title: Hormonal fluctuations intensify temporomandibular disorder pain without impairing masticatory function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The influence of hormonal fluctuations on pain and mastication was evaluated in patients with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty women were assigned to menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive groups (n = 25). Their TMD was diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Pain levels, maximum oclusal force (MOF), and masticatory performance (MP) were measured in all menstrual cycle phases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A lower pain level was observed in the ovulatory phase when compared to menstrual and luteal phases (P = .02). No differences were found regarding MOF (P = .20) or MP (P = .94).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hormonal fluctuations intensify pain in women with symptomatic TMD without impairing mastication.
authors.forename: Larissa Soares
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Vilanova
authors.forename: Thais Marques
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.forename: Lis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Meirelles
authors.forename: Renata Cunha
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D011374:Progesterone / Q000502:physiology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D064232:Visual Analog Scale; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone