New Delhi: Pain perception has long been studied in medicine, especially for women regarding their menstrual cycle. Women undergo hormonal changes, particularly during their period cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, that can significantly impact their pain sensitivity. Gynecologists often observe these changes, and research also suggests that there may be a genetic connection to this. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, spoke about how hormonal fluctuations affect women.
Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that estrogen can increase pain sensitivity, while low levels of estrogen have been associated with increased pro-inflammatory response. Progesterone on the other hand can reduce pain sensitivity by reducing activation in the trigeminal nucleus in the brain by interacting with GABAA receptors. During the period cycle, estrogen levels surge during the first 2 weeks, the follicular phase, while progesterone levels increase during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle). Most studies agree that fluctuations in hormone levels lead to increased pain, while stable hormone levels serve as a protective mechanism.
So, women may experience pain during menstruation because of the sharp drop in estrogen levels at this time. Although unclear, estrogen influences pain pathways in the central nervous system, impacting how the body perceives and processes pain signals. As women enter menopause, estrogen levels decline and women may experience increased pain sensitivity due to the lack of estrogen’s pain-protective effect.
Research has identified several genetic variations that may contribute to individual differences in pain sensitivity. For example, variations in the genes encoding the estrogen receptor (ESR1) and the progesterone receptor (PGR) have been associated with altered pain sensitivity in women. Additionally, genetic variations in genes involved in pain processing, such as the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme, may also contribute to individual differences in pain sensitivity.
This could be the reason why women with conditions such as endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and migraines often experience exacerbated symptoms during times of hormonal fluctuation. This shows that hormonal changes can amplify pain sensitivity in women with underlying genetic predisposition.
Sensitivity to pain is a common occurrence in women when hormonal fluctuations take place. But why does that happen? Gynaecologist explained it in an interaction with News9Live. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
