Another one for the ladies

[Emm]

I was once told that any kind of pain is at least twice as bad during 'that time of the month'. I didn't believe it at the time, but after having a dentists appointment that hurt like &%$@ I started paying attention.

I've since noticed that jabs and testing are MUCH more likely to hurt on those days! Most days I just jab without thinking, but I find I can get anxious about it sometimes because I can try to jab 3 or 4 times before I find a spot that doesn't hurt.

Anyone else noticed this, or is it a family thing?

If only we could pass it all on to someone else for a few days a month!

[2high]

Its the same for me Em...

Even finger pricks seem to hurt!!

[Keezheekoni]

Heh, I couldn't tell you. I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding a child for the past 8 years so I don't remember! Haven't had a real period in all the time, and I'm still waiting on them coming back now that my 3 year-old is down to just one nursing every few days...

[lelggren]

I haven't ever really paid attention to it, but I will on the next one around! Interesting observations!

[belyro]

I definitely haven't experienced that. The only time that needles are unusually painful for me is if I have a fever. Then it's AWFUL!

[jen_slc]

I haven't personally noticed that, but many studies have shown that estrogen can suppress certain pain pathways. In general, when women experience lower levels of estrogen (i.e. during your period), they have a higher sensitivity to pain. Conversely, when women experience higher levels of estrogen (childbirth), they have a lowered sensitivity to pain.

[grace girl]

Hurts to shoot during those wonderful days...like I don't hurt enough already! I never thought about why, just figured it was because I was already in pain and was therefore more sensitive to it.