Efficacy of High-CBD Vaginal Suppositories for Menstrual-Related Symptoms: A Quasi-Experimental Study

In a recently published study, researchers examined the efficacy of a hemp-derived, broad-spectrum, high-CBD (100 mg) vaginal suppository in treating menstrual-related symptoms. The study was funded by Foria/Praxis Ventures, which was the brand of suppository used in the study.

The study, “A survey-based, quasi-experimental study assessing a high-cannabidiol suppository for menstrual-related pain and discomfort,” was published in npj Women's Health in August 2024. Reportedly, it is the first study involving a commercially-available high-CBD suppository and menstrual-related symptoms.

Assessments in the form of online questionnaires were given at baseline and two monthly follow ups to 307 participants, 33 of whom requested CBD suppositories and reported its use for treatment, and 230 who were in the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group, which did not report suppository use.

This study intended to build off previous findings on medical cannabis used as a treatment for menstrual-related symptoms. “Primary hypotheses predicted the CBD group would demonstrate significantly improved menstrual-related symptoms, daily functioning, and reduced need for analgesics during premenstrual and menstrual phases relative to the TAU group,” researchers stated in the introduction. “Secondary hypotheses predicted that increased suppository use would correlate with greater reduction of menstrual-related symptoms.”

As stated in the discussion section of the study, some significant results included:

• Participants who used high-CBD suppositories demonstrated significantly greater improvement in their symptoms over two months relative to TAU participants
• Analyses of symptom types suggest that CBD suppositories may be more effective for congestive (i.e., dull, aching pains accompanied by energy and mood symptoms) rather than spasmodic symptoms (i.e., sharp spasms of pain)
• The CBD group reported significant improvement on the impact of menstrual-related symptoms on life (e.g., avoiding activities) as well as reduced use of analgesics
• Correlation analyses indicated a potential dose-dependent response

Limitations of the study were explained. For example, researchers could not have any clinical interaction with the participants, including collecting data on adverse effects reported by the participants, due to the suppositories being commercially-available and ineligible for use in a clinical trial.

Future studies on this topic, researchers suggested, should use clinical trials to examine the possibility of adverse effects, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the possibility of use for other gynecological indications.

Reference

1. Dahlgren, M.K., Smith, TR., Kosereisoglu, D., Sagar, KA., Lambros, AM., El-Abboud, C., and Gruber, SA. A survey-based, quasi-experimental study assessing a high-cannabidiol suppository for menstrual-related pain and discomfort. npj Women's Health. 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s44294-024-00032-0