By Sara Jasmine 
Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues worldwide—and women are disproportionately affected. Many women live with pain longer and more intensely than men, whether it’s from migraines, joint conditions, abdominal discomfort, or muscle pain (“chronic pain” refers to pain lasting more than three months). While social and environmental factors play a role, recent scientific discoveries are shedding light on biological mechanisms that may help explain why women’s pain tends to last longer than men’s.
Understanding these differences is crucial—not just for awareness, but for developing better, more effective treatments that work for women specifically.
For years, researchers have documented that women are:
- More likely to experience chronic pain than men
- More likely to report higher pain intensity
- More likely to have multiple overlapping pain conditions
- Less likely to receive aggressive treatment in clinical settings
In global research involving tens of thousands of participants, women consistently report more chronic musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and abdominal discomfort than men.
The reasons have historically been unclear, but scientists have pointed to a combination of biological, psychological, and cultural factors:
Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone interact with nervous system pathways that transmit pain, potentially altering sensitivity. Fluctuations across the menstrual cycle can heighten pain perception in women.
The immune system plays a major role in how pain develops and resolves. Women have different immune responses than men, and chronic inflammation is often linked to prolonged pain experiences.
Multiple studies have shown that women’s reports of pain are more likely to be dismissed or attributed to emotional factors, leading to delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
These factors help explain the prevalence of pain in women, but they don’t fully explain why the pain lasts longer—and that’s where new research comes in.
A study published in Science Immunology and reported widely in the news has provided groundbreaking insight into the biological basis for why women’s pain may linger longer than men’s.
The research highlights a group of immune cells called monocytes, which help regulate inflammation and pain signaling in the body.
- In males, testosterone boosts monocytes’ ability to produce a molecule called interleukin-10 (IL-10).
- IL-10 acts as a natural “off switch” for pain by signaling neurons to calm down once an injury heals.
- In females, these monocytes are less active in producing IL-10, meaning the pain signaling persists longer.
This isn’t just theory—researchers showed this difference in both mouse models and human samples, with male subjects showing faster pain resolution and female subjects showing delayed recovery.
Pain doesn’t just start—it’s actively resolved by the body. If the system responsible for turning off pain is less efficient, pain can linger even after the injury or stimulus is gone.
This mechanism provides a biological explanation—not just social or hormonal—for why women experience longer pain durations. It’s not about tolerance or perception; it’s about how the immune system interacts with nervous pain pathways.
This new study complements a growing body of research showing multiple biological ways that pain differs between sexes:
Studies indicate differences in how pain signals are processed in the brain and spinal cord of males versus females. Certain neurotransmitters and neural circuits may heighten pain response in women.
The body’s natural pain-relief system, which releases chemicals similar to opioids, may work differently in women, sometimes making standard pain medications less effective.
While not the sole cause, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause all affect pain processing due to variations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
It’s important to note that pain experience is a combination of biological and psychosocial elements. For women:
Studies have shown that women’s pain is often taken less seriously in clinical settings. Women are more likely to receive sedatives or counselling instead of pain medication, and they wait longer for treatment in emergencies.
This not only exacerbates pain but can also contribute to pain becoming chronic.
Gender expectations—such as the belief that men should be stoic and women are more emotional—can influence how pain is reported and treated. These biases have real consequences in pain management strategies.
Understanding why women’s pain lasts longer isn’t just academic—it has major clinical implications.
The discovery related to monocytes and IL-10 suggests potential future therapies, such as treatments that enhance the pain-off switch mechanism in females. One expert mentioned potential uses of testosterone patches or immune-targeted therapies.
This could lead to non-opioid options that actually accelerate pain resolution rather than simply masking symptoms.
If male and female immune systems resolve pain differently, then pain treatments should be tailored accordingly. Women might benefit more from therapies focusing on immune system modulation, whereas men may respond differently.
Historically, medical research has disproportionately focused on male subjects, both in animal models and clinical trials. This has limited understanding of female pain mechanisms. More inclusive research could dramatically improve care.
While science continues to evolve, here are some evidence-based strategies women can use to manage pain:
Speak up about your symptoms and ask for proper evaluation and documentation. If your pain is dismissed, ask for a second opinion or pain specialist referral.
Pain that persists often benefits from holistic treatment—think physical therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle approaches, not just medication.
Controlled movement can reduce chronic pain by strengthening muscles and improving circulation—but always consult a provider before starting new activity.
Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and gentle yoga can reduce stress, which often amplifies pain perception.
Women’s pain lasting longer than men’s is not just a stereotype—it’s rooted in real biological differences, particularly in how the immune system communicates with pain pathways. The new study on monocytes and IL-10 offers a breakthrough explanation for this long-observed disparity.
But biology isn’t the whole story—systemic biases in healthcare, combined with hormonal and psychological influences, also contribute to why women often suffer chronic pain longer and more intensely.
The hope now lies in targeted treatments and personalized care that recognizes these differences—not dismisses them. The key takeaway? Pain in women is real, measurable, and deserves better science and better treatment.