Adult men and women experience pain for different durations, and research in Science Immunology  reveals why women’s pain persists longer than men’s. The study analyzed data from 172 women and 73 men that had visited the emergency room for traumatic injuries, primarily from car accidents. Patients rated their pain at the time of injury and again at eight and 12 weeks post-injury. Blood samples were also examined.

The researchers found that men reported faster pain relief compared to women, and that the men’s blood contained higher levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), a signaling protein that reduces swelling and tissue damage during an immune response.

Lab experiments on mice by the same researchers indicated that higher levels of male sex hormones, specifically testosterone, directly boosted IL-10 production. When female mice had their ovaries replaced with dihydrotestosterone pellets, their IL-10 levels increased, and their pain recovery time significantly shortened. Using testosterone patches or other methods to enhance IL-10 production could potentially strengthen the body’s innate immune system to alleviate pain more quickly. Additional research and development are needed.