Why Pain Hurts Women More Than Men
Pain is more than just a physical sensation; it is influenced by biology, hormones, and the brain. Nearly one in four adults suffers from chronic pain lasting longer than three months. However, women are more likely to develop long-term pain conditions compared to men.
Brain imaging studies show that men and women have different neural pathways for processing pain. In addition, immune cells and sensory neurons, the tiny messengers that carry pain signals to the brain, function differently in each sex. These findings suggest that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to pain treatment may not be effective.
The Role of Hormones in Pain Sensitivity
Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone play a major role in shaping pain perception. Before puberty, boys and girls experience similar pain patterns. But once puberty begins, women become more likely to suffer from conditions like migraines, which affect them at nearly twice the rate of men.
Women’s pain levels can also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. For example, migraines and chronic pain tend to worsen at certain times of the cycle. In contrast, men typically show more stable patterns of pain throughout life.
Hormones aren’t the only factor, though. Differences in brain connectivity also matter. For instance, the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, an area linked to natural pain relief, shows stronger connections in women with chronic conditions. This could explain why women often report higher pain intensity and sometimes respond less effectively to standard treatments.
Pain Biology Beyond Hormones
The differences in pain perception extend beyond hormone levels and brain wiring. Genes that regulate pain work differently in men and women. Similarly, immune cells respond differently when the body is injured or inflamed.
One striking example is the protein known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). It was once studied only in male lab animals and considered irrelevant to migraines. Later, when female subjects were included, researchers discovered that CGRP triggers strong pain responses in women but not in men. This finding eventually led to new migraine drugs that work better for women than men, highlighting the need for sex-specific medical research.
Chronic Pain Conditions: Women vs. Men
Around half of all chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraines, are more common in women. By contrast, only about 20% of chronic pain conditions are more prevalent in men.
Unfortunately, many clinical trials still fail to report sex-specific results, and female participants are often underrepresented. This gap in research makes it harder to fully understand female pain biology and delays the development of effective treatments.
Conclusion
Evidence shows that women are generally more sensitive to pain and more likely to develop chronic pain conditions. Hormones, brain structure, immune responses, and genetics all play a part in this difference.
Recognising these variations is not just about answering a scientific curiosity; it’s about improving personalised care. By tailoring treatments based on sex differences, healthcare providers can reduce suffering and improve quality of life for both men and women.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 18 September 2025
- 13:00
