Sex differences in pain perception

Abstract

Women experience chronic pain more frequently and intensely than men, leading to reduced quality of life and increased prevalence of associated disorders. While there is a consensus that women are more sensitive to pain and less tolerant of it than men, there are also qualitative sex differences in pain biology, suggesting distinct mechanisms in males and females. This chapter explores the existing literature on the topic, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches that integrate evolutionary biology, endocrinology, genetics, and neuroscience. There is a bias in pain research towards using male animal models and this chapter highlights the importance of including female animals to better understand sex-specific differences in pain processing and treatment response. By examining the mechanistic distinctions in pain processing between males and females, we can gain insights into the intricate nature of sex differences in pain perception, ultimately enabling the development of personalized and effective pain management therapies. Overall, investigating sex disparities in pain perception enhances our comprehension of pain and its variations across genders, encompassing biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.