Gender differences and hormonal modulation in visceral pain.
Women seek healthcare and are diagnosed more frequently with chronic somatic and visceral pain conditions relative to men. These conditions tend not to be life-threatening disorders, but rather ones that decrease people's quality of life, impinge on work and recreational activities, and increase healthcare resource utilization. With increased awareness of basic gender differences in biology and responsiveness to therapies, there has been renewed interest in factors which may account for the gender disparity in chronic visceral pain conditions. Basic and clinical evidence primarily from patients with irritable bowel syndrome has provided initial insights into visceral pain sensitivity, perception, and responsitivity.
Heitkemper
M M
MM
Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, Box 357266, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, T 618, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. heit@u.washington.edu
Jarrett
M
M
D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012737:Sex Factors; D014781:Viscera / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones