Hormones are a class of signaling molecules that exist in all multi-cell organisms and, in humans, include commonly-known examples like melatonin, testosterone , and cortisol. They influence the health and functioning of the body and brain in a wide variety of ways; on a psychological level, they affect mood, how we behave, who we’re attracted to (or not), and more.
Hormones and Everyday Life
Hormones are silent drivers of behavior and personality , and their molecular fingerprints are on countless day-to-day activities and occurrences, ranging from attraction to appetite. Decades of biological and psychological research have found that certain hormones are associated with specific traits, emotions, and behaviors, but in reality, the human endocrine system is so complex that the same chemical may behave radically differently from person to person. Hormones affect people in different ways throughout their lives, and hormone levels can spike dramatically at physical or emotional transitions. New parents are slammed with a rush of hormones, for instance, as are rookie players on sports teams and tweens entering middle school.
Hormones affect behavior in myriad, complex ways that are often dependent on the situation. Testosterone, for example, has been linked to aggressive or antisocial behavior and competitiveness in situations that call for it. On the other hand, in non-competitive situations, testosterone has been associated with protectiveness , generosity , and prosocial behavior.
Hormones have a hand in aggression, dominance, risk-aversion, warmth, generosity, and other elements that determine how someone behaves, thinks, and feels. Hormones’ connection to personality models such as the Big 5 is less clear, though some studies have found, for instance, that higher levels of testosterone and dopamine are both linked to greater extraversion .
Surges in hormones like oxytocin and dopamine can drive feelings of happiness , contentment, or excitement, while drops in hormones like estrogen and progesterone may trigger negatively charged mood swings. Dips in testosterone may correlate with low mood; excessive testosterone may trigger rage or aggression.
Explore More About Hormones
For a comprehensive understanding of hormones, read our complete guide: