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Disturbances of Pain Perception in Menstrual Cycle-Related Disorders

  • Chapter
Pathophysiology of Pain Perception

Part of the book series: Plenum Series in Rehabilitation and Health ((SSRH))

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Abstract

The female menstrual cycle is associated with multiple hormonal, physiological and psychological changes. Over the centuries menarche has been referred to as both a rite of passage into womanhood and a curse to be endured. Indeed, there is now a debate over the use of oral contraceptives for the express purpose of reducing the frequency or even discontinuing menstruation. Epidemiological and survey data indicate that over one-third of women in the general population experience significant physical and psychological symptoms across the menstrual cycle, with pain being among the most common symptoms (Huerta-Franco & Malacara, 1993; Kessel & Coppen, 1963). The purpose of this chapter is to present information related to alterations in pain perception associated with menstrual cycle-related clinical conditions. First, an overview of research examining changes in pain sensitivity across the menstrual cycle will be presented. Then, research investigating pain perception in women with dysmenorrhea and premenstrual dysphoric disorders will be reviewed. Finally, menstrual cycle influences on clinical symptoms in several pain disorders will be considered, and practical implications will be discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Dentistry and Gainesville VA Medical Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Roger B. Fillingim

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  1. Roger B. Fillingim
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

    Stefan Lautenbacher

  2. University of Florida College of Dentistry and Gainesville VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Roger B. Fillingim

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Fillingim, R.B. (2004). Disturbances of Pain Perception in Menstrual Cycle-Related Disorders. In: Lautenbacher, S., Fillingim, R.B. (eds) Pathophysiology of Pain Perception. Plenum Series in Rehabilitation and Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9068-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9068-6_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-4780-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-9068-6

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