---
title: Does tooth sensitivity change across the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: Women had significantly higher sensitivity to cold pain during the menstrual phase compared to other phases. The evidence is moderately strong from this small
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/changes-in-pulp-sensitivity-across-the-menstrual-cycle-in-healthy-women-and-2021/
---

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- Does tooth sensitivity change across the menstrual cycle?

Cohort study, 2021

# Does tooth sensitivity change across the menstrual cycle?

Women had significantly higher sensitivity to cold pain during the menstrual phase compared to other phases. The evidence is moderately strong from this small longitudinal study.

 Moderate study design

47 women aged 20-45, including 24 healthy women and 23 with temporomandibular disorders

## What they did

Longitudinal study of 47 regularly menstruating women aged 20-45 (24 healthy, 23 with jaw joint pain disorders). Researchers tested tooth nerve sensitivity using electric and cold stimuli at five different menstrual phases.

## What they found

Cold sensitivity was significantly higher in the menstrual phase compared to luteal in healthy women (P=.019), and compared to follicular, periovulatory and luteal phases in women with jaw disorders (P=.033, P=.003, P=.007 respectively). No significant differences were found for electrical stimulation. Depression was identified as an independent factor influencing cold and electric response in the menstrual phase, regardless of age or disorder status.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle may affect tooth sensitivity to cold pain, with a potential link to depression. This small study only tested tooth sensitivity, so it is unclear whether these findings apply to other types of pain or if they occur in other populations.

47

women in study

24

healthy women

23

women with jaw disorders

## About the study

Original title Changes in pulp sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and women with temporomandibular disorders Authors Krunic J, Mladenovic I, Radovic I et al. Journal Journal of oral rehabilitation Year 2021 Study design Cohort study Participants 47 What was tested None. Observational study tracking natural menstrual cycle variation. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/joor.13116](https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13116)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Chronic pain and fibromyalgia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-chronic-pain/)

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