Effects of estrogen-progestin replacement therapy on plasma beta-endorphin levels in menopausal women.
Serum beta-endorphin, LH, FSH, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were measured in postmenopausal women before and after four different estrogen-progestin replacement therapies. Our result showed that serum E2 increased significantly and serum LH and FSH decreased significantly after all treatments. Serum P levels were similar before and after all treatments. Serum beta-endorphin levels increased significantly after cyclic administration of estrogen-progestin, but not after continuous administration of E2. We conclude that the frequently observed beneficial effects of estrogen-progestin replacement therapy on behavior and mood in postmenopausal women may be related to changes in peripheral opioid levels.
Ortega
E
E
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain.
Cuadros
J L
JL
Gonzalez
A R
AR
Ruiz
E
E
D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D011374:Progesterone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone