The endocannabinoid system is one of the most influential systems in the body — yet most people have never heard of it. In this episode, Tamar Hill and Dr. Charity Hill unpack what the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is, why it matters, and how CBD interacts with it, especially for people navigating ongoing discomfort and pelvic health concerns.

We explain that the ECS plays a role in supporting balance, or homeostasis, throughout the body. From discomfort regulation and immune response, to mood, sleep, stress response, digestion, immune function, and reproductive health, the ECS quietly influences many of the systems that are often out of sync during chronic or persistent challenges.

We walk through the legal definition of hemp, why THC percentage matters, and why visual appearance alone can't tell you what a product contains. From there, we break down the different types of CBD products available today, including CBD isolate, broad spectrum, full spectrum, nano CBD, and hemp-only products, explaining how each is made and who may find them most appropriate based on individual goals and preferences.

A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of reading labels and understanding certificates of analysis (COAs). We discuss how to evaluate potency, recognize misleading marketing, and confirm that products have been tested for safety and quality.

Listeners will leave with a practical understanding of the ECS, a clearer picture of how CBD products differ, and the tools to make more informed, confident choices when navigating the crowded cannabinoid marketplace.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What the endocannabinoid system is and why it matters
• How the ECS supports balance, discomfort regulation, and inflammation
• Differences between hemp, CBD, and marijuana
• Legal definitions of THC and why chemical testing matters
• How to read CBD labels and certificates of analysis
• Safety, quality, and choosing the right product for individual needs

Resources from this Episode

• https://medroots.com/
• Role of the Endocannabinoid system: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569#:~:text=The%20endocannabinoid%20system%20(ECS)%20is%20a%20network,to%20control%20the%20activity%20of%20other%20neurotransmitters
• Types of CBD: https://www.healthline.com/cbd/types-of-cbd#A-few-product-recommendations

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we dive into the reality of painful periods and why so many people are searching for alternatives to traditional pain medications. We talk openly about how common dysmenorrhea is, how it can affect work, school, and daily life, and why menstrual pain is still so often dismissed or stigmatized.

We break down what's happening in the body during a painful period, explaining how inflammation and strong uterine smooth muscle contractions — sometimes compared to labor — contribute to cramping sensations that may radiate into the hips, back, legs, and pelvic floor. We also walk through the most common approaches women are offered, including hormonal birth control, over-the-counter NSAIDs, and prescription medications, discussing why these options don't work for everyone and can come with potential side effects or risks.

We explore CBD suppositories as an alternative approach to menstrual pain support. We discuss research suggesting that the cervix contains a high concentration of endocannabinoid receptors and explain how placing CBD closer to the uterus may help support the body's natural response to inflammation and muscle tension. When paired with ingredients like magnesium, this localized approach is often discussed as a way to support overall comfort and daily functioning for some individuals.

Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why period pain occurs, why conventional approaches may fall short for some people, and how CBD suppositories are being explored as a practical, proactive option for navigating menstrual discomfort with greater confidence and less disruption.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How common and disruptive painful periods really are
• The biology behind menstrual cramps and uterine muscle contractions
• Productivity loss, stigma, and emotional toll of period pain
• Limitations and risks of birth control, NSAIDs, and opioids
• Importance of cycle tracking and early pain prevention
• CBD suppositories and the endocannabinoid system in pelvic pain relief

Resources from this Episode

• Guest's website - https://medroots.com/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2931545/
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00032-0

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we join Tamar and Dr. Charity Hill for another conversation on pelvic pain and the growing interest in CBD suppositories as a natural, comfort-focused option. We explore how CBD suppositories differ from other forms of CBD by being applied directly to the area of concern. This localized approach allows cannabinoids to be absorbed closer to where they are used, which may support the body's natural response to inflammation and muscle tension, without some of the systemic effects some women report with oral products. We also discuss why suppositories are often considered by individuals navigating conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, painful periods, and postpartum or menopausal changes.

Throughout the discussion, we emphasize education and informed decision-making. We break down what to look for in high-quality CBD products, including sourcing, formulation, and third-party lab testing, while also addressing common questions and misconceptions. Safety considerations, dosage awareness, and paying attention to individual responses are recurring themes, along with the importance of having open conversations with qualified healthcare providers.

Listeners can expect to gain a clearer understanding of how CBD suppositories may fit into broader pelvic wellness conversations, why they are gaining attention as a natural option for support, and how some women are exploring alternative approaches to improve comfort and overall quality of life. The conversation aims to empower women with knowledge, validation, and practical insights into an often-overlooked area of health.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Understanding pelvic pain and why it is often overlooked or misunderstood
• How CBD suppositories work for localized pelvic relief
• Conditions that may benefit, including endometriosis and pelvic floor tension
• Differences between suppositories and other forms of CBD
• Safety considerations and choosing high-quality CBD products
• Listening to the body and individual responses to treatment

Resources from this Episode

• Guest's website - https://medroots.com/
• https://nihrecord.nih.gov/2024/04/26/pelvic-floor-psa
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10121619/

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Welcome to the first episode of Pelvic Pain unPacked, a podcast dedicated to breaking the silence around a common yet often misunderstood condition. Hosts Tamar Hill and her sister, Dr. Charity Hill, introduce the purpose of the show and share why pelvic pain deserves more awareness, compassion, and better care.

Dr. Hill, a physiatrist specializing in pain management, discusses how both her medical training and personal experience with pelvic pain shaped her career focus. The conversation explores why pelvic pain is frequently underdiagnosed, how medical dismissal impacts patients, and why a multidisciplinary approach — including pelvic floor physical therapy — is essential.

The episode also introduces the endocannabinoid system and the potential role of plant-based therapies like CBD as supportive tools for pain management. Listeners can expect expert insights, patient-centered discussions, and a welcoming space focused on education, validation, and hope for those navigating pelvic pain.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why pelvic pain is common, real, and often misunderstood
• Personal and clinical perspectives from a pain management physician
• The impact of medical dismissal and underdiagnosis
• What pelvic pain can include for different bodies
• Limits of traditional pain treatments and opioid-centered care
• Role of pelvic floor physical therapy in recovery
• Introduction to the endocannabinoid system and plant-based pain support

Resources from this Episode

• Guest's website - https://medroots.com/

• https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/women-and-pelvic-pain-what-you-should-know#:~:text=Sarah%20D

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

1 in 10 people will struggle pelvic pain and discomfort in their lifetime. Anything from dyspareunia, endometriosis, IBS, post-surgical recovery, prostatitis and more. Each episode of Pelvic Pain unPacked opens the conversation on pelvic and sexual health, and what options are out there to manage pain on the road to recovery. Designed for patients, providers, and anyone seeking education beyond the standard textbook!