Sex and Gender Differences in Pain Perception
Summary
Sex and gender differences in pain perception encompass a complex interplay of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Biologically, hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone modulate nociceptive signalling and central sensitisation, leading to measurable disparities in pain threshold and sensitivity between males and females. Neuroimaging studies reveal sex‐specific patterns of activation within regions governing pain modulation, while genetic polymorphisms affect individual responses to analgesics. Psychosocial influences, including gender roles and expectations, shape how individuals express or suppress pain; women often report higher pain intensity and employ coping strategies centred on social support, whereas men may under‐report discomfort in line with norms of stoicism. These differences extend into clinical practice, where standard assessment tools and treatment regimens must be adapted to account for variation in drug metabolism, side‐effect profiles and nonpharmacological therapy outcomes. Methodological challenges remain, notably the reliance on binary sex and gender categories and limited inclusion of gender‐diverse populations. Addressing these issues through intersectional research designs and tailored interventions is essential to improving pain management equity and reducing global disparities in clinical care.
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Sex and Gender Differences in Pain Perception publication trend
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Technical terms
Nociception: Neural process of encoding and transmitting noxious stimuli from peripheral receptors to the central nervous system.
Pain threshold: Minimum stimulus intensity at which a sensation is perceived as painful.
Pain sensitivity: Individual variation in perceived intensity of pain in response to a given stimulus.
Gender bias: Systematic influence of gendered expectations on the assessment, interpretation or management of pain.
Sex hormones: Steroid hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone that modulate physiological systems including those involved in pain perception.
References
- Challenges with embedding an integrated sex and gender perspective into pain research: Recommendations and opportunities. Brain Behavior and Immunity (2023).
- Sex Differences in Pain Sensitivity in a Dutch Cohort: Cross-Sectional and Web-Based Multidimensional Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2024).
- The Role of Sex Hormones in Pain-Related Conditions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
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