Medical Director Aether Medicine Wayne, Pennsylvania
This presentation examines the complex interplay between sex hormones—particularly estrogen, progesterone, and androgens—and pain pathophysiology. A detailed review will be provided on hormone-mediated pain syndromes, including migraines, temporomandibular disorders, fibromyalgia, visceral pain, and musculoskeletal pain. The discussion will highlight the impact of hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, on pain perception and symptom exacerbation, with a focus on menstrual migraines.
Furthermore, the presentation will explore sex-based and gender-based disparities in pain prevalence, with particular attention to biological females and transgender individuals, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these differences.
Clinicians will be equipped with evidence-based strategies for leveraging hormonal modulation as an adjunctive approach to managing hormone-related pain syndromes, while optimizing both pain management and overall health outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the mechanisms by which estrogen, progesterone, and androgens influence pain perception and modulation.
Examine the impact of hormonal fluctuations on conditions such as migraines, temporomandibular disorders, fibromyalgia, visceral pain, and musculoskeletal pain, with a focus on menstrual migraines.
Discuss differences in pain prevalence and response among biological females and transgender individuals, exploring the underlying hormonal and physiological mechanisms.
Apply evidence-based approaches to incorporating hormonal therapies as adjunctive treatments for hormone-related pain syndromes, optimizing both pain relief and overall patient health outcomes.
