Endorphins and other endogenous opioids appear to be the
connecting link between reproductive functions and stress
adaption of the human organism. This book contains the con-
tributions of an international group of biologists, bioche-
mists, and endocrinologists on the opioidergic control me-
chanisms in reproduction and stress physiology. Main topics
covered are: endogeneous opioids and the pituitary-gonadal
system, ovarian endorphinsecretion, pregnancy-associated
changes of plasma endorphin, and opioid control of the hypo-
thalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Although all chapters give
an excellent review on various studies in basic opioid re-
search, there are numerous clinical implications mentioned
in this book.