Endorphins

Endorphins are chemicals the body releases when it is under stress or in pain. Endorphins
can help relieve pain, reduce emotional stress, and offer a sense of well-being. Research
suggests endorphin levels may be a factor in depression, fibromyalgia, and other issues.

WHAT ARE ENDORPHINS?

Endorphins are primarily created in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They act
as neurotransmitters —chemicals that help to carry signals across a nerve synapse. They are
also considered hormones since they can carry messages throughout the nervous system, not
just the brain.

There are over 20 types of endorphins in humans. Beta-endorphins are the most frequently
studied, as they contribute to pain relief and well-being. The pain relief from beta-
endorphins is even greater than morphine. Researchers used to believe gamma-endorphins
could reduce psychotic symptoms. However, later research found that the only link between
gamma-endorphins and psychosis was a placebo effect.

Endorphins are not to be confused with dopamine, another neurotransmitter linked to

happiness. In general, dopamine creates happiness after a person has accomplished a goal.
Endorphins act to relieve pain, although they do play an indirect role in motivation. For
instance, if you are a runner, endorphins can reduce the ache of your muscles. They can also
act in the reward-related areas of your brain, prompting your body to release dopamine.
Technically it is the dopamine that produces the “runner’s high”. Endorphins merely tell the
body when to start getting that “high”.