Opioids and Cannabis Health Effects on Women

The misuse of laxatives, diuretics, emetics, and diet pills can lead to serious health complications, especially in individuals with eating disorders, primarily women.

Women who smoke face higher disease risks than men, regardless of how much or how intensely they smoke.

Smoking can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers, menstrual issues, and various types of cancer in women.

Smoking can lead to delayed conception, infertility, ischemic stroke, and premature lung function decline in women.

Women who smoke have an increased risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and reaching menopause at a younger age.

Studies on cannabis effects have shown that the effects of cannabis do not vary significantly across the menstrual cycle.

Men are more likely to experience pain relief from cannabis compared to women.

Women tend to experience an increased appetite after cannabis use compared to men.

Women are more likely to use and misuse prescription medications compared to men.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications include cold remedies, antihistamines, sleep aids, and other legally obtained nonprescription medications.

Misusing OTC medications can lead to serious health issues, especially for individuals with eating disorders.

Prescription and OTC medications can interact negatively with alcohol and other drugs.

Limited research exists on gender differences in the effects of prescription medication misuse.

Women's subjective experience of opioids does not differ based on their menstrual cycle.

Heroin or methadone use can cause irregular or absent periods in women, often leading to amenorrhea.

Both men and women experience decreased sexual desire and performance when using heroin.

Women often fear permanent sterility due to menstrual irregularities caused by heroin use, but this fear can be alleviated with education.

Women are more susceptible to overdose from injecting heroin in the first few years compared to men.

Women who survive beyond the initial years of heroin use have a higher long-term survival rate compared to men.

The higher risk of overdose for women in the early stages could be attributed to their higher use of prescription drugs alongside heroin.

Differences in treatment and environmental factors could contribute to the higher long-term survival rates for women who use heroin.

Women smokers have a higher risk of developing peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease compared to men and non-smoking women.

Women who smoke are more likely to experience hormonal disruptions, including irregular periods, amenorrhea, and an earlier onset of menopause.

Women who smoke are at an increased risk for various cancers, including lung, bladder, cervix, and others.

Energy drinks can lead to irregular heartbeat, shaking, agitation, digestive issues, and other negative effects.

High doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, nervousness, jitters, nausea, diarrhea, and more.

High sugar drinks contribute to obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes.

While both genders are vulnerable, women with substance use disorders may experience more severe consequences, including psychiatric, medical, and employment problems.

Women who use opioids, cannabis, and alcohol tend to seek treatment sooner than men.