What Are the Different Effects Endorphins Have on Men and Women From Exercise?

Men and women may be different in a lot of ways, but both respond positively when it comes to raising their mood through exercise. Both men and women get a mood boost when endorphins increase during exercise. But women are the lucky ones, because they benefit slightly more than men overall.

  1. Endorphins

    • When you work out, your body releases a chemical called endorphins. Your brain has neuron receptors that react with endorphins to produce pleasurable feelings. In general, endorphins can cause a feeling of pleasure or contentment, similar to morphine except without the addiction. They also reduce the brain's sensation of pain and can act as mild sedatives. In fact, the runner's high feeling that some runners experience while exercising is a result of endorphins in the brain.

    Men and Women

    • Both men and women benefit from the endorphin-raising side effect of exercise. In general, men have higher endorphin levels than women. But when both are exercising, their endorphin levels can be similar. Because women raise their endorphin levels more, they may experience slightly better sensations than men. But both genders experience a lessening of depression when they exercise. In fact, people suffering from depression -- even major depression -- can lift their depression with exercise just as well as with antidepressants. For both men and women, the groups who exercise are also less likely to relapse into depression later. Just 30 minutes of brisk, cardio exercise three times a week can bring this result.

    PMS

    • Women get an added benefit from the exercise-based endorphin release of lessening emotional PMS symptoms. Female athletes tend to suffer fewer PMS symptoms. The rush of endorphins, combined with increased hormone levels in the blood, can lift the mood and counteract the mood swings and depression that can accompany PMS. The sedative effect from endorphins released during exercise can also counteract stress. Women who are stressed are at higher risk of suffering emotional PMS symptoms.

    Pregnancy

    • Women also enjoy reduced problems during pregnancy, thanks to the release of endorphins from exercise. This is one of the reasons why pregnant women are encouraged to continue light exercise throughout their pregnancy, as long as they aren't high-risk due to other health issues. Endorphins help pregnant women experience fewer mood swings, sleep better and feel more content in general. Anxiety, mood disruptions and insomnia are all problems that many pregnant women face.