Raloxifene treatment increases plasma levels of beta-endorphin in postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN) on plasma levels of beta-endorphin, and to determine whether beta-endorphin levels and menopausal symptoms are related.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.


METHODS
Endocrinology outpatient department.


METHODS
Forty postmenopausal women.


METHODS
The women received raloxifene, 60 mg/d, or placebo for 3 months. A questionnaire on climacteric symptoms was administered before and after treatment.


METHODS
Circulating levels of beta-endorphin, climacteric symptom score, and correlation with beta-endorphin levels.


RESULTS
Raloxifene treatment significantly increased levels of beta-endorphin and did not significantly affect climacteric symptoms, with the exception of worsening vasomotor symptoms. No significant relation was seen between plasma levels of beta-endorphin and climacteric symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Raloxifene modulates plasma levels of beta-endorphin without concomitantly relieving climacteric symptoms, as seen with hormone replacement therapy.
Neele
Simone J M
SJ
Department of Endocrinology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Evertz
Reinder
R
Genazzani
Andrea R
AR
Luisi
Michele
M
Netelenbos
Coen
C
D000368:Aged; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D010919:Placebos; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride; D001615:beta-Endorphin