Researchers at Western Sydney University are assessing the safety and effectiveness of medicinal cannabis on gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating or "endo belly", nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, heartburn, constipation, and/or diarrhoea. This study will explore whether medical cannabis can help ease endometriosis-related GI symptoms.

Woman showing signs of discomfort with endo pelvic pain

 

Who can participate?

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • Are 18 years or older,
  • Have been diagnosed with endometriosis,
  • Have regular periods (every 21–35 days),
  • Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding,
  • Are not using cannabis (medical or recreational),
  • Are not on medicines that could interact with cannabis,
  • Can give menstrual blood and stool samples,
  • Can drop off samples in Westmead (NSW) and visit a pathology lab.

If you are not sure, please contact the research team at the email provided below.

What does the research involve?

If you are eligible to participate you will be asked to:

  • Complete a short screening call and online questionnaires.
  • Provide menstrual blood and stool samples at three points over three months.
  • Take a study oil (which may contain THC, CBD, or neither) twice a day for 3 months.
  • Track your period symptoms and any side effects.
  • Avoid driving during the study due to safety laws in NSW.

The study looks at how medicinal cannabis affects gut health and endometriosis symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea, and bloating. It is fully monitored, and you can stop at any time.

How do I get involved?

If you are interested, please fill out a short pre-screening survey. After that, a member of the research team will be in contact to check if the study is a good fit. If you are eligible and want to go ahead, you will receive all the study information and consent forms by email.

You will be guided through each step.

If you have any questions, please email us at gutflorarx@westernsydney.edu.au

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