Changes of plasma beta-endorphin levels in case of amenorrhea

ABSTRACT

Fifty six amenorrheic women and 10 normal menstruating fertile controls were included in this study. Amenorrheic women were classified into 5 groups. The first group consisted of 16 hyperprolactinemic women. The second group comprised 12 women with primary ovarian failure. The third group comprised 12 polycystic ovarian diseased patients. The fourth group comprised 12 patients with hypogonadotrophic hypopituitarism. The last group was four cases with hypothalamic dysfunction. Plasma B-endorphin levels were lower in the 5 amenorrheic groups than controls. The lowest levels were found in the hypothalamic dysfunction group [P < 0.001], then the hyperprolactinemic and primary ovarian failure groups [P < 0.001 for both]. Levels of B-endorphin in PCO and hypogonadotrophic hypopituitarism were mildly lower than controls [P< 0.05 for both]