The complex factors behind the question: Who has bigger pain tolerance?

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

In laboratory studies, researchers have found that pain tolerance is a highly individual experience, shaped by numerous factors, not just biological sex. The seemingly simple question, "who has bigger pain tolerance?", opens up a complex exploration of human biology, psychology, and social conditioning.

Quick Summary

The ability to tolerate pain is highly individual and depends on a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and social factors, rather than a single demographic trait like sex. While some research points to subtle differences between groups, a person's individual history, mental state, and environment are the most significant determinants of their pain tolerance.

Key Points

Not a simple answer: The question of who has a higher pain tolerance has no single answer, as it is determined by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, not just sex or age.
Tolerance vs. Threshold: Pain threshold is the point at which pain is first felt, while pain tolerance is the maximum pain a person can endure. These are distinct concepts, with tolerance being far more variable among individuals.
Genes matter: Genetic variations, affecting nerve function and pain processing, can account for a significant portion of an individual's pain sensitivity and predisposition to chronic pain conditions.
Mind-body connection: Psychological state, including stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms, can either lower or buffer a person's pain tolerance.
Culture's role: Cultural norms about expressing pain and the availability of social support heavily influence how individuals report and manage pain.
Pain is an individual metric: Ultimately, pain is a personal experience, and understanding the multitude of influences is key to a holistic and empathetic approach to pain management.

Understanding the difference between pain threshold and tolerance

To understand why asking "who has bigger pain tolerance?" is complex, it is essential to first distinguish between pain threshold and pain tolerance. Pain threshold is the point at which a stimulus is first perceived as painful. This is relatively constant from person to person for a given type of stimulus. Pain tolerance, in contrast, is the maximum level of pain that a person is willing to endure. This varies far more widely among individuals and is influenced by a host of variables. A person with a high pain threshold might not feel pain from a stimulus until it is quite intense, whereas a person with a high pain tolerance can simply endure a painful sensation for a longer period of time, even if they felt it early on.

The nuanced view on sex differences

Much of the public discussion around pain tolerance focuses on biological sex, but the scientific evidence is nuanced and often conflicting. While some older studies suggested men had a higher average pain tolerance, more recent research shows a more complex picture. For instance, a study published in 2022 by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that while men, on average, showed higher pain tolerance in heat-based tests, women's measurements were more consistent over time.

One contributing factor is the role of sex hormones, which can affect pain perception. In women, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are known to influence how they experience pain. There is also evidence suggesting that chronic pain conditions, such as migraines and fibromyalgia, are more prevalent in women, and that pain may even be processed via different neural pathways in males and females. This evolving understanding moves away from simplistic comparisons towards a recognition of fundamental physiological and hormonal differences.

Genetic factors and pain perception

Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining how you perceive and process pain. Research suggests that genetic factors can account for up to 60% of an individual's response to pain, particularly in experimental settings. For example, the SCN9A gene, which affects the function of sodium channels involved in sending pain signals, can cause some individuals to have heightened pain sensitivity, while others with different mutations experience an inability to feel pain at all. Other genes, such as COMT and TRPV1, are also known to influence pain sensitivity and a person's predisposition to chronic pain conditions. The intricate web of genetic variations means that pain tolerance is inherently unique to every individual.

Psychological and emotional influences

Beyond biology, the mind is a powerful modulator of pain. Psychological factors can dramatically alter a person's pain perception and tolerance. High levels of stress, anxiety, or depression can sensitize the nervous system, effectively lowering a person's pain tolerance and making them more sensitive to discomfort. The phenomenon of pain catastrophizing—a tendency to magnify the threat value of pain—is a major predictor of increased pain intensity and disability.

In contrast, positive emotional states, distraction techniques, and effective coping strategies can help buffer the experience of pain and increase tolerance. The brain has its own built-in pharmacy of painkillers, like endorphins and cannabinoids, which can be released in response to positive mental or physical stimuli, such as exercise.

The impact of age and past experiences

Age also influences pain tolerance in complex ways. A meta-analysis published in 2017 found that while the pain threshold increases with age (meaning older adults require a higher intensity of stimulus to first feel pain), pain tolerance itself does not show a substantial age-related change. In some cases, older adults may actually demonstrate a reduced ability to withstand high-intensity pain. Furthermore, past pain experiences and trauma can significantly shape how an individual responds to new painful situations. People who have experienced chronic pain conditions can become more sensitive over time, while athletes who regularly train through pain can condition their bodies to tolerate more.

Cultural and social roles

Cultural beliefs and societal expectations play a critical role in how pain is perceived, expressed, and managed. Some cultures may encourage stoicism and view endurance as a virtue, while others may be more open to the verbal expression of pain. This can significantly impact how individuals report their pain and how healthcare providers interpret their needs, sometimes leading to undertreatment in certain populations. Social support, such as having a strong network of friends and family, has been shown to reduce perceived pain intensity and improve coping mechanisms, demonstrating the powerful role of our environment in pain perception.

Comparing factors influencing pain tolerance


Factor	Influence on Pain Tolerance	Example
Genetics	Variations in genes affect how pain signals are transmitted.	SCN9A gene mutations can increase or eliminate pain sensitivity.
Sex	Different hormonal profiles and neural pathways can cause varying responses.	Some studies show differing results for acute vs. chronic pain responses between sexes.
Age	Pain threshold increases with age, while tolerance may not change or could decrease.	An older adult might be less sensitive to a mild heat stimulus but not endure high pain for longer.
Psychology	Mental state (stress, anxiety) and coping skills are major modulators.	High anxiety can lower tolerance, while distraction can raise it.
Social Support	The presence of supportive relationships can act as a buffer against pain.	Patients with strong family support may report lower pain levels and cope better.
Culture	Societal norms influence pain expression and attitudes toward suffering.	Cultural emphasis on stoicism can lead to under-reporting of pain symptoms.
Past Experience	Repeated exposure to pain can lead to either sensitization or adaptation.	Athletes can condition themselves to endure more pain, while trauma survivors may become more sensitive.

Conclusion: A truly individual experience

In summary, the search for a single group with a higher pain tolerance is a futile one, as it vastly oversimplifies a profoundly individual experience. The factors influencing pain tolerance are so numerous and interconnected that it's impossible to make a broad generalization based solely on a single attribute like biological sex or age. From the genes we inherit to the emotions we feel and the culture we live in, countless variables conspire to shape our unique pain tolerance. Understanding this complexity allows for a more compassionate, comprehensive, and effective approach to pain management, recognizing that each person's pain is valid and uniquely personal. For more information on the complexities of pain perception, refer to resources from organizations like the International Association for the Study of Pain, which has contributed greatly to this understanding. For more details on the physiological differences in pain, consider consulting studies supported by the National Institutes of Health.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While some studies have shown men, on average, have a higher tolerance in certain types of tests, other research indicates that women's pain tolerance measurements are more consistent. Additionally, numerous non-gender factors like genetics, hormones, and context play a significant role, making broad generalizations inaccurate.

Yes. Your pain tolerance is not static and can be influenced by various factors throughout your life. For instance, chronic stress or trauma can lower your tolerance, while regular exercise and certain psychological techniques can potentially increase it.

Age does affect pain perception. Older adults may have a higher pain threshold (meaning they are less sensitive to low-intensity pain), but their pain tolerance for higher intensity pain may remain unchanged or even be reduced. Children, especially young ones, often have a lower tolerance and threshold than adults.

Emotions like fear, stress, and anxiety can lower pain tolerance by heightening your body's sensitivity to pain signals. Conversely, positive emotions and distraction can help buffer pain. Coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, are important in managing the emotional response to pain.

Studies confirm that athletes tend to have a higher pain tolerance than non-athletes. This is often linked to the psychological and physiological adaptations that occur during intense training, a phenomenon known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia.

Yes. Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and nerve damage can alter the nervous system's processing of pain, often leading to increased sensitivity and lower pain tolerance over time. Understanding and managing these underlying conditions is crucial for effective treatment.

It is possible to improve your pain tolerance through various techniques. Practices like regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and biofeedback can help modulate your body's response to pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be effective by addressing the mental and emotional components of pain.