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Menstrual cycle phase does not influence gender differences in experimental pain sensitivity.
Rebecca R Klatzkin1, Beth Mechlin, Susan S Girdler
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Medical Research Bldg A, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7175, USA.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|February 17, 2009
Summary
Women experience higher pain sensitivity than men across various pain types. However, this study found that the menstrual cycle phase does not significantly alter women's pain perception or the observed gender differences in pain sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Women generally report higher pain sensitivity than men.
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are hypothesized to influence pain perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of menstrual cycle phase on experimental pain sensitivity in women.
- To examine the impact of menstrual cycle phase on gender differences in pain sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- 48 men and 49 women underwent three pain sensitivity tests (cold pressor, heat, ischemic pain).
- Women were tested during early follicular, late follicular, and luteal phases; cycle phase confirmed by serum hormone levels.
- Men were tested three times to control for session number.
Main Results:
- Women exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to cold, heat, and ischemic pain compared to men (p<.01 to p<.0001).
- No significant influence of menstrual cycle phase on women's pain perception was detected.
- Menstrual cycle phase did not moderate the magnitude of gender differences in pain sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- While women are generally more sensitive to noxious stimuli than men, this difference is not modulated by the menstrual cycle phase in healthy individuals.
- Menstrual cycle phase does not appear to be a significant factor in moderating experimental pain sensitivity or gender differences in pain perception.
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