由于这种疾病在女性中发病率是男性的两倍,研究者们提出了雌激素可能参与了疾病的发病。[1]Dimitroulis G. Temporomandibular disorders: a clinical update. BMJ. 1998;317:190-194.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1113540/?tool=pubmedhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9665905?tool=bestpractice.com[3]LeResche L. Epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders: implications for the investigation of etiologic factors. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 1997;8:291-305.http://cro.sagepub.com/content/8/3/291.full.pdfhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9260045?tool=bestpractice.com
研究表明人类膝关节雌激素受体和滑液中雌二醇水平与骨关节炎的严重程度相关联。[6]Warren MP, Fried JL. Temporomandibular disorders and hormones in women. Cells Tissues Organs. 2001;169:187-192.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11455113?tool=bestpractice.com
其他一些研究表明颞下颌关节紊乱综合征男性和女性患者的雌二醇水平均较高。[7]Landi N, Lombardi I, Manfredini D, et al. Sexual hormone serum levels and temporomandibular joint disorders. A preliminary study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2005;20:99-103.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15823829?tool=bestpractice.com
一项研究表明循环内雌二醇的含量与关节疼痛程度呈反比。[6]Warren MP, Fried JL. Temporomandibular disorders and hormones in women. Cells Tissues Organs. 2001;169:187-192.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11455113?tool=bestpractice.com
总之,这些研究还不足以证明颞下颌关节紊乱综合征与雌激素水平有关。