Hormones and behaviour

Hormones and Their Functions

Adrenaline: Often known as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone, adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose release, preparing the body for a burst of energy.
Cortisol: Also produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, cortisol helps to maintain fluid balance and blood pressure, while suppressing the immune system. Chronic stress can lead to persistently high levels, which is detrimental to health.
Testosterone: Produced mainly in the male testes and to a lesser extent in female ovaries, it’s known as a sex hormone. It influences body and hair growth, voice changes during puberty, and affects mood and sexual desire in both sexes.
Estrogen and Progesterone: These are the primary female sex hormones, produced in the ovaries. They regulate the menstrual cycle and play key roles in pregnancy. They also affect mood and are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Oxytocin: Sometimes called the ‘love hormone’ or ‘bonding hormone’, oxytocin strengthens social bonds and trust, and is released during acts like hugging and childbirth. It’s shown to decrease stress and anxiety, and increase feelings of calmness and security.

Hormonal Influences on Behaviour

Studying the endocrine system (the collection of glands that produce hormones) helps us understand the biological basis of behaviour. Hormones can alter mood, influence social bonds, and affect our responses to stress and environmental changes.
Hormones are slower acting than neurotransmitters but their effects are often larger and longer lasting. This means they can have profound effects on our feelings, mood, and behaviour over extended periods.
For example, the testosterone levels in men have been correlated with aggressive behaviour. However, behaviour is complex and not determined by one factor alone. Other environmental and genetic factors also play a significant role.
Too much or too little of a certain hormone can have drastic effects on behaviour. For instance, extreme stress or prolonged exposure to cortisol can lead to difficulties in learning and memory, problems with mental health, and changes in personality.
Understanding how hormones interact with the brain and body opens doors for potential treatment and therapies for various mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

All of these points offer useful insight into the role of hormones in human behaviour. Remember to focus your revision effectively and revisit areas as needed.