Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of pain together with the determination of different hormonal parameters for possible correlations in men and women of different ages. Methods: 39 women and 38 men suffering from pain and seeking acupuncture received acupuncture treatment twice a week for 5 weeks. Pain and quality of life parameters were collected via written questionnaires (VAS, QUID and SF-36), while testosterone and cortisol were determined in the saliva. Results: Cortisol and testosterone salivary levels were higher in controls than in pain subjects and higher in men than in women. Acupuncture treatment improved all parameters, decreased pain and changed the hormonal values differently depending on sex and age. Conclusions: Sex and age are important factors in changing the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of pain.
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