The Hidden Hormone Reason Treatments Hurt More
If you’ve ever felt like waxing, microneedling or other skin treatments suddenly hurt more than usual, your hormones may be the reason. Research shows that pain sensitivity increases during both menstruation and menopause due to hormonal changes that affect the nervous system and the skin itself.
Understanding these changes can help you schedule treatments more strategically — and make them far more comfortable.
Why Pain Is Worse During Your Period
Studies published in the journal Pain show that women experience lower pain thresholds during menstruation. When estrogen levels drop at the start of the menstrual cycle, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals.
This means procedures like waxing, microneedling, tattoos or laser treatments can feel significantly more uncomfortable during your period.
Why Pain Can Also Increase During Menopause
Menopause brings a longer-term drop in estrogen. Estrogen helps regulate inflammation, nerve sensitivity and skin thickness. As levels decline, several changes occur:
Skin becomes thinner
Collagen levels decrease
Nerve endings sit closer to the surface
Skin becomes more reactive
These factors can make pain-inducing treatments feel stronger than they did earlier in life.
How to Make Treatments More Comfortable
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce discomfort:
Time treatments strategically: Avoid scheduling waxing, microneedling, or other painful procedures during your period when pain sensitivity is highest.
Strengthen the skin barrier: Using antioxidant-rich, barrier-supportive skincare helps skin tolerate treatments better. J Renee Organics are PACKED full of antioxidants.
Reduce inflammation beforehand: Hydrating and calming the skin prior to treatments can significantly reduce discomfort.
Adjust treatment intensity: Experienced estheticians can modify depth, pressure or technique for more sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line
Hormones influence far more than mood — they also affect how your body processes pain and how your skin responds to treatments.
Avoid scheduling pain-inducing procedures during your period and if you are menopausal, focus on skin preparation, barrier support and professional treatment adjustments to keep treatments comfortable and effective.
Your skin — and your nerves — will thank you.
