Effects of melatonin and estradiol on chronic pain during post menopause
Clin. biomed. res
;
34(3): 223-233, 2014. ilus
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-834472
ABSTRACT
Chronic pain is a major public health problem that affects approximately 40% of the adult population worldwide. Several epidemiological studies have shown a higher prevalence of chronic pain in women, with variations within the menstrual cycle and an increase in pain after menopause. Clinical and experimental studies have shown differences in pain perception between genders, but the underlying mechanisms of this inequality are complex and far from being understood. Estrogens play an important role in pain modulation and seem to account at least partially for these differences. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects. After menopause, melatonin levels decrease, which may be the cause of the sleep disorders that usually affect women during this period of life. Some studies have demonstrated an interaction between melatonin and estrogens in terms of antioxidant effects. The present study seeks to provide a review on melatonin, estradiol, and chronic pain in women.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Postmenopause
/
Estradiol
/
Chronic Pain
/
Nociception
/
Melatonin
Type of study:
Risk factors
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Clin. biomed. res
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul/BR
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS