For decades, we've been fed a diet of hormone myths – from the idea that puberty hormones only kick in during adolescence to the notion that taking testosterone leads to aggression. But what if these widely-held beliefs were actually doing more harm than good? Experts are now unravelling the truth behind our most common misconceptions about hormones, and it's time we set the record straight.
One significant myth debunked is that puberty hormones only begin production during adolescence. Dr Sasha Howard, a clinical reader and honorary consultant in paediatric endocrinology at Queen Mary, University of London, explains that oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are active much earlier. In fact, a 'mini-puberty' phase occurs between two and six months of age, stimulating the reproductive organs and priming them for fertility later in life. This early hormonal activity can cause significant physical changes, such as testicle growth in baby boys, which is comparable to an adult man's levels by three months old.
Another prevalent misconception is that hormones are primarily a 'female issue'. Dr Saira Hameed, a consultant endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, asserts that hormones affect men and women equally. While women experience distinct hormonal events like menstruation and menopause, both sexes produce the same hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. The key difference lies in the varying levels, with men typically having higher testosterone and women higher oestrogen. Beyond fertility, Dr Hameed notes that many hormone levels, such as those related to thyroid function, cortisol, and insulin, show no gender specificity.
The idea that taking testosterone automatically leads to aggression is also largely false, according to Dr Channa Jayasena, a professor of reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College London. He states that prescribed testosterone, given to men with insufficient levels, is 'incredibly safe' and can even improve mood and quality of life. Aggression typically arises from the misuse of testosterone, such as in anabolic steroid abuse, where individuals take doses hundreds or thousands of times higher than medically necessary.
Furthermore, cortisol, often labelled as a 'bad' hormone, plays a vital role in the body. Dr Hameed describes it as the 'cortisol edge', sharpening thinking and increasing alertness in short-term stressful situations. While beneficial in the short term, chronic high cortisol levels due to ongoing stress can be detrimental.