A combination of two hormones makes a difference in giving relief to people with chronic pain, according to a small, preliminary study, Newsmax Health.

Seven of 9 patients reported a 30 percent to 40 percent decrease in pain after taking doses of oxytocin and human chorionic gonadotropin, the researchers found.

Patients also reported improvement in the intensity of pain flare-ups and longer time between flares, the study authors said.

Oxytocin is known as the "love hormone" and has been linked to positive human emotions. Human chorionic gonadotropin plays a role during pregnancy.

Study author Dr. Forest Tennant, an internist who specializes in chronic pain, said there were few side effects with the treatment.

The research was presented March 7 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, in Phoenix.