Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Hormones and Pain- Why balance matters?
1746883085
Hormones and Pain: Why Balance Matters?
When people think about pain, they often focus on injuries, inflammation, or nerve problems. But hormones play a big role in how we experience and manage pain. When hormone levels are out of balance, pain can become worse, harder to control, and even lead to chronic conditions.
Certain hormones are especially important in pain regulation:
Cortisol: This stress hormone helps control inflammation, but if levels are too high or too low, it can lead to increased pain sensitivity and slow healing. Estrogen & Testosterone: These hormones affect joint and muscle health. Low levels—especially in aging individuals—can lead to increased pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Thyroid Hormones: An underactive thyroid can cause muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue, making existing pain conditions worse. Endorphins: These are the body’s natural painkillers. Hormonal imbalances can lower endorphin levels, making pain feel more intense. Balancing hormones is key for managing pain effectively. If someone experiences ongoing pain that doesn’t improve with standard treatments, hormone testing may be an important step. Treatments might include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or hormone replacement therapy when necessary.
Pain management isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about addressing all the factors that influence pain, including hormonal health. A comprehensive, multimodal approach can help restore balance, improve function, and reduce pain long-term.
FAQs
Can thyroid hormone levels affect pain experiences?
Yes, thyroid hormones are critical for regulating metabolism and energy levels. An underactive thyroid can cause muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue, contributing to the worsening of existing pain conditions and making pain management more difficult.
How do estrogen and testosterone levels affect pain?
Estrogen and testosterone have a significant impact on joint and muscle health. Low levels of these hormones, especially common in aging individuals, can result in increased pain, stiffness, fatigue, and possibly exacerbate pain-related conditions.
How do hormones influence the perception of pain?
Hormones play a crucial role in how we experience and manage pain. Imbalances can lead to increased pain sensitivity and difficulty in controlling pain. Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and endorphins all significantly affect pain regulation and perception.
What happens when cortisol levels are imbalanced?
Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps control inflammation. If cortisol levels are either too high or too low, it can lead to increased pain sensitivity and slower healing processes, making pain management more challenging and potentially increasing susceptibility to chronic pain conditions.
What role do endorphins play in pain management?
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Hormonal imbalances can result in lower endorphin levels, which may make pain feel more intense. Ensuring a balance in hormone levels is vital to maintaining adequate endorphin levels for effective pain management.