Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common women’s health condition that affects people of reproductive age, especially women in their 20s to 40s. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows in areas outside the uterus. These endometriosis lesions can appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic walls, or other pelvic organs

Over time, this tissue can develop into nodules or plaques. These growths may cause irritation, inflammation, and scar tissue (adhesions) to form. As a result, endometriosis is strongly linked to symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), pain during sex, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Some women experience intense pain that interferes with work, relationships, and daily life, while others may have minimal or no symptoms despite extensive disease. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, many people face delays in diagnosis.

The condition is estimated to affect around 176 million people worldwide, including approximately 120,000 in New Zealand. This means that roughly 1 in 10 women in New Zealand are likely to be living with endometriosis.

While there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatment options can help manage pain and support long-term wellbeing. With early recognition and the right care, women living with endometriosis in New Zealand can reduce the impact of the condition and improve their quality of life.

What causes Endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but research suggests it is likely due to a combination of factors. Genetics, immune system changes, and environmental influences may all play a role. Endometriosis is known to run in families, so women with a family history are at higher risk. While not everyone with symptoms receives a formal diagnosis, many may still experience endometriosis-related pain or fertility issues.

What are the first signs of endometriosis?

The most common early signs of endometriosis include painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), pelvic pain that may occur before or after menstruation, pain during sex, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Some women may also experience bloating, fatigue, or bowel and bladder discomfort around their period. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, many people go undiagnosed for years.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary and mimic other conditions. The gold standard for diagnosis is a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), where a surgeon can look inside the pelvis and take a biopsy if needed. Ultrasound and MRI scans may detect some cases, particularly deep endometriosis, but they cannot always confirm the condition on their own.

What are the stages of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is commonly classified into four stages: minimal, mild, moderate, or severe (stage I–IV). This staging system, developed by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), is internationally recognised and often used in surgical notes after a laparoscopy.

It is important to understand that the stage of endometriosis does not always reflect the severity of symptoms. For example, women with minimal or mild endometriosis may experience significant pain, while some with severe endometriosis may have few or no symptoms. Because of this limitation, new systems are being explored to better capture the impact of the condition.

In some cases, deep endometriosis may be described as deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Surgeons may also use newer classifications, such as the Enzian system for deep endometriosis or the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) for those concerned about fertility. These tools can provide a more complete picture of the extent of disease and its potential impact on health and fertility.

What the research shows

Research into medicinal cannabis and endometriosis is still developing, but early evidence suggests it may play a role in managing symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Many women with endometriosis report turning to cannabis-based treatments, including CBD oil and THC medicines, to help soothe pelvic pain, painful periods, sleep difficulties, and overall quality of life.

Scientific studies highlight the role of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in regulating pain, immune function, and inflammation — all processes that are relevant to endometriosis. Research also suggests that imbalances in the ECS may contribute to ongoing pain. By interacting with this system, medicinal cannabis may help reduce pain signals and ease inflammation.

Survey-based studies have found that women with endometriosis often report reduced reliance on conventional pain medications, such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when using cannabis-based medicines. While these findings are encouraging, more high-quality clinical trials are still needed to confirm effectiveness, safety, and best practice use.

At CannaPlus+, we offer consultations with doctors experienced in medicinal cannabis who can discuss whether this treatment may be appropriate as part of your individual care plan. Our approach is evidence-informed and tailored to your needs, ensuring that medicinal cannabis, if suitable, is considered as one option within a broader endometriosis management strategy.

Talk to CannaPlus+ today

At CannaPlus+, we’re committed to bringing the highest level of medical care to provide comprehensive treatment plans, with patient care at the centre of every action we take.

Medicinal Cannabis may be an alternative or adjunct medication for managing some ailments.

In the first instance, it’s important to research what the alternatives are and to talk to a health care professional.

How CannaPlus+ can help – if you would like to book a consultation with one of our Doctors to see if Medicinal Cannabis may be appropriate for you. Our dedicated team of doctors will see if you are eligible for a script and create your plan in based on your health goals. Click here to find out more and book a consultation.