Why do women have high pain tolerance? Is it a healthy trait?

Women possess an extraordinary ability to endure and overcome pain, both physical and emotional. Women’s pain tolerance is not just physical but also psychological, often enhanced by their capacity to adapt and persevere. Their ability to endure is rooted in empathy and mental strength, enabling them to face adversity with grace.
However, this strength is not a call to bear pain silently. Acknowledging and addressing pain is a form of self-care that every woman deserves.

“Evolutionary adaptations have increased the pain threshold in women”

Dr. Astha Dayal, Director-

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, explains, “women are said to have a higher pain tolerance. This may be attributed to the biological, hormonal, and psychological factors that make up the woman’s nature. Biologically, women are designed to endure the severe pain of childbirth, which may have influenced evolutionary adaptations that increase their pain threshold.”
“Other hormones such as

estrogen

also contribute significantly to the perception of pain. Estrogen can activate receptors in the brain that reduce sensitivity sometimes, but it changes with hormonal fluctuations like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause,” she adds.

“Women seem to tolerate pain better”

“It is a fact that, in general, women seem to tolerate pain better,” says Dr. Bimal Chhajer, Former Consultant- AIIMS & Director- SAAOL Heart Center.

Explaining further, Dr. Bimal Chhajer says, “Estrogen also has a role to play in this. Sometimes, estrogen helps reduce pain by influencing the body’s pain-control systems. Nonetheless, hormonal changes, such as those during periods or menopause, can make women more sensitive to certain types of pain. Another factor is women’s attitude toward pain. Many of them are good at managing because they tend to express their feelings, seeking help and using support from friends or family. These may help them manage their pain better emotionally and mentally.”

“Women are remarkably resilient”

“Traditionally, Indian women are considered stronger biologically. Emotionally, they may sometimes appear vulnerable, but mentally, they are remarkably resilient. Historically, women were often not allowed to express their opinions, especially regarding pain,” says Dr Suruchi Desai, Senior Consultant, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai.
“For generations, when a girl begins menstruating and experiences pain, she has commonly been told by her mother, grandmother, and other women in the family that this is normal and something she must endure. This societal conditioning teaches women to view pain as an inevitable part of life, and the fear of judgment often discourages them from expressing discomfort or acknowledging their pain openly,” she adds the social stigma around talking about menstruation and the pain associated with it.
“Additionally, some studies suggest that higher estrogen levels, typically seen in women, may lead to the release of more endorphins, potentially giving them a higher pain tolerance. However, these findings are not definitive. In India, the issue often stems more from mental and societal pressures that prevent women from voicing their pain rather than biological factors,” Dr Desai opines.

“There is a subjective element to pain”

According to Dr Sameer Malhotra, Senior Director & Head, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, “Pain has a complex nature: there is a sensory component and psychological aspect to it. There is a subjective element to it. Pain threshold and endurance are based on several factors including age, resilience and coping abilities, any co-morbid physical health conditions, underlying mood state, sociocultural expectations etc. Given the social pressures, boys are expected to be physically tough and more resilient to pain.”

He further says: Response to pain is affected by hormones. Endorphins (natural hormones) help in reducing pain. Release of certain hormones during labour pains in females, help in reducing pain perception. There is greater sensitivity towards pain around the menstrual period in females. The limbic system of the brain is linked to emotions and can also influence our reactions to pain. There is a behavioural study that reflects men reporting less pain in the presence of a female experimenter than in the presence of a male experimenter. Certain human studies reflect that men have higher pain thresholds than women, and some show that men have a higher pain tolerance as well.

Is it a healthy trait to endure pain?

Enduring pain, while often seen as a mark of resilience, is not always a healthy trait. Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something requires attention. Ignoring it in the name of strength can lead to worsened health outcomes, delayed recovery, and even long-term damage.
Pain is often the body’s first alert to something amiss
Early detection of pain can contribute greatly to preventing the progression of deadly diseases, improving survival chances by a big margin. The first alert in most cases is subtle pain in the body. This can lead to the early proper diagnosis and intervention that might have saved people.
Many serious health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and organ dysfunction, are asymptomatic in their initial stages. When pain does appear, it could be a symptom of a much more serious problem, like an expanding tumor or cardiovascular issues. For instance, chronic chest pain may indicate heart disease, while unexplained abdominal pain might be symptoms of cancer or appendicitis. Ignoring or discrediting these warning signs, especially if they persist, may help the disease to progress into a stage where treatment or management may become difficult and challenging.

In the case of cancer, early detection is very crucial for survival. Many cancers do not appear with noticeable symptoms in the early stages, such as colorectal, ovarian, or breast cancers. However, in cases where the pain is felt in the abdomen, back, or pelvis, it could be a sign of the spread of tumors. Early detection of such pain through regular health checkups and self-examinations can lead to earlier screenings where doctors can detect and treat cancer before it spreads further. Indeed, research has established that the survival rate for cancer is much higher when it is diagnosed in its early stages. This makes the pain an essential early warning system.
Similarly, chronic pain that is associated with conditions such as arthritis or kidney disease may signal underlying issues that, if not addressed, may lead to irreversible damage or even organ failure. For example, persistent joint pain may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, which, at an early stage, can be checked with disease-modifying drugs that can slow up the progression, thereby avoiding deformities or loss of function.
Neurological illnesses, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, also can manifest the mild pain syndromes when the more overt neurological impairment sets in. Unexplainable headaches, pain in the lower back, and numbness of limbs may indeed signal nervous system disorders. Observation of these subtle pain can even direct more detailed tests, for example, with MRI or CT scans, and address the neurological conditions right away.

Early detection saves lives, but it also improves the quality of life for patients. By addressing pain at its onset, doctors can offer treatments that manage pain, slow disease progression, and improve overall outcomes. Early interventions often result in less invasive treatments, fewer complications, and quicker recovery times, contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Acknowledging pain is not a sign of weakness

Instead, it is a form of self-awareness and self-respect. When women identify and attend to their pain, they are taking an active role in looking after themselves; this is vital for their own well-being. Getting medical care, therapy, or even sharing with someone can be very transforming. It takes the story from endurance to empowerment, where women can take charge of their health.
Healthy resilience involves recognizing pain and responding appropriately—seeking medical care, rest, or support when needed. While perseverance in challenging situations is admirable, true strength lies in acknowledging limitations and prioritizing well-being. Balance is key; enduring pain should never come at the expense of overall health and quality of life.
Prioritizing well-being also means setting boundaries, knowing when to rest, and understanding that seeking help is not a failure but a testament to one’s strength. By normalizing conversations around pain and encouraging women to seek support, outdated notions can be stopped. Women deserve to thrive, not just endure, and addressing pain openly is a vital step toward achieving this.