Hormonal influences on thermotactile threshold, pain perception threshold and tolerance: A digital thermoaesthesiometer study.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare thermotactile and pain perception thresholds and tolerance in males and females with the help of a digital thermoaesthesiometer. In addition, the influence of the cyclical variation of hormones in the menstrual cycle on these sensory responses was investigated. Two hundred thirty-six healthy subjects (118 males and 118 females) of 18-30 years of age participated in the study. Using the method of limits, hot thresholds and cold thresholds with pain perception and pain tolerance were measured on the index and little fingers of the right and left hand using a digital thermoaesthesiometer. Findings revealed statistically significant variations in these responses based on gender and the side of the body. Females are more sensitive to thermal sensation by having a lower thermotactile threshold. They have significantly higher sensitivity and pain tolerance during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of individual differences in sensory perception and have implications for clinical applications.