The Endocannabinoid System and Unique Female Issues

Felice L. Gersh, M.D.

Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, CA Retired Assistant Clinical Professor of OB/GYN, Keck-USC School of Medicine Consultative Faculty, Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona School of Medicine

It is often forgotten that the prime directive of life is successful reproduction, and few understand the critically important role played by the newly discovered Endocannabinoid System, in support of reproductive health. The Endocannabinoid System is an all-encompassing lipid signaling complex linking female reproduction with the collaborative functions of cognitive, emotional, metabolic, and immune health, ensuring optimal female fertility when all is in homeostatic balance. This lecture will provide an overview of the myriad ways in which the endocannabinoid system supports female reproduction and overall health and will review the female disease states which manifest with endocannabinoid system dysregulation. Health care providers will be provided the tools to enhance the health of the female endocannabinoid system and when needed, to safely and appropriately utilize plant-based cannabis to optimize female health and fertility.