Survey study, 2010
Does the menstrual cycle change how emotions affect pain?
In this study, emotions affected pain the same way during both phases of the menstrual cycle tested, suggesting the menstrual cycle may not change emotional effects on pain in healthy women.
What they did
41 healthy women tracked their menstrual cycles for 3 months, then came to a lab during two different menstrual phases. Researchers showed them emotionally charged pictures and gave them small electrical shocks, measuring their pain responses and emotional reactions.
What they found
Unpleasant emotional pictures made pain feel worse, while pleasant pictures made pain feel better. These effects were the same in both menstrual phases tested (mid-cycle and late luteal).
What it means for you
In healthy women without menstrual pain disorders, emotions seem to affect pain the same way throughout the cycle. The researchers note this may not apply to women with PMDD or other menstrual cycle-related pain conditions.
41
Women studied
3
Menstrual cycles tracked
2
Testing sessions per woman
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of the menstrual cycle on affective modulation of pain and nociception in healthy women
- Authors
- Rhudy JL, Bartley EJ
- Journal
- Pain
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 41
- What was tested
- Emotional pictures and electrical pain stimulation during two menstrual phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.02.041
Topics
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