Some evidence suggests that the chemical differences between men and women are to blame, while other evidence points to sociological standards and norms. In all likelihood, however, it is actually a combination of the two.
Estrogen vs. Testosterone
Testosterone and estrogen have long been associated with the production of natural painkillers in the body, but there is one key difference between the two: in women, estrogen levels fluctuate based on the length of the menstrual cycle. This means that a woman’s natural response to pain – the release of endorphins and other chemicals – is not as reliable as a man’s, whose hormone levels do not fluctuate as much. But, pain control it isn’t purely hormonal.
The Emotional Factor
It is no secret that emotions play a major role in how we respond to pain. In fact, pain and depression are at times linked almost inseparably. Researchers suggest that women tend to focus on the emotional factors of pain more than men, which means that they may feel pain more intensely.
Traditionally in society, men have been encouraged to be tough and show fewer emotions in the face of pain. Women, however, have traditionally been more in touch with their emotional nature. While this is not an absolute truth, there is something to be said for societal norms affecting the way we respond to pain.
The results are in: Yes, women are more likely than men to suffer from chronic pain.
Sources:
Hau, Michaela et al. Testosterone reduces responsiveness to nociceptive stimuli in a wild bird. Hormones and Behavior. Volume 46, Issue 2. August 2004, Pages 165-170.
Jackson, Todd et al. Gender differences in pain perception: the mediating role of self-efficacy beliefs. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. December 2002.
