Each of us has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) discovered in 1988 by Raphael Mechoulam. Its most important function is to maintain a state of homeostasis - the overall state of health in our body. It has another important role, namely controlling the entire reproductive cycle in women which begins as early as 20 weeks of embryonic life.
The function of the endocannabinoid system and the role of phytocannabinoids contained in cannabis in the female reproductive cycle and fertility-related disorders.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a woman's body affects many important functions - starting with the process of folliculogenesis, i.e. the process of maturation of oocytes - the cells that give rise to egg cells. ECS receptors can be found throughout the reproductive system: uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and during pregnancy in all layers of the placenta.
ECS function, and HPO
It also interacts with the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis to influence the normal function of the endocrine system, and this very relationship is one of the most important functions of the female endocannabinoid system because it controls the production of hormones in the ovaries, the transport of the embryo, its implantation and its positioning in the uterus.
During ovulation, Anandamide levels in the body increase significantly, which then drop at fertilization. Enzymes (included in the ECS) are involved in the synthesis and removal of our endogenous cannabinoid, which is Anandamide, normalizing its levels for successful implantation.
Tight control of the network: endocannabinoids - Hormones - Cytokines is necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy, and defects in its work can result in pathologies.
Both our own cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids found in cannabis have a strong diastolic effect on the uterine muscle of pregnant women
preventing miscarriages and premature births.
Research from 2020 clearly shows that CB2 receptor expression is important in the pathogenesis of preterm births - the lower the
expression (read the less cannabinoids), the more preterm births occurred.
A rodent study found that complete inactivation of CB1 receptors induced preterm labor in mice.
Modulating the Endocannabinoid System is proving to be a very promising therapy for treating fertility problems. However, we need much more research and experience in this matter.
In order for this branch of science that is Cannabis Medicine to develop in Poland, many legislative changes are necessary, most importantly
Decriminalization of marijuana so that the patient is not stigmatized and does not feel like a criminal.
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Function of the endocannabinoid system and the role of phytocannabinoids contained in cannabis in the female reproductive cycle and fertility-related disorders - BIBLIOGRAPHY
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hydrolase (FAAH) in the human placenta" 20038
) Emily Lee et al "The impact of state legalization on rates of marijuana usein
pregnancy in a universal drug screening population" 20209
) S.K. Das et al "Cannabinoid ligand-receptor signaling in the mouseuterus
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