Endorphins (neurotransmitters): Functions And Characteristics
Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA or norepinephrine are already known.
These are substances that act at the brain level, contributing to the transmission of information between different neurons, causing a great diversity of effects at both a physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioral level. We know that dopamine participates in the brain’s reward mechanism, that serotonin is known as the calming hormone, and that norepinephrine helps us stay awake and attentive.
However, in addition to these substances, there are other neurotransmitters of great relevance to our lives, these being the molecules that cause us feelings of true satisfaction and happiness, as well as those that help us endure pain. We are talking about endorphins.
Endorphins are a type of endogenous neuropeptide, that is, protein chains made by the body itself, which are responsible for stimulating the brain areas that produce pleasure for the body. These substances are also known as endogenous opiates, because their chemical composition and action are very similar to that of opium derivatives, such as heroin and morphine. These are molecules that generally do not produce a nervous signal by themselves, but that modulate and alter neuronal sensitivity to other substances.
The synthesis of endorphins occurs mainly in the pituitary gland or pineal gland, a brain structure that, through the secretion of hormones, regulates the balance of the body, participating in processes as relevant as growth and maturational development, sexuality and metabolism. From this structure, endorphins are distributed throughout the rest of the nervous system. Likewise, its presence has also been observed in the gastrointestinal system.
Their absence or a low level of them induces depressive and anxious symptoms, making it more difficult to overcome aversive situations and traumas. In addition, it facilitates the fall and/or relapse in the addiction of substances that can simulate its effect.
Basic functions of endorphins
Endorphins are really important substances in our lives, participating in very diverse processes and contributing to the human being’s ability to adapt. Some of its basic functions are the following.
His best-known performance has to do with sensations of pleasure which is why they are known as the hormones of happiness.
In this aspect they create a feeling of well-being and calm both physically and mentally, which induces a feeling of happiness. In fact, this causes its secretion to be perceived by the body as a kind of reward, which leads us to repeat the behavior that causes this hormonal release mechanism.
2. Inhibition of physical pain
Another of the main and also best-known functions of endorphins is based on the inhibition of pain. When we hit ourselves or get a cut or make an extreme effort, the body’s tissues send signals to the nociceptors or pain receptors they have. However, upon the arrival of these signals to the brain, the pituitary gland responds by almost immediately releasing endorphins.
This release temporarily inhibits or reduces the sensation of pain, allowing the organism to be able to carry out an adaptive response that can save its life. This, for example, would allow us to escape from a predator or a fight despite having been injured. This is what means that when we break a bone, the initial pain is not as intense as what will be felt later, once we are relaxed.
3. Inhibition of psychoemotional pain
In the previous point we talked about the role of endorphins in inhibiting physical pain. Endorphins also act in the same way against psychological suffering such as that produced by painful life events, trauma, stress or anxiety.
When we are given bad news or a painful event occurs, such as the death of a loved one, it is common for the initial response to not seem to have an immediate effect, apparently acting as if nothing had happened.
It is speculated that this phase is due to a production of endorphins that inhibit pain on a psychological level, since these substances reduce the level of tension and initial stress. In this way, it is explained that in certain stressful situations, somatic symptoms occur once the stress has been resolved, although these did not occur in the stressful situation itself. Endorphins could act to compensate for this discomfort.
4. Influence on the immune system
Depressed moods and persistent stress decrease over time the immune system’s ability to deal with external microorganisms. That is why when we are in a time of great tension it is easier to get sick both at that moment and after the situation has passed. The release of endorphins, however, produces a strengthening of this system by improving the emotional situation and allow coping with painful situations.
Aside from the aforementioned effects, it has been proven that these substances participate in memory and attention, facilitating it to the extent that well-being increases capacity and many stimuli are associated with emotional states.
6. Participation in sexuality
Various research shows that the release of endorphins has a very relevant role in sexuality, facilitating desire and inducing the synthesis and release of hormones that predispose to maintaining relationships. Likewise, it is one of the types of substances that facilitate romantic bonding between members of the couple, by provoking feelings of happiness and well-being.
Situations and behaviors that enhance the production of this neurotransmitter
The action of endorphins helps us feel happiness and reduce painful sensations both physically and emotionally. It has been observed that some activities and situations favor its production, such as the following.
1. Laugh
Studies show that laughing sincerely produces endorphins Joking and a sense of humor can help ourselves and others improve our mood and make us happier.
Go to laughter therapy sessions It has also been shown to have a certain level of effectiveness, because laughter is generally contagious due to the activity of mirror neurons. In fact, even if it is not a sincere laugh, the muscular effort already causes the secretion of endorphins, which in turn makes it easier for genuine laughter to appear.
2. Meet a goal
The fact of achieving something desired also gives us deep satisfaction, which translates into an increase in the production of endorphins. The feeling of achievement and achieving the goal, whether there is an extrinsic reward or not, improves our well-being. Especially when the level of effort used has been high.
3. Have sexual relations
Maintaining satisfactory relationships is another activity that generates a high level of endorphins In fact, along with other substances such as oxytocin and progesterone, endorphins are excreted right after orgasm.
4. Physical exercise
It is common knowledge that running or playing sports generates endorphins Specifically, cardiovascular and aerobic exercises are recommended, since they produce a higher level of physical effort, a greater sense of achievement and greater subsequent satisfaction.
5. Relax
The synthesis of endorphins does not depend solely on performing a specific action Many times it is enough to just relax. Taking a bath, listening to music, reading something for pleasure or simply meditating can generate a lot of endorphins, especially after a stressful day.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential to keep endorphin production high. That is why after a restful sleep we usually wake up in a good mood, and vice versa in the case of sleeping poorly. Satisfactory sleep facilitates a positive attitude and the presence of energy necessary to carry out any activity.
7. Caresses, kisses and massages
Physical contact with another person means, in general and assuming that neither the person nor the situation is aversive, an increase in the production of endorphins if it is done with a certain level of precision. If you have a positive emotional bond with the person with whom you perform these actions, the increase in endorphin production is much greater. Reduces cortisol level and blood pressure, in addition to improving connection with the other person
8. Fall in love
More than once you have heard it said that love is like a drug The truth is that this expression is more correct than one thinks, because the sensations of happiness and satisfaction that we feel when we fall in love are produced at a biochemical level by endorphins, along with other substances such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
9. The whiting that bites its tail
Looking at different situations or activities that cause the release of endorphins, it is possible to realize that, in general, it is the fact of feeling good or happy which causes these substances to be released In this way, it can be observed that although endorphins cause the feeling of happiness, this feeling of happiness in turn causes the synthesis of endorphins. In this way, allowing ourselves to enjoy small moments of happiness causes us to be happier in that moment and also tend to have more similar moments.
A risk
The production of endorphins and the maintenance of the sensations they produce are something very desirable and sought after by most people. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that these are substances that, although they are generated endogenously and therefore do not produce hooking by themselves, They imply a high level of well-being that can be sought by the individual actively and even compulsively
Thus, the behaviors used to reach a level of endorphins that make us feel good can very easily become addictive, and can produce tolerance, dependence and withdrawal problems. This can cause compulsive sensation seeking and even promote highly risky behaviors. Likewise, in some people this search for replicating the effects of endorphins leads to the consumption of different drugs, with the dangers and side effects that they entail.
