Evaluating the impact of cannabinoid extracts on chronic pain and quality of life in endometriosis patients - a pilot study.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by persistent pain and impaired quality of life, with limited effective treatment options. Emerging evidence indicates that cannabinoids may provide analgesic and symptom-relieving effects in chronic pain conditions. This prospective single-center cohort study investigated the effects of standardized oral cannabis extracts (cannabinoid-based medicinal products, CBMPs) on pain and quality of life in women with endometriosis. Thirty premenopausal women aged 18-45 years with confirmed endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain were enrolled; 27 completed the 3-month treatment period. Participants received oral CBMPs containing a balanced THC: CBD ratio. Pain intensity, frequency of pain episodes, analgesic use, fatigue, anxiety, central sensitization, disability, and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires (VAS, EHP-30, PDI, CFS, GAD-7, CSI). Significant improvements were observed after one month of treatment, with continued benefit over three months. Pain intensity decreased markedly (p = 0.0004), accompanied by reductions in the number of pain days and analgesic use, including both NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) and opioid analgesics (e.g., tramadol, tilidin, oxycodone) (p < 0.001). Fatigue (p = 0.0013), anxiety (p < 0.0001), central sensitization (p < 0.0001), disability (p < 0.0001), and overall quality of life (EHP-30) improved significantly. Treatment was well tolerated; side effects were predominantly mild (severity score 1 on a 0-3 scale) and transient, occurring mainly during the titration phase and declining thereafter. Although limited by its single-center design, lack of placebo control, and short follow-up, this study provides preliminary evidence that oral CBMPs may represent a safe and effective adjunct therapy for managing pain and related symptoms in women with endometriosis. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing strategies.