Epidemiologic literatures suggest that temporomandibular joint disorders（TMD） is more prevalent in women than in men. The severity of symptoms is also related to the age of the patients. The gender and age distribution of TMD suggests a possible link between its pathogenesis and estrogen. It has been reported that estrogen could influence the development, restitution and metabolism of the temporomandibular joint and associated structures such as bone, cartilage and articular disc. Estrogen can also influence the regulative mechanism of pain. Therefore estrogen maybe play a role in the pathophysiology of TMD.
