Which hormones can affect the female brain and behaviour?
Hormones are a natural chemical formed in the body that acts to control or regulate specific physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The female body contains many hormones including: • Oestrogen – the number 1 female hormone • Progesterone – the hormone that reverses the effects of oestrogen • Testosterone – the masculine hormone • Oxytocin – the nurturing hormone • Cortisol – the stress hormone • Vasopressin – the brother to testosterone and oxytocin • DHEA – also called “the mother hormone” • Androstenedione – the mother of testosterone in the ovaries • Allopregnenolone – the calming, soothing, anti-stress hormone When any of these hormones are present in too high or low concentrations symptoms of hormone imbalance may be exhibited.
