Open Accessβ‐Endorphin Levels In The Human Menstrual Cycle
Author(s) -
Chuong C. James,
Smith Edward R.,
Tsong Yi
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0412.1989.tb07825.x
Subject(s) - luteal phase , menstrual cycle , ovulation , follicular phase , endocrinology , menstruation , medicine , hormone
To examine the fluctuation in plasma β‐Endorphin (β‐EP) concentration throughout the menstrual cycle, 8 healthy females with normal cycles were studied. After an overnight fast, the subject's blood samples were drawn between 8 and 10 a.m. They gave blood at 2 or 4 day intervals through three menstrual cycles. Using the LH surge as day 0, the mean β‐EP concentrations were higher on days −10, −9, −8 (6.5±2.6, 6.9±3.8 and 6.7±2.7 pmol/l, follicular phase), on days −1, 0, +1 (9.2±3.3, 9.1 ±5.2 and 8.8±3.3 pmol/l, periovulatory phase), and on days +9 and + 12 (8.6±2.5 and 8.8±3.8 pmol/l, luteal phase). Most β‐EP levels were low during menstruation. The rise and fall in β‐EP and its relation to temporal LH and FSH secretion are discussed. The findings show that three β‐EP rises take place during the menstrual cycle and that β‐EP may be involved in the regulation of ovulation.