Focus of the Month For Doctors

Designed for doctors, this course explores a range of health conditions that disproportionately affect people assigned female at birth and intersex individuals with female reproductive organs—many of which are historically under-recognised and undertreated. These conditions can significantly impact physical, mental, and reproductive health, often requiring nuanced, multidisciplinary approaches. With medical cannabis emerging as a potential adjunct for symptom management, this course provides evidence-based insights into its role across conditions including: Endometriosis Dysmenorrhoea Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Postpartum Depression (PPD) Breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers Perimenopause and menopause The course also addresses key safety considerations, including contraindications during pregnancy and lactation. Clinicians will leave with a deeper understanding of how to safely integrate medical cannabis into patient-centred care plans alongside conventional therapies. Preview this course by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 5.5 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Describe and explain the causes, symptoms, effects, and risk factors for various reproductive health conditions, including perimenopause, menopause, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and postpartum depression (PPD) Identify and evaluate common conventional treatment options for these conditions and their potential drawbacks Discuss the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for treating symptoms of these reproductive health conditions Identify considerations for selecting suitable medical cannabis products for treating symptoms related to these conditions Identify TGA guidelines on contraindications for medical cannabis use during pregnancy and chest-feeding Discuss potential short and long-term risks of early cannabis exposure Explain the role of the endocannabinoid system in reproductive function Describe the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, and postnatal phases for both the foetus or infant and the birth-giver

Endometriosis, a condition marked by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causes severe and debilitating symptoms, making it the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain. Affecting 1 in 9 people assigned female at birth¹, endometriosis accounted for over 3,600 emergency department visits in 2021-2022 alone². Despite its prevalence, current treatment options are often invasive and carry significant health risks. This module explores the potential of medical cannabis as an alternative treatment for endometriosis, offering symptom relief with fewer side effects. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of endometriosis Identify conventional interventions for endometriosis and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of endometriosis (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety, sleep problems and nausea) Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat endometriosis References ¹ Armour, M., Ciccia, D., Yazdani, A., Rombauts, L., Niekerk, L. V., Schubert, R., & Abbott, J. (2023). Endometriosis research priorities in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ,  63 (4), 594-598. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13699  ² “Endometriosis, Emergency Department Presentations.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 14 Dec. 2023, www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-in-australia/contents/treatment-management/ed-presentations. Accessed 26 June 2024.

Gina, a 32-year-old with endometriosis, seeks treatment for her gastrointestinal and pain-related symptoms.  Gina has tried a range of conventional medications and therapies, but they’ve offered little relief for her symptoms, in particular her pain which leaves her cyclically incapacitated and impacts her work as a hotel manager. In this case study, we explore how Gina’s team prescribed medical cannabis products to help Gina manage her pain and reduce the impacts on her work and wellbeing. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Explain the pathophysiology of endometriosis  and identify common management strategies  Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of medical cannabis as a treatment option for common symptoms of endometriosis Identify suitable candidates for medical cannabis treatment Facilitate clinical discussions with patients around medical cannabis as a therapeutic option in symptom management of endometriosis Devise treatment plans that consider patient safety and minimise risk Offer effective patient education and treatment advice on the therapeutic use of medical cannabis

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a complex and disabling condition¹ marked by cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms in the lead-up to menstruation². Affecting an estimated 3-8% of menstruating individuals³, with 5-8% experiencing severe distress or significant impairment in daily activities⁴, PMDD remains a challenging condition to manage. Without a clear cause, current treatments focus on symptomatic control—targeting mood regulation or hormonal balance—though many patients find limited relief. This module explores the potential of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option for resistant PMDD symptoms, offering a non-hormonal alternative to traditional treatments that may carry reproductive side effects. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of PMDD Identify conventional interventions for PMDD and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of PMDD (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems) Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat PMDD References ¹ Osborn, Elizabeth, et al. “Women’s Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation.” BMC Women’s Health, vol. 20, no. 1, Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01100-8. Accessed 26 June 2024. ² Hantsoo, Liisa, and C. Neill Epperson. “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment.” Current Psychiatry Reports, vol. 17, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0628-3. Accessed 26 June 2024. ³ Halbreich, Uriel, et al. “The Prevalence, Impairment, Impact, and Burden of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS/PMDD).” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 28, no. 3, Aug. 2003, pp. 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00098-2. Accessed 26 June 2024. ⁴ Slavin, Melissa, et al. “Cannabis and Symptoms of PMS and PMDD.” Addiction Research & Theory, vol. 25, no. 5, Mar. 2017, pp. 383–89, https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1294165. Accessed 26 June 2024.