Hormone therapy is not associated to pain thresholds in healthy postmenopausal women

Abstract

Purpose of Investigation: To evaluate if hormone replacement therapy modifies pain thresholds in healthy postmenopausal women. Study Design: A cross-sectional study including 78 healthy postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Pain thresholds were determined using pressure algometry and electrical stimulation. Participant interviews were followed by the application of a semistructured questionnaire including psychometric assessment with Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A 10-mL peripheral blood sample was collected after the interview. Serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were determined by chemoluminescence. Results: Users of the medication presented significantly lower sensory electrical thresholds (3.60 ± 0.85) than non-users (4.58 ± 1.30). No significant difference in pain threshold was observed between groups. Weak positive correlation between estradiol levels and sensory thresholds was observed (r = 0.26, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Hormone replacement therapy is not associated with modifications in pain thresholds, neither mechanical nor electrical ones, in healthy postmenopausal women.