Blog - Lobacz Chiropractic l Evansville Indiana
Hormonal balance plays a vital role in how your body functions—and when it comes to TMJ pain, there's growing evidence that low progesterone may be a contributing factor, especially in women. If you're in Evansville, Indiana, struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, this post may help connect the dots.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When there's dysfunction in this joint, it can cause:
Jaw pain or stiffness
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Headaches or neck pain
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects millions of people, and research is showing that hormones—especially progesterone—play a role.
Progesterone is a key hormone in the female reproductive system. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy, but it also affects muscle tone, pain sensitivity, and inflammation—all of which impact TMJ health.
Two key studies have explored this question:
1. Madani AS, Shamsian AA, et al. (2013)
In a cross-sectional study, researchers found a relationship between serum sexual hormone levels and internal derangement of the TMJ. Women with lower progesterone levels were more likely to suffer from TMJ dysfunction.
Source: Madani AS, Shamsian AA, et al. “A cross-sectional study of the relationship between serum sexual hormone levels and internal derangement of temporomandibular joint.” J Oral Rehabil. 2013 Aug;40(8):569-73.
2. Landi N, Lombardi I, et al. (2005)
This preliminary study also supported the idea that low progesterone is associated with higher rates of TMJ disorders, suggesting that hormonal imbalances could be a hidden factor in chronic jaw pain.
Source: Landi N, Lombardi I, et al. “Sexual hormone serum levels and temporomandibular disorders. A preliminary study.” Gynecol Endocrinol. 2005 Feb;20(2):99-103.
If you're a woman in Evansville, Indiana dealing with chronic TMJ symptoms and you've never considered hormonal imbalance, especially low progesterone, it may be time to explore this further. Whether you're in your 20s or heading into menopause, progesterone levels can fluctuate—and your jaw may be trying to tell you something.
Talk to your doctor or chiropractor about running a hormone panel. Knowing if you have low progesterone can guide more effective treatment.
Lifestyle, nutrition, and chiropractic care can support your body’s natural hormone rhythms. Addressing stress, sleep, and diet can make a big difference.
At Lobacz Chiropractic in Evansville, Indiana, we offer natural, non-surgical solutions to TMJ pain. We understand the complex interplay between hormones and musculoskeletal function.
The connection between low progesterone and TMJ pain is still being explored, but early research shows it's a relationship worth paying attention to. If you're in Evansville, Indiana, and you’ve been searching for answers to your jaw pain, hormone testing might be the next step in your healing journey.