Last updated: October 2026
There are no completed clinical trials of CBD for endometriosis. Surveys find many people with endometriosis report less pain with cannabis, but most were using cannabis containing THC, and surveys can’t prove cause and effect. Reviews in 2025 and 2026 call for proper trials. Painkillers, hormone treatments and surgery remain the evidence-based options.
Below: what the research shows, why people with endometriosis try CBD, CBD creams and oils, interactions, NHS treatment and support.
What the research shows
| Evidence | What it found |
|---|---|
| Scoping review, 2026 (9 completed studies, 1,787 people) | All were surveys. Many reported less pain with cannabis, mostly inhaled; side effects such as feeling high and dry mouth were common. No completed randomised trials. |
| Expert review, 2025 | Self-reported benefits for pain, gut symptoms and sleep; high-quality trials still lacking |
| Ongoing trials | Several trials are under way, so better evidence may come |
None of this shows that a CBD supplement without THC helps endometriosis. It’s an area to watch, not a proven treatment.
Why people with endometriosis try CBD
Endometriosis pain can be severe and long-lasting, diagnosis often takes years, and hormone treatments don’t suit everyone. Many people also struggle with sleep and stress. Some use CBD as part of an evening routine alongside their treatment. See CBD for sleep and CBD for PMS and period pain.
CBD oil, capsules or cream?
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oil | Easy to adjust the amount; often taken in the evening |
| Capsules | A fixed amount, no taste |
| Cream or balm | Not studied for endometriosis; the pain comes from deep inside the pelvis, but massage and heat on the tummy or back can feel soothing |
If you try CBD, start around 10mg a day. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication. Keep a symptom diary for two or three cycles.
Safety and interactions
- Trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding: the FSA advises against CBD. This matters because fertility is often a concern with endometriosis.
- Medicines: CBD can interact with some, including some painkillers, antidepressants and nerve-pain medicines. Ask your pharmacist. See can CBD interact with medication?
- Hormone treatments: there’s no good evidence CBD affects the contraceptive pill, but tell your pharmacist if you take both.
- Avoid THC products: they’re illegal without a prescription and carry other risks.
What the NHS offers
| Treatment | Details |
|---|---|
| Painkillers | Such as paracetamol and ibuprofen |
| Hormone treatments | Such as the combined pill or other medicines that change hormone levels, to ease symptoms |
| Surgery | To remove or destroy patches of endometriosis |
| Specialist care | Referral to a gynaecologist or specialist endometriosis service |
Medical cannabis isn’t routinely available on the NHS for endometriosis. See medical cannabis in the UK.
Getting a diagnosis and support
iSee a GP if you think you might have endometriosis, your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work or relationships, or treatment hasn’t helped. A symptom diary helps. Endometriosis UK offers information, a helpline and support groups.
See also the best CBD oil for pain in the UK.
iFor everyday options and the NHS signs to look for, read period pain relief and when to see a GP.
See also our full guide to endometriosis: symptoms, how to get tested and treatment.
For another condition with mixed CBD research, see our guide to CBD and fibromyalgia.
Sources 5
- McLaren K et al. A scoping systematic review of cannabis use in endometriosis. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 2026.
- Armour M et al. Should cannabis be used in the management of endometriosis? Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab, 2025.
- NHS. Endometriosis.
- NICE. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management (NG73).
- GOV.UK. FSA consumer advice on CBD.
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
