Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which type of hormone is linked to women experiencing a higher prevalence of painful conditions?

1. Thyrotropic-releasing hormone

2. Thyroid gland hormone

3. Sleep hormone

4. Sex hormone

The correct answer is: Sex hormone

The correct choice highlights the role of sex hormones, which are significantly linked to the prevalence of painful conditions in women. Research has shown that estrogen and progesterone, the primary female sex hormones, can influence pain perception and modulation. For instance, fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle can affect pain sensitivity, which many women experience in relation to conditions such as migraines, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia. Additionally, certain painful conditions are thought to be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, indicating a clear relationship between sex hormones and pain experiences in women. In contrast, while the other hormones listed might have roles in various body functions, they do not specifically correlate with the increased pain conditions observed in women. Thyrotropic-releasing hormone and thyroid gland hormones are primarily involved in metabolic regulation, while sleep hormones, such as melatonin, are linked to circadian rhythms and sleep cycles but do not have a direct connection to the prevalence of pain conditions in women. Thus, sex hormones are uniquely responsible for the heightened sensitivity to pain and the prevalence of certain painful conditions seen in the female population.