beta-Endorphin and beta-lipotropin plasma levels in hirsute women: correlation with body weight.

Based on the findings of elevated circulating beta-endorphin (beta-END) levels in genetically obese (fa/fa) fats and the reversal of the overeating of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice by naloxone, circulating beta-END and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) levels were measured in 8 hirsute, hyperandrogenic, oligo-amenorrheic women of varying weights. Circulating beta-END and beta-LPH levels were significantly elevated (p less than .001) above the levels in nonobese control subjects and were positively correlated with body weight (p less than .025). Based on these data and indirect evidence in the literature, we propose a role may exist for beta-END and/or beta-LPH in human obesity and in adrenal androgen secretion.