Welcome to the world of red head syndrome.

Two weeks ago I started having worse pain, which I had no idea would be possible as I have had the diagnoses of endometriosis for over two years now. I came into my doctor's office in tears, unsure of what to do. He laughed lightly as I yelped in pain from the slightest pressures, he said “dear you’re a redhead, it’s red head syndrome. Your pain is worse than everyone else’s.” I didn’t want to believe that the simple genetic mutation that causes my red hair to be the cause of my intense pains in my stomach. Indeed though, I am a current sufferer of the redhead syndrome.

Growing up was hard, being constantly being made fun of for my freckled face and red hair. Though, now many people tell me how they wish they had the red hair I possess; considering only 2% of the population has the red hair (the max number is 2%, but it is believed to be continuously dropping). The redhead gene comes from a genetic splice which causes a mutation in MC1R gene, now known as the “redhead gene”. This splice in the genetic code eliminates the brown pigmentation produced by melanin, which redheads cannot produce. Due to this simple mutation in the genes of the redhead, there are several day to day things that now affect the redhead.

1.) Endometriosis.

Women with red hair are up to 30% more likely to contract endometriosis, only if they were fertile at one point in their lives. If a woman has been infertile since birth with red hair, she is at a reduced risk for endometriosis.

2.)Pain is different for us.

We are more highly sensitive to painkillers as we can produce our own opioid type endorphins ourselves while in pain or any heightened emotion. A great example is depression, when experiencing a “happy period” during a depressive period it is a more heightened happy than those in the same situation with a different hair color.

3.) Illness is a lot more common.

We can produce our own vitamin D because of the adaptation of preventing sunburn by avoiding sunlight. Though, we do not absorb vitamins and minerals like other people do of a different hair color.

4.) More sensitive to changes.

Have you ever been in a room with a redhead and suddenly she/he’s freezing quickly, while it is just slightly cooler to you. That is due to the fact that we react more quickly and suddenly to even slight temperature change. So, you may be a brunette thinking it is slightly chilly, your redhead friend is probably freezing much worse.

5.) Anesthesia can be a challenge for doctors of redheads.

I know this experience very well, laying in the OR and just looking up at the anesthesiologist wondering when I will become overly tired. Then, the next inevitable question: “are you a natural redhead?” An answer with a slight nod and he is giving me more medication for me to fall asleep. On average redheads need 20% or more of extra anesthesia in order to stay asleep through a surgery.

6.) Fear of dentists.

We have a keen fear of dentists usually, why you may ask? This is due to the answer above, we need more anesthesia, and this includes novocaine used in dentists offices. Often, a dentist does not place enough novocaine into the gums causing extreme pain to the receiver of the dental work.

Redhead syndrome will be alive and “well” as long as there are redheads. I hope I was able to shed some light for those nonreds as they continue with their sibling, significant other, friend, or any other person you may know with the 2% of the population with red hair.