The immune system, the cause of chronic pain lasting longer in women
Research published in Science Immunology reveals that chronic pain lasts longer in women due to differences in the immune system, specifically in the activity of monocytes regulated by hormones such as testosterone.
TL;DR
- Chronic pain duration differs between sexes, potentially due to hormone-regulated immune cells (monocytes).
- Monocytes release a molecule (IL-10) that signals neurons to stop pain.
- These monocytes are more active in males due to higher sex hormone levels, leading to faster pain resolution.
- Females have less active monocytes, contributing to longer-lasting pain and slower recovery.
- This biological difference is observed in both mouse models and human patients.
- The findings suggest potential for new non-opioid therapies that manipulate these immune cells to alleviate chronic pain.