Hormones and Behavior

We are all aware of the fact that hormones and behavior have some kind of connection. We've heard of women who have accomplished unbelievable feats, like lifting the car to save their baby and scores of other people mustering strength and doing things during war, or dire situations that otherwise are impossible to do. We hear it's the effect of the hormone; adrenaline, which is the fight or flight hormone, which gives the body the unusual strength to accomplish feats. Then, there are the sex hormones that arouse sexual desire in humans. We feel closer to someone after hugging or holding hands. This happens because of the hormone oxytocin. Moreover, we often hear people saying things like, 'You have a chemical imbalance' when somebody is acting vague or unreasonable. However, how exactly are hormones and behavior linked? Let's find out!

Hormones and Behavior Connections

Our bodies are designed in such a manner that they will function to their fullest with the right proportions and mix of hormones. Hormones are chemicals secreted from specialized cells into the bloodstream, from where they are transported to various parts of the body to act on target tissues, thereby producing physical and mental effects in an individual. They are secreted by various glands in the body such as thyroid gland, pituitary gland, pineal gland, pancreas, adrenal gland, parathyroid glands and gonads. Each hormone secreted by these glands have a specific set of functions.

Hormones and Behavior in Children

Hormones and behavior changes in children nearing puberty can be observed by the height and weight growth spurts and the other changes like growth of body hair, pimples, breast enlargement (in girls), change in voice, etc. Even though hormones cause mood swings and mood instability during puberty, they cannot be held responsible for all mood swings. By the age of 13, the hormones settle down and the mood swings experienced after that, are conduced by other factors in life. Children in whom sex hormones are produced at an early age are seen to be more assertive and aggressive, as compared to other children. A study conducted on hormones and behavior, in children stated that early puberty conduced to abnormal eating behavior and anxiety in teenage girls and boys. Teenagers enter the phase of crushes and romance and feel giddy with love due to the action of a hormone, phenylethylamine that rises with romance.

Hormones and Behavior in Women

Monthly Menstrual Cycle: During the menstrual cycle in females, the levels of hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and progesterone are seen to fluctuate. These fluctuations cause various behavioral changes, which indicate that the woman is going through her ovulation cycle. Studies reveal that as women near their ovulation cycle, they will eat less and have a greater sexual desire. They pay more attention to men, become more flirtatious and dress sexier to attract the opposite sex. All this happens as a result of the hormonal fluctuations occurring during the menstruation.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy are also seen to affect behavior in a major way. It causes food aversions, extreme fatigue, constipation, nausea, vomiting, etc. The body releases different levels of hormones to accommodate and take care of the baby, which is why these changes are seen to occur in the body. Mood swings are also seen as a result of the hormonal changes occurring in the body. Pregnant women become very irritable and get angry at even the slightest triggers. They even burst into tears suddenly, after being perfectly happy a minute ago. All these emotional upheavals are attributed to the increased hormone production.

The hormone estradiol, which is the main form of estrogen is produced in large quantities during pregnancy. The other hormones produced during pregnancy are progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), relaxin, etc. Moreover, latest research reveals that pregnant women have greater ability to read emotions on people's faces. On days when the level of progesterone hormone is higher, pregnant women can better identify emotions of fear and disgust.

After Childbirth: The hormonal levels which were seen to surge during pregnancy are seen to fall rapidly, once the child is born. This sudden drop in hormonal level is also known to cause postnatal depression in some women.

Menopause: Women are more likely than men to slip into major depression, in the years just before menopause. Just before menopause strikes, the hormonal levels keep bouncing up and down and gradually the ovaries cease the production of hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. As a result of these hormonal changes, women going through this phase experience menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, menstrual irregularities and genital changes. Women are also observed to be more prone to slipping into depression due to the hormonal fluctuations.

Athletic Women: Research has revealed that when female athletes are in the heat of competition, their bodies secrete more testosterone than in non-athletic women.

Hormones and Behavior in Men

As we observed the hormonal changes during the monthly menstrual cycle in females, we can also observe a similar cycle of hormonal changes in men. The male hormone testosterone cycles every 15 to 20 minutes, as well as in monthly and seasonal peaks and plays a role in erectile function, sexual desire arousal and mood fluctuation, which can differ from one day to another. Though men also have particular times during the month that they feel sexually aroused, they usually work around their female partner's sexual response and hormonal fluctuations. This hormone, testosterone is also responsible for a grouchy boss, a highly competitive hand ball partner and an aloof husband. Too much testosterone can cause men to become very aggressive and irritable.

Then there's the male menopause or andropause, wherein, the levels of male hormone testosterone drop with every passing year, from the age of 40. This drop results in symptoms such as low sex drive, mood swings, fatigue, etc. Men going through andropause also develop a disinterest in the affairs of things happening around them. However, this is part of the regular aging process and is nothing to be worried about.

Besides these hormones and behavioral patterns, there are several others that cannot be penned down here. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by stress, which is why it is important to take care of yourself and get less stressed out. Though we saw that a change in hormone level can lead to mood, memory and behavioral changes, it is important to note that we are not controlled by hormones. We are not slaves to brain chemicals. So, the next time you get angry and sulk all day, don't go blaming it on the hormones! Always remember, we need to take responsibility for our own actions.