Which hormones increase with pain and exertion and counteract unpleasant feelings?

• A. Beta endorphins
• B. Cortisol
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (A)

Pain and exertion trigger the body’s natural analgesic system, releasing beta-endorphins that bind to opioid receptors to dampen pain signals and often produce a sense of well-being. This combination helps people tolerate uncomfortable sensations during intense activity or labor, sometimes even creating a “runner’s high.” Cortisol and adrenaline are part of the stress response, activating energy mobilization and heightened arousal rather than specifically counteracting unpleasant feelings. Dopamine is tied mainly to motivation and reward, not the primary mechanism for analgesia or mood relief during pain. Therefore, beta-endorphins best fit the description of increasing with pain and exertion to counteract unpleasant feelings.