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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Temporomandibular Joint Pain Measurement by Bite Force and Von Frey Filament Assays in Mice
Published on: September 13, 2024
Hormonal fluctuations intensify temporomandibular disorder pain without impairing masticatory function
Purpose:
The influence of hormonal fluctuations on pain and mastication was evaluated in patients with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
Materials And Methods:
Fifty women were assigned to menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive groups (n = 25). Their TMD was diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Pain levels, maximum oclusal force (MOF), and masticatory performance (MP) were measured in all menstrual cycle phases.
Results:
A lower pain level was observed in the ovulatory phase when compared to menstrual and luteal phases (P = .02). No differences were found regarding MOF (P = .20) or MP (P = .94).
Conclusions:
Hormonal fluctuations intensify pain in women with symptomatic TMD without impairing mastication.
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