not strongly influence responses to THC.Abstract Background: This study examined effects of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in women at two phases of the menstrual cycle differing in circulating levels of estrogen (E). Pre-clinical findings indicate that E increases sensitivity to THC and other cannabinoids, raising the possibility that higher E may be a risk factor for adverse responses to THC in women. Methods: We examined subjective and behavioral responses to THC (7.5 and 15 mg oral) and placebo in women during the early follicular (EF) phase when E levels are low and the late follicular (LF) phase when E levels are higher. … We hypothesized that women would exhibit greater responses to THC during the LF phase compared to the EF phase. Results: On most measures, responses to THC were similar during the two phases. However, on two self-report measures, ‘‘Wanting More’’ drug and anxiety, the effects occurred slightly earlier after drug administration in women who were tested during the EF phase. Conclusions: We conclude that the differences in levels of E occurring during the early and LF phase of the men strual cycle do not strongly influence responses to THC. It remains to be determined whether responses are sim ilarly stable across other cycle phases, or in women receiving exogenous hormone treatments. Keywords: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; menstrual cycle; estradiol; progesterone; follicular phase Introduction

Here, we investigate whether variations in estradiol levels across the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle modulate the effect of THC on inhibitory control in healthy women. … Circulating hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, progesterone to estradiol ratio) were not significantly related to task performance under any of the three drug conditions, including the placebo condition (Fig. 3).… However, responses to cannabinoid drugs vary widely, and little is known about the factors that influence the risk for adverse effects. One potential source of variation in response to cannabinoids in women is circulating ovarian hormones such as estradiol and progesterone. Whereas there is some evidence that estradiol affects responses to cannabinoids in rodents, little is known about such interactions in humans. Here, we investigate whether variations in estradiol levels across the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle modulate the effect of THC on inhibitory control in healthy women. Healthy female occasional cannabis users (N = 60) received THC (7.5 mg and 15 mg, oral) and placebo during either the early follicular phase, when estradiol levels are low, or the late follicular phase, when estradiol levels are higher. They completed a Go/No Go (GNG) task at the time of peak drug effect. We hypothesized that the effects of THC on GNG performance would be greater when estradiol levels were elevated. … THC did not significantly impact errors of omission/misses on the GNG Task. Both THC doses increased errors of commission/false alarms compared to placebo, but this effect only reached significance at the 15 mg dose (β7.5mg = 1.5, p = 0.07, β15mg = 2.6, p < 0.0005; Fig. 2). Circulating hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, progesterone to estradiol ratio) were not significantly related to task performance under any of the three drug conditions, including the placebo condition (Fig. 3). 4. Discussion

We recently reported that the subjective and physiological effects of single, moderate doses of THC were not related to estradiol levels during the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (Pabon and de Wit, 2022).… The mechanisms by which estradiol affects responses to cannabinoids are not fully understood, but there is some evidence that estradiol modulates cannabinoid receptor expression in rodent limbic regions, such as the hippocampus and amygdala (Riebe et al., 2010). Despite this preclinical evidence for estradiol-cannabinoid interactions, relatively little is known about these hormone-drug interactions in humans. We recently reported that the subjective and physiological effects of single, moderate doses of THC were not related to estradiol levels during the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (Pabon and de Wit, 2022). In the present analysis, we examined associations between estradiol and THC-induced impairment in inhibitory control. Cannabis and THC impair the ability to inhibit inappropriate or unwanted actions on standardized behavioral tasks in both regular and occasional cannabis users. Such impairments are important because they increase the risks of driving or performing tasks that require cognitive control. …

Prior studies, published in the 1970s, have reported the pro- and anti-estrogenic properties of THC. … However, the underlying mechanism for which THC provides symptom relief is unclear and the data on the efficacy and safety of cannabis use for menopausal symptom relief is limited and further evidence is needed to guide informed decision making.… the frequency of cannabis use significantly correlating to the number and severity of menopausal symptoms.174 While cannabis use appears to mitigate musculoskeletal discomfort, irritability, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and hot flashes, other symptoms such as heart discomfort, exhaustion, vaginal dryness, and bladder problems were not alleviated by cannabis use.174 There is a significant gap between the marketed benefits of cannabis and the supporting evidence in the medical literature.176 Prior studies, published in the 1970s, have reported the pro- and anti-estrogenic properties of THC.177 178 However, the underlying mechanism for which THC provides symptom relief is unclear and the data on the efficacy and safety of cannabis use for menopausal symptom relief is limited and further evidence is needed to guide informed decision making.179 CONCLUSION

Acute effects of marijuana on pituitary and gonadal hormones during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycleClipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Skip to main page content U.S. flag An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Dot gov **The .gov means it’s official.** Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. Https **The site is secure.** The**https://**ensures that you are connecting to the …

Cannabinoids may affect many aspects of female reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes with neonatal implications, and menopause.… Cannabis use has been increasing in Canada, including among Canadian women of reproductive age. Post-legalization, further increases in cannabis use are expected due to increased availability and lowered perceptions of harm. Although cannabinoids are well known for their effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, endocannabinoid receptors have also been characterized throughout the female reproductive tract. Cannabinoids may affect many aspects of female reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes with neonatal implications, and menopause. Purpose: To provide a comprehensive review of trends in cannabis use among women and review the impact of cannabis across the female reproductive lifespan. Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using keywords and MeSH terms. Included studies reported the potential impact of cannabinoids on female fertility, pregnancy, transmission to breast milk, neonatal outcomes, and menopause. …

The main hypothesis is circulating estradiol levels are associated with cardiac, neuroendocrine, and subjective THC response. … The expected outcome of this work is a deeper understanding of how circulating estradiol levels may associate with response to THC and how the physiological response is associated with the subjective response.… This female-specific research plan will test the effects of two recreationally relevant doses of oral THC and placebo in healthy females at two phases of the menstrual cycle. Acute oral THC will be administered in a double-blind and counterbalanced design. Menstrual cycle phase will be determined using blood serum analyses of estradiol and progesterone and self-reported responses. The main hypothesis is circulating estradiol levels are associated with cardiac, neuroendocrine, and subjective THC response. The rationale for the presented work is to better understand the risks of cannabis use, in order to maximize possible medical potential and minimize public health risks. The expected outcome of this work is a deeper understanding of how circulating estradiol levels may associate with response to THC and how the physiological response is associated with the subjective response. Uncovering the individual differences in response to THC will allow for more preventive action against cannabis-induced anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Conditions

The goal of this study is to determine whether cortisol and estradiol - hormones that rise dramatically during pregnancy - increase the clearance of dronabinol (THC) in reproductive age women to simulate the pregnant state.Summary Cannabis use is prevalent among pregnant women, but the effects of use on both the developing fetus and pregnant woman are unknown. Importantly, drug exposure could be influenced by the impact of pregnancy-associated hormones on the metabolism of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. The goal of this study is to determine whether cortisol and estradiol - hormones that rise dramatically during pregnancy - increase the clearance of dronabinol (THC) in reproductive age women to simulate the pregnant state. The collected data will then be used to predict the time course and magnitude of changes in THC metabolism in pregnant women, particularly with gradually increasing estradiol and cortisol concentrations that evolve over the course of pregnancy. The overall objective of this study is to better understand the effects of THC use during pregnancy on the health of the pregnant woman and developing fetus. Detailed Description

Sixty women were randomly assigned to two groups, who were tested either the early follicular phase (days 1 – 5) when estrogen levels are low, or late follicular phase (days 9 – 14) when estrogen levels are higher. … These findings suggest ovarian hormone levels do not i) underlie the previously reported menstrual cycle phase differences in response to Cannabis, or ii) modulate acute responses to THC in naturally cycling women.… Here, we compare responses to oral THC between the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Then we analyze significant drug effects as a function of circulating ovarian hormone levels. The primary outcome measures were cardiovascular (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate variability), biochemical, (salivary cortisol) and subjective (i.e., ratings of feeling drug, liking the drug, and anxiety) drug effects. Sixty women were randomly assigned to two groups, who were tested either the early follicular phase (days 1 – 5) when estrogen levels are low, or late follicular phase (days 9 – 14) when estrogen levels are higher. After recording baseline measurements and drawing blood for ovarian hormone analysis, oral THC (7.5 mg and 15 mg or 15 mg only) and placebo were administered in a double-blind counter-balanced order. Drug effects were monitored continuously and recorded six times across the four-hour long experimental sessions. We hypothesized women would experience greater stress-related responses to THC during the late follicular compared to the early follicular phase. … We hypothesized estradiol would significantly affect drug effects across time whereas progesterone would not. The acute effects of THC were highly robust. Hormone levels did not significantly affect baseline cardiovascular, biochemical, or subjective measures, nor any drug effect across time. These findings suggest ovarian hormone levels do not i) underlie the previously reported menstrual cycle phase differences in response to Cannabis, or ii) modulate acute responses to THC in naturally cycling women. This study deepens our understanding of estrogen-cannabinoid interactions and their potential downstream biological effects, providing critical information regarding hormonal mechanisms underlying female-specific individual differences in responses to acute THC. Authors

Although cannabinoids are well known for their effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, endocannabinoid receptors have also been characterized throughout the female reproductive tract. Cannabinoids may affect many aspects of female reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes with neonatal implications, and menopause.… * DOI:10.1089/can.2020.0065 Item in Clipboard Full text linksCite Display options Display options FormatAbstractPubMedPMID Abstract **Introduction:**Cannabis is commonly used for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits and is also widely used as a recreational drug. Cannabis use has been increasing in Canada, including among Canadian women of reproductive age. Post-legalization, further increases in cannabis use are expected due to increased availability and lowered perceptions of harm. Although cannabinoids are well known for their effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, endocannabinoid receptors have also been characterized throughout the female reproductive tract. Cannabinoids may affect many aspects of female reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes with neonatal implications, and menopause.**Purpose:**To provide a comprehensive review of trends in cannabis use among women and review the impact of cannabis across the female reproductive lifespan.**Methods:**We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using keywords and MeSH terms. …

Overall, the findings suggest that CBD exerts a protective effect on memory comparable to standard estrogen therapy, supporting its therapeutic potential for menopause-related cognitive impairments.… Ovariectomy-induced impairments in fear-motivated memory were completely reversed by both CBD and estradiol treatments. Additionally, CBD reduced the expression of FAAH and MGLL, resulting in increased hippocampal levels of AEA and 2-AG, effects similar to those observed with hormone therapy. Estradiol also increased NAPE-PLD expression, contributing to elevated AEA levels. Overall, the findings suggest that CBD exerts a protective effect on memory comparable to standard estrogen therapy, supporting its therapeutic potential for menopause-related cognitive impairments. Authors

the specific terms to capture women's health were estrogen, estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, vaginal contraception, oral contraceptives, fertilization, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and menopause.… All clinical trials, observational studies, reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses), guidelines, and conference consensus statements were included. Publications were screened for relevance. The search terms were developed using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords (and variants), including cannabis, cannabinoids, marijuana, dexanabinol, dronabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol; the specific terms to capture women's health were estrogen, estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, vaginal contraception, oral contraceptives, fertilization, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and menopause. Validation methods: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

A Rutgers study points to cannabidiol (CBD), a major component of hemp and medical marijuana used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety, as a possible treatment for postmenopausal women, whose ovaries no longer make estrogen.Rutgers study shows cannabidiol may be a possible treatment for postmenopausal women A Rutgers study points to cannabidiol (CBD), a major component of hemp and medical marijuana used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety, as a possible treatment for postmenopausal women, whose ovaries no longer make estrogen. In a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, scientists reported that when estrogen-deficient mice were fed CBD, a non-intoxicating compound extracted from hemp, they showed marked improvement in several areas. Their bloodstreams more readily disposed of glucose, and they burned more energy. In addition, their bone density improved, they had less inflammation in gut and bone tissues and they possessed higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria.