title: beta-Endorphin withdrawal: a possible cause of premenstrual tension syndrome.
abstract: The authors propose that premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS) is the result of beta-endorphin withdrawal. Sixteen women were included in this study which measured beta-endorphin levels on the 7th and 24th day of each woman's menstrual cycle. A significant decline in beta-endorphin levels was noted during the progression of the cycle. The severity of symptoms, however, was inversely proportional to the amount of decline in beta-endorphin levels. It is hypothesized that the attenuation of endorphin decline may be a compensatory mechanism to moderate the severity of PMS symptoms.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin