How differently do men and women handle pain?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Men and women handle pain differently. Higher levels of testosterone give men the edge in painful situations but the female body compensates during childbirth. An extra boost of estrogen during pregnancy allows women to endure childbirth and even want to do it again.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pain

Pain is your body telling you that you have hurt it. This is a good thing, important when you are injured. It can also help diagnose problems with your body. Sometimes pain continues long after it's necessary. Amputees report phantom pain in the legs or arms they no longer have. There are different kinds of pain, and describing the type is useful in diagnosis: recurring, constant, steady, knife-like, radiating, sharp, dull. Medicines that dull pain are analgesics. Those that kill all feeling are anesthetics.

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