Male brains have a higher threshold for pain from "summary" of The Male Brain by Louann Brizendine, MD
In the world of pain, men often play the role of the stoic warrior. They grit their teeth, bear it, and soldier on. But what lies beneath this facade of toughness is a biological truth: male brains have a higher threshold for pain than female brains. This higher pain threshold is not just a figment of male bravado, but a result of the way male brains are wired. From an early age, boys are conditioned to be tough, to shrug off pain and keep going. This conditioning, combined with the influence of testosterone, leads to a biological difference in how male and female brains perceive and respond to pain. Testosterone, the hormone that fuels male development, has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. It acts on the brain to dampen the perception of pain, leading to a higher pain threshold in men. This biological advantage has its roots in evolution, where the ability to endure pain could mean the difference between life and death in a dangerous world. But this higher pain threshold is not without its drawbacks. Men may be less likely to seek help or treatment for pain, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. The stoic warrior may suffer in silence, unaware of the toll that pain is taking on his body and mind. Understanding the male brain's higher threshold for pain can help us better tailor treatments and interventions for men. By recognizing that men may downplay their pain or struggle to express it, we can create more effective strategies for addressing and managing pain in male patients. So the next time a man brushes off his pain with a nonchalant "I'm fine," remember that it's not just bravado at play. It's his male brain, wired to endure and persevere in the face of discomfort and distress.
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