Tag: Endorphins

First identified in 1977, the multifunctional precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is the source of a diverse array of peptide hormones and neuropeptides. Understanding **what is proopiomelanocortin peptide** is key to comprehending its wide-ranging influence on human physiology, from controlling stress and pain responses to regulating energy balance and skin pigmentation.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addictive drugs can cause dopamine levels to surge 10 times more than a natural reward, hijacking the brain’s reward pathway. This dramatic effect explains how and why a variety of substances can increase pleasure, from prescribed medications to illegal narcotics.

A 1983 study published in *PubMed* found that women receiving Pitocin did not experience the same significant rise in plasma beta-endorphin levels seen during spontaneous labor, providing a clear answer to the question: **Does Pitocin block endorphins?**. This key distinction helps explain the differences in pain perception and the hormonal experience during induced versus spontaneous labor.

Chronic pain affects approximately 30% of the global population. To cope, the human body uses a complex internal pharmacy of chemicals, and understanding **what is the neurotransmitter that reduces pain** is crucial for unlocking natural and pharmacological pain relief.

Scientists have identified several key neurotransmitters and hormones that work together to influence our mood and sense of well-being. This complex internal system, not a single "natural happy drug," is responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness.

While pregabalin is a widely used medication for neuropathic pain and anxiety, its mechanism is often misunderstood. In fact, while it is not an opioid, recent research suggests a complex, indirect pathway in some animal studies involving microglia, raising the question: **does pregabalin increase endorphins?**

The endogenous opioid system, with its natural opioid peptides, was only discovered in the 1970s, centuries after humans first began using plant-derived opiates. Understanding what is the difference between opioid peptides and opiates requires exploring their distinct origins, structures, and physiological roles, despite their shared action on the body's opioid receptors.

The opium poppy plant, *Papaver somniferum*, is the source of natural opiates such as morphine and codeine, but the human body also produces its own pain-relieving compounds called endogenous opioids. Exploring what is a natural opiate-like substance requires understanding both these plant-derived compounds and the internal systems that mimic their effects.

According to research and anecdotal reports, DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) has been explored for its potential benefits in supporting mood and managing certain types of chronic pain. This unique dietary supplement combines two distinct forms of the amino acid phenylalanine to achieve its potential therapeutic effects.

In 2023, an estimated 24.3% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain [1.8.1]. The body has a powerful built-in system to fight this discomfort, but **what hormone manages pain**? The primary answer lies with endorphins, the body's natural morphine [1.2.2, 1.2.5].