by: Lisa Mathis, FNP-BC
Endorphins are often referred to as the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. These naturally occurring neurotransmitters are produced by the brain and nervous system and are well known for promoting pleasure, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being. While pleasure and pain relief are often associated with medications or external substances, endorphins provide a powerful, natural alternative—along with a wide range of health benefits.
Endorphins are a group of peptides that function as neurotransmitters. They are produced primarily by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland, especially in response to pain, stress, and physical activity. The term endorphin comes from “endogenous morphine,” reflecting their natural ability to relieve pain and induce pleasurable sensations. (1)
Much like opioid medications, endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain. This interaction blocks pain signals and stimulates dopamine release, resulting in feelings of pleasure or even euphoria. Unlike pharmaceutical opioids, however, endorphins are produced safely and naturally by the body and do not carry the risks of addiction or harmful side effects.
Common triggers for endorphin release include exercise (often referred to as the “runner’s high”), laughter, eating certain foods such as chocolate or spicy peppers, listening to music, social connection, and sexual activity. As healthcare providers, we should explain these mechanisms to our patients and emphasize their proven benefits. Movement and physical activity that stimulate endorphin release have been shown to reduce chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Sex hormones also play a significant role in the blissful feeling many people experience after sexual activity. Experts believe that endorphins promote the release of additional hormones involved in bonding, pleasure, and feelings of love. (2)
Health Benefits of Endorphins
Pain relief:
Endorphins act as powerful natural painkillers, helping reduce discomfort during injury, exercise, and physical stress—without the risks associated with pharmaceutical pain medications.
Stress reduction:
Elevated endorphin levels counteract stress hormones, promoting relaxation and emotional resilience.
Immune system support:
Research suggests that endorphins may help regulate immune function, making the body more effective at fighting illness. During flu season, it is important for providers to understand that while endorphins are not antiviral agents, they support the body’s ability to cope with illness by reducing pain, lowering stress, and potentially modulating immune responses. Activities such as moderate exercise, which increase endorphin release, may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
Improved mood:
By promoting feelings of happiness and pleasure, endorphins can help combat depression and anxiety. Encouraging patients to stay active and spend time outdoors can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic depression.
Better sleep:
The relaxation and sense of well-being associated with endorphins may contribute to improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia.
Enhanced cognitive function:
Positive mood and reduced stress support concentration, memory, and overall brain health.
Clinical Implications and Patient Education
As advanced practice providers, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to give patients the tools and education they need to harness the benefits of endorphins. Encouraging regular physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling is one of the most effective ways to increase endorphin production. Patients experiencing anxiety, chronic pain, or even substance use disorders may benefit from exercise as a way to reduce cravings, tension, and emotional distress.
Laughter is another powerful endorphin trigger. While it may be difficult to “laugh on demand,” recommending a comedy show, humorous podcast, or funny movie can help patients achieve a genuine, therapeutic belly laugh.
Other effective strategies include:
In an era of polypharmacy, it is worth pausing before writing another prescription and asking: Is there a non-pharmacologic alternative that could help this patient? For example, when a patient presents with joint pain and stiffness and requests pain medication, providers can use evidence-based data to support an exercise program aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. Exercise, music, and social engagement all stimulate endorphin release and may significantly improve symptoms.
Similarly, patients experiencing depression or anxiety may benefit from education about endorphins and lifestyle-based interventions. Any time we can avoid adding another medication, it is a win for the patient’s overall health.
Evidence Supporting Endorphin-Mediated Pain Relief
Extensive research supports the powerful analgesic effects of endorphins. If patients are skeptical, providers should be prepared to present the data. Studies demonstrate that endorphin-mediated pain relief can be profound. Current evidence suggests that orgasm and sexual stimulation can significantly reduce labor pain by triggering the release of endorphins and oxytocin, both of which increase pain thresholds. Labor is widely regarded as one of the most painful experiences humans endure.
Research indicates that stimulation of the vagina or clitoris can block pain signals at the spinal cord level. Although rare—estimated at approximately 0.3% of births—this phenomenon highlights the shared neural pathways between pleasure and pain. A preliminary 2025 study found that 86.2% of participants reported pain relief when using a clitoral vibration device during labor, supporting its potential role in pain management. (3)
Final Thoughts
While patients may initially be hesitant to adopt these strategies, over time many come to recognize their benefits. Marathon runners often describe an “addiction” to running due to the euphoric high it produces. The challenge lies in helping patients become willing to try new approaches and understand their value.
Providing resources in the clinical setting—such as information about local YMCAs, fitness programs, clubs, or group activities—can help encourage participation and long-term habit formation. When patients learn to harness what their bodies can naturally provide, the results can be transformative.
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." – Dolly Parton
1-Endorphins- Boosting your mood the natural way: nationwidechildrens.org/family-resourceseducation/700childrens/2023/01/endorphins#:~:text=Endorphins%20are%20released%20when%20you%20do%20something,with%20a%20friend%20*%20Laughing%20out%20loud
2-Endorphin-The Brains natural pain killer https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/endorphins-the-brains-natural-pain-reliever
3-Orgasmic Labor and Birth: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/orgasmic-birth#is-it-for-you