INFLUENCE OF ENDOGENOUS OPIOIDS ON ADRENAL ACTIVITY IN WOMEN WITH HYPOTHALAMIC AMENORRHEA

Objective: Within an ovulation induction study, we investigated the ac tivity and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in wo men suffering from hypothalamic amenorrhea by using naloxone. Methods: The central opioid receptors were blocked by means of a naloxone bolu s injection of 4 mg i.v. daily. Results: Before and after receptor blo ckade, the cortisol secretion showed diverse results independently fro m the hypothalamic opioid tone. The cortisol levels were not elevated. Also, the basal secretion of cortisol and DHEAS was nonspecific among the various responder groups. Conclusions: It seems that there is no close relationship between central opioid tone and adrenal function in hypothalamic amenorrhea.