Hormonal imbalances and neuroendocrine influences in temporomandibular disorders: A scoping review of the evidence
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) display a marked female predominance and fluctuate across reproductive stages, suggesting hormonal and neuroendocrine contributions. OBJECTIVES: To map the evidence on hormonal imbalances and neuroendocrine influences in TMD across six domains. METHODS: A scoping review following JBI and PRISMA-ScR. Searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2026 identified 3,147 records. The review protocol was registered on OSF (https://osf.io/qf2we). RESULTS: 274 studies were included, comprising 168 human studies and 106 preclinical studies. Human evidence consistently supports associations between hormonal factors and TMD. Estrogens, progesterone, and androgens modulate TMJ tissue remodeling, inflammation, and nociceptive processing. Reproductive endocrine disorders are consistently associated with TMD. Estrogen receptor polymorphisms are consistently associated with TMD. HPA axis dysregulation is consistently associated with TMD. CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal and neuroendocrine factors are consistently associated with TMD through multiple mechanisms. Standardized longitudinal studies and validated patient-reported outcomes are needed.
Source: CRANIO®
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215890787