title: [Beta-endorphin--physiologic role and menstrual cycle disorders].
abstract: There are three classes of endogenous opioid peptides: endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins. Beta-endorphin is the main representative of endogenous opioid peptides. Beta-endorphin plays a role in the regulation of the normal menstrual cycle and possibly in the onset of puberty. This peptide is also involved in the pathophysiology of such menstrual disorders as: exercise-associated amenorrhoea, stress-induced amenorrhoea, weight loss related amenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome. Probable mechanism is that alterations in the levels of beta-endorphin may change the pulsatile release of GnRH. This article reviews contemporary views on the role of beta-endorphin in the physiology and disorders of the menstrual cycle.
authors.affiliation: Kliniki Endokrynologii Ginekologicznej IGiP AM w Poznaniu.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meczekalski
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Warenik-Szymankiewicz
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000502:physiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D001615:beta-Endorphin
vernacular_title: Beta-endorfina--rola w fizjologii i zaburzeniach cyklu miesiaczkowego.