Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The link between chronic pain that affects millions of women and hormones that control the menstrual cycle and reproductive function is to be studied for the first time by researchers at the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

The study is being run by the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with support from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It seeks to determine the extent to which hormone production is altered in women with chronic pain so they can be better diagnosed and treated.

The results will also help further research on whether hormones can be used to reduce chronic pain.

About 7.8m UK people live with chronic pain, with up to one third of women of child-bearing age affected.

It is well known that physical or psychological stress can alter the menstrual cycle in women, with periods becoming irregular or stopping completely during times of high stress.

Chronic pain is known to lead to altered levels of the stress hormone cortisol, however, as yet no one has investigated what effect chronic pain has on the production of the hormones that control the menstrual cycle and reproductive function such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

It is possible that altered levels of some of these hormones may make it harder for a woman to become pregnant, particularly if this leads to irregular or absent periods.

Importantly, persistent low levels of estrogen are associated with long-term health risks such as osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke.

From the results of our previous research, it is also believed that low levels of estrogen, testosterone and cortisol may worsen the experience of pain.

Dr Katy Vincent, a gynaecologist who is leading the study at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said: "Chronic pain can have devastating effects on women's lives. It impacts on all areas: their relationships, ability to work and care for their children, emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

"For some women their symptoms are clearly visible. However, particularly if the pain is more intimate such as that perceived in the pelvis or in association with bladder and bowel function or sexual activity, it can be a hidden, isolating condition.

"This study will help us better understand the relationship between chronic pain and hormones with the ultimate aim of improving quality of life, long-term health and pain management for these women."

Women who agree to take part will be asked to complete a questionnaire and give a blood sample of about four teaspoons from their arm.

Further information on Women in Pain Studies, Oxford (WIPSOx1) is available from Lisa Buck on 01865 221120 or lisa.buck@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk  

Similar stories

MitOX 2023- 21st April

The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health invites you to MitOX 2023 on Friday 21st April. Our annual conference for researchers with an interest in mitochondria from academia and pharma. This year's event will be 'hybrid', so you can join in-person or virtually!

Award Winning Podcast

‘Unheard of – The hidden voice of Endometriosis ’ the podcast series co-hosted by Danielle Perro (Postdoctoral Researcher in Epidemiology) and Magda Mareckova (DPhil student) has been recognised by the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, with a Public Engagement with Research Project Award.

What is the impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on female health and well-being?

Many of us have no idea whether or not our period is “normal”. It’s no wonder, since not only is everyone different, but the stigma still keeps many of us from asking questions or discussing what we go through every month with friends and family. Principal Investigator Prof Suzannah Williams and DPhil student Tomi Adeniran explore what heavy periods can mean in their article published in The Conversation.

Women's Health Strategy for England Launched

The government has published the first ever Women's Health Strategy for England to tackle the gender health gap. Menopause, Endometriosis, Contraception and Fertility treatment are highlighted as some of the top issues women have asked for action on. The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health welcome and fully support this bold and exciting strategy to help improve the health of millions of women in England.

Prof Christian Becker wins Clinical Science Award at ESHRE 2022

Congratulations to Professor Christian Becker who was presented with a Clinical Science Award for best oral presentation at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy this week.

Oxford's largest ever study into Varicose veins shows need for surgery is linked to genetics

Varicose veins are a very common manifestation of chronic venous disease, affecting over 30% of the population in Western countries. In America, chronic venous disease affects over 11 million men and 22 million women aged 40–80 years old. Left untreated it can escalate to multiple health complications including leg ulcers and ultimately amputations. A new international study by Oxford researchers published on 2nd June 2022 in Nature Communications establishes for the first time, a critical genetic risk score to predict the likelihood of patients suffering with Varicose veins to require surgery, as well as pointing the way towards potential new therapies.