That's why she recommends that redheads be proactive when undergoing a procedure that requires medication for pain. “They should always tell their surgeon, anesthesiologist and dentist that they will most likely need more anesthetic or local anesthetic, and that they might be more sensitive to opioids,” she says.
In theory, the research done so far could suggest that females with red hair may experience more pain in labor or that epidural pain relief could be less effective. However, there hasn't been any research specifically looking into labor pain in people with red hair, so this is pure speculation.
In summary, our results confirm anecdotal clinical impressions that anesthetic requirement is greater in redheads. The observed 19% difference between the two groups makes red hair a distinct phenotype that correlates with inhalational anesthetic requirement in humans and can be traced to a specific genotype.
'The MC1R gene not only affects hair colour but also how the body processes pain. ' This genetic trait means redheads might feel pain more intensely, which is why they often need a bit more anaesthesia, whether it's for surgery or a dental procedure.
Prior research has already put red-haired humans and mice into the spotlight, pointing out that they have a higher pain threshold. They also don't need as high of a dosage of pain-killing opioids, and they tend to require more anesthesia compared to people with non-red hair.
Red headed women reported more frequent diagnoses of cervical uterine cancer, cervical uterine precancerosis, ovarian cancer and other cancer. Both male and female redheads reported more frequent diagnoses of colorectal cancer.
They may be more sensitive to certain types of pain and can require higher doses of some pain-killing medications. However, studies suggest that their general pain tolerance may be higher. People with red hair also respond more effectively to opioid pain medications, requiring lower doses.
The gene responsible for red hair (MC1R) also releases a hormone that is similar to endorphins which limit the feeling of pain. This means that redheads need less painkillers to treat ailments.
Women with red hair color exhibited higher sexual desire and sexual activity, a higher number of sexual partners of the preferred sex, earlier initiation of sexual life, and lower sexual dominance (and therefore higher sexual submissiveness).
While some studies suggest a potential link between certain genetic variations and alcohol metabolism, the idea that redheads universally have a higher alcohol tolerance remains inconclusive and should be approached with caution.
We found that redheads were significantly more sensitive to cold pain perception, cold pain tolerance, and heat pain tolerance.
Genetic Background
Variants of this gene not only result in the characteristic red hair and fair skin but also influence pain perception and drug metabolism. Research has shown that these genetic differences can lead to variations in how redheads respond to anesthesia, painkillers, and other medications.
Fun facts about red hair strands
Redheads have less hair and thicker strands than most people. On average, it's believed that those with red hair have 90,000 strands, while blondes have around 110,000 and brunettes have 140,000. Redheads are less likely to go grey.
Background: Red hair color is caused by variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. People with naturally red hair are resistant to subcutaneous local anesthetics and, therefore, may experience increased anxiety regarding dental care.
Many observational studies have found an association between epidural use and bleeding after birth (postpartum hemorrhage). 48–53 For example, a large UK study found that women were twice as likely to experience postpartum hemorrhaging when they used an epidural in labor.
There is absolutely no truth to the persistent myths that mosquitoes fancy females over males, that they prefer blondes and redheads over those with darker hair, or that the darker or more leathery your skin, the safer you are from her bite.
Those redhead lovers out there are in good company, aka 'rutiluphiles'! https://gingerparrot.co.uk/ginger- dictionary/rutiluphilia-the-fetish-of-redheads/ GINGERPARROT.CO.UK.
Redheads bruise more easily
There has been no found difference in a redheads hemoglobin concentration, platelet numbers or coagulation tests to explain this phenomenon. However, a 2006 study found that redheads reported more bruising than their black or brown haired subjects.
Red hair runs in families, but non-redhead parents can also have a red haired child. So how exactly does genetics influence hair color? MC1R is a recessive gene. This means that two copies (one inherited from each parent) are required for the trait to be observed.
Collectively, people with red hair were rated as most unattractive, but it must be noted that in the non-obese woman condition, red hair was seen as equal to blond hair in attractiveness, though in every other condition red hair was seen as significantly less attractive.
It has long been known that redheads are at higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer. This is to be expected because red hair is associated with fair skin, which is more vulnerable to UV radiation [1].
“Redheads report more pain during procedures. Some studies also show that people with red hair are more resistant to local anesthetics. And they may need more general anesthesia to keep them sleeping during medical procedures.” Most of the research on this topic is older and limited.