Why Women Feel More Pain
- CALGARY, Alberta (2025-03-31) — Women experience chronic pain at a disproportionately higher rate than men, and a new study from the University of Calgary sheds light on a...
- The findings corroborate a 2019 report by the canadian pain Task Force, which indicated that chronic pain is more prevalent in females across all age groups, including children.
- Tuan trang, a professor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Cumming School of Medicine, explained the study's focus.
Study Uncovers Biological Reasons for Higher Chronic Pain in Women
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CALGARY, Alberta (2025-03-31) — Women experience chronic pain at a disproportionately higher rate than men, and a new study from the University of Calgary sheds light on a key biological factor behind this disparity. researchers have identified an immune process unique to females that contributes to increased sensitivity to chronic pain.
The findings corroborate a 2019 report by the canadian pain Task Force, which indicated that chronic pain is more prevalent in females across all age groups, including children.
Immune cells and Pain Pathways
Dr. Tuan trang, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Cumming School of Medicine, explained the study’s focus. “Both men and women experience pain, but the biological pathways they use are different. Our study identifies a unique process, led by the immune cells, which differ between sexes.”
Neuropathic Pain and Allodynia
The research, published in the journal Neuron, centered on neuropathic pain, which stems from damage to the nerves or nervous system. A especially challenging symptom of neuropathic pain is allodynia, a condition where normally harmless stimuli, such as a light touch or moderate temperatures, can trigger intense pain.
Using animal models, the researchers discovered that pain signals are transmitted through Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels in both sexes. However, a critical difference lies in the immune cells involved. In females, the activation of Panx1 also prompts the release of leptin, a hormone linked to heightened pain sensitivity. This leptin release may explain women’s greater vulnerability to chronic pain conditions.
“A nerve injury can be weak,” Dr. trang said. “We know that much preclinical research has been done on male subjects. As a result, the treatments developed on the basis of these studies may not be as effective for women.”
Leptin‘s Role in Pain Sensitivity
Prior research has indicated elevated leptin levels in women with chronic pain. According to Dr. Trang, observations dating back to the 1980s revealed that individuals with chronic pain exhibited higher leptin levels in their blood compared to those without the condition.
Dr. Lori Montgomery, a pain clinician and associate teacher at Cumming School of Medicine, emphasized the clinical implications. “In the clinic, we have known for manny years that women are more prone than men in chronic pain, and sometimes it is indeed difficult to understand why some patients respond to treatment, and others do not.”
“Both sex and gender are important factors that require more research, but this study could be an important step towards customizing treatments, so that they are more effective for each patient,” Montgomery said.
# Study Uncovers Biological Reasons for Higher Chronic pain in Women: A Q&A
## Why Do Women Experience More Chronic Pain Than Men?
The provided study from the University of Calgary sheds light on a key biological factor contributing to the higher prevalence of chronic pain in women. Researchers have identified a unique immune process in females that increases their sensitivity to chronic pain. The study corroborates a 2019 report by the Canadian Pain Task Force, indicating that chronic pain is more prevalent in females across all age groups, including children.
## What Is the Key Biological Difference Identified in Women?
The study highlights a difference in how pain signals are processed at the immune cell level. While both men and women experience pain, the biological pathways differ. In women, the activation of Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels, involved in transmitting pain signals, triggers the release of leptin, a hormone linked to heightened pain sensitivity.
## What is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that develops when the nerves or nerves of the nervous system are damaged or dysfunctional. This damage leads to the misfiring of pain signals, resulting in a range of severe symptoms.
## What is Allodynia?
Allodynia is a especially challenging symptom of neuropathic pain. It’s a condition where normally harmless stimuli, such as a light touch or moderate temperatures, can trigger intense pain.
## How Does Leptin Contribute to Increased Pain Sensitivity in Women?
The study indicates that the release of leptin, triggered by the activation of Panx1 channels in women, is linked to heightened pain sensitivity. Prior research has demonstrated higher leptin levels in women experiencing chronic pain.
## Has Previous Research Recognized the Issue of Different Pain Pathways?
Yes, the authors stated that much preclinical research has been done on male subjects and that as a result, the treatments developed on the basis of these studies may not be as effective for women.
## What are the Clinical Implications of This Study?
This research is a step towards customizing pain treatments, making them more effective for each patient. It emphasizes both sex and gender as crucial factors requiring more research. This new information could translate into more targeted therapies that consider these biological distinctions.
## How Does This Study relate to Previous observations About Leptin?
According to Dr. Trang, observations dating back to the 1980s revealed that individuals wiht chronic pain exhibited higher leptin levels in their blood compared to those without the condition.
## Summary of Key Findings
here’s a summary comparing the key findings related to pain pathways in men and women, according to the study:
| Feature | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| pain Signal transmission through Panx1 Channels | Yes | Yes |
| Immune Cell Involvement | Present | Present |
| Leptin Release Upon Panx1 Activation | No | Yes |
| Higher Chronic Pain Incidence | Lower | Higher |