What Are Endorphin Hormones?
In life, we often face physical as well as emotional pain, such as heartache or disappointment. How do we deal with it? One answer is the endorphin hormone, known as the happiness hormone. This hormone is a chemical compound produced by the pituitary gland (pituitary) in the brain. Endorphins play an important role in reducing pain while providing feelings of pleasure or euphoria. In other words, these hormones help reduce stress and improve mood.3,4,6
Functions of Endorphins Hormones
Endorphins have many benefits for physical and emotional health, including:2,3,6
1. Reduces symptoms of depression
2. Relieves stress and anxiety
3. Reduces pain during childbirth
4. Increases feelings of happiness and happiness
5. Boosts the immune system
6. Improves memory and cognitive function
7. Boosts self-confidence
8. Maintain weight and appetite
Endorphin Deficiency
If the body does not produce enough endorphins, some of the following symptoms may appear:3,6
1. Increased risk of depression and anxiety
2. Sleep disorders
3. Increased body aches or pains
4. Risk of eating disorders
5. Impulsive behavior
6. Mood change
Difference between Dopamine, Serotonin, and Endorphins
These three hormones are often referred to as “happiness hormones”, but they have different functions:4
Endorphins: Reduce pain and provide a feeling of comfort or euphoria
Dopamine: Provides a sense of pleasure, linked to motivation, achievement, and reward
Serotonin: Stabilizes mood and improves overall well-being
How to Increase Endorphin Hormones
Here are some ways to increase the production of endorphins in the body:1
1. Do outdoor activities in the sun, such as taking a walk in the park or biking.
2. Make time for exercise or other physical activity
3. Spend time with friends or loved ones with fun activities.
4. Pursue a hobby or try a new activity that makes you happy, such as cooking, listening to music, or reading a book
5. Create romantic moments with your partner
6. Meditate, use aromatherapy, manage stress well, and get enough sleep.
Did you know?
Endorphin hormones work like natural morphine in the body. In fact, the effect is said to be 200 times stronger than morphine in providing a feeling of comfort, pleasure, and increased energy.5
Reference:
1. Adrian, K. Happy Hormones, Know the Types and How to Increase Them. February 28, 2025. https://www.alodokter.com/hormon-bahagia-ketahui-jenis-dan-cara-meningkatkannya
2. Adrian, K. Getting to Know the Function of Endorphin Hormones and How to Trigger Them. Alodokter. December 27, 2024. https://www.alodokter.com/hormon-endorfin-penghilang-stres-dan-pereda-rasa-sakit-alami
3. Cleveland Clinic. Endorphins. Retrieved April 08, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins
4. Fadli, R. Endorphins: Their Function in the Body and How to Trigger Them. Halodoc. November 11, 2024. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/7-tips-mencegah-tubuh-dehidrasi-saat-puasa-ramadan?srsltid=AfmBOoqy2DZbIhRoqWY4kFN1kb3DUDcvbBdjLfH9US1O6JW7W8IySc_d
5. Scott, S. The Endorphin Miracle (Anticipate-Know-Handle). Ministry of Finance. July 28, 2023. https://www.djkn.kemenkeu.go.id/kpknl-bandung/baca-artikel/16310/KEAJAIBAN-ENDORFIN-Antisipasi-Kenali-Tangani.html
6. Siloam Hospitals Medical Team. Getting to Know Endorphins as Triggers for Happiness. Siloam Hospitals. August 22, 2024. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-hormon-endorfin