This study aimed to evaluate whether the phase of the menstrual cycle affects pain after root canal treatment. A total of 99 patients (72 females and 27 males) who needed root canal treatment in lower molar teeth were included. Female participants were grouped according to their menstrual cycle phase: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory. All patients received the same endodontic treatment procedure under local anesthesia. Postoperative pain intensity was recorded using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 8 hours, 8-24 hours, 24-48 hours, and 48-72 hours after treatment. Analgesic (ibuprofen) use was also recorded. The results showed that women in the menstrual and secretory phases experienced higher pain levels than men, while pain levels in the proliferative phase were similar to those in men. The findings suggest that the menstrual cycle phase may influence short-term pain perception after root canal treatment.

This prospective clinical study investigates the effect of menstrual cycle phase on postendodontic pain intensity in female patients compared to male patients. Ninety-nine participants requiring endodontic treatment for asymptomatic necrotic mandibular molars were enrolled in the study. Female participants were categorized into menstrual, proliferative, or secretory phases based on the first day of their last menstrual period. All treatments were standardized and performed under local anesthesia with rubber dam isolation, including root canal preparation using rotary files, irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA, and obturation with root canal sealer. Postoperative pain was self-assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at multiple time points for up to 72 hours, and analgesic consumption was recorded. Data were analyzed with nonparametric tests to compare pain levels across cycle phases and in male participants. This study provides detailed information on potential hormonal influences on postoperative pain and may guide clinicians in planning endodontic treatments to maximize postoperative comfort in female patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-50 years
• Male or female patients requiring endodontic treatment of asymptomatic
• Necrotic mandibular first or second molars
• Female patients with regular menstrual cycles
• Patients who have not taken analgesics in the last 3 days
• Patients willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking habit
• Systemic diseases or use of systemic drugs
• Parafunctional habits such as bruxism
• Preoperative pain
• Teeth requiring prosthetic restoration
• Teeth with external or internal resorption
• Immature teeth
• Periodontal probing depth > 3 mm
• Pregnant women
• Women with irregular menstrual cycles
• Patients who refuse to participate

The study population consists of 99 adult patients (72 females and 27 males), aged 18-50 years, requiring endodontic treatment for asymptomatic necrotic mandibular first or second molars. Female participants have regular menstrual cycles and are categorized into menstrual, proliferative, or secretory phases. Patients with systemic diseases, smoking habits, preoperative pain, parafunctional habits, teeth requiring prosthetic restoration, immature teeth, periodontal probing depth greater than 3 mm, or irregular menstrual cycles are excluded. All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment.