Why Women May Experience Prolonged Pain: A Biological Explanation
For years, the perception of pain has been subjective, often leading to dismissal or minimization of women’s experiences. Now, research led by Geoffroy Laumet at Michigan State University’s Laumet Pain Lab is uncovering biological reasons why women may suffer from prolonged pain compared to men. The findings center around a specific type of white blood cell and its role in modulating pain signals.
The Role of Immune Cells in Pain Resolution
Laumet’s team discovered, through studies on mice, that a subset of immune cells travels from the bloodstream to injured tissues. Once there, these cells release a molecule that effectively “silences” pain-sensing neurons. Interestingly, this process was more pronounced in male mice. The key? Testosterone, which appears to boost the production of this pain-calming molecule by the white blood cells.
This isn’t just a mouse phenomenon. Researchers observed a similar mechanism in human patients who had experienced physical trauma, such as car accidents. Measurements of these specific white blood cells and the associated molecule revealed significantly higher levels in men compared to women.
Pain Discrepancies After Injury
Patients of both sexes reported comparable levels of initial pain following their injuries. However, pain diminished more rapidly in men than in women. This suggests a fundamental difference in the body’s natural pain resolution process based on sex.
Addressing a Long-Ignored Gap in Pain Research
Elora Midavaine, a pain specialist at the University of California, highlights that this discovery fills “an key gap” in our understanding of pain. While differences in pain perception between sexes have been documented, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely “poorly understood.”
This research is particularly hopeful because current pain management options are often inadequate, especially for chronic pain and for women specifically. Studies have shown that women may not respond as effectively to common painkillers, including opioids.
The Future of Sex-Specific Pain Treatment
While a therapeutic solution is likely years away, Laumet hopes this work will help dispel the misconception that women’s pain is exaggerated. For too long, women’s pain has been dismissed as “emotional” rather than biologically rooted, a prejudice that is only recently being challenged through increased inclusion of women in clinical research.
The Laumet lab investigates neuro-immune interactions contributing to chronic pain, focusing on how communication between neurons and immune cells impacts pain development and resolution. Their work, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other organizations, is pushing the boundaries of pain research.
Did you know?
The Laumet lab recently received an R21 funding award from the NIH to study the role of a new chemokine in postoperative pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is neuroimmunology?
A: Neuroimmunology is the study of the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system.
Q: Why is this research important for women?
A: This research may lead to the development of more effective pain treatments specifically tailored to women’s biological differences.
Q: What role does testosterone play?
A: Testosterone appears to enhance the production of a molecule released by immune cells that helps to calm pain-sensing neurons.
Pro Tip
If you are experiencing chronic pain, advocate for yourself and seek a healthcare provider who will listen to your concerns and consider potential sex-specific factors.
Learn more about the Laumet Pain Lab’s research at https://laumetpainlab.com/.
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