DOI: 10.11607/ijp.4040, PubMed ID (PMID): 25588177Pages 72-74, Language: EnglishVilanova, Larissa Soares Reis / Gonçalves, Thais Marques Simek Vega / Meirelles, Lis / Garcia, Renata Cunha Matheus RodriguesPurpose: The influence of hormonal fluctuations on pain and mastication was evaluated in patients with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
Materials and Methods: Fifty women were assigned to menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive groups (n = 25). Their TMD was diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Pain levels, maximum oclusal force (MOF), and masticatory performance (MP) were measured in all menstrual cycle phases.
Results: A lower pain level was observed in the ovulatory phase when compared to menstrual and luteal phases (P = .02). No differences were found regarding MOF (P = .20) or MP (P = .94).
Conclusions: Hormonal fluctuations intensify pain in women with symptomatic TMD without impairing mastication.
