How do hormone fluctuations affect women?

Severe hormone fluctuations affect both men and women but at different frequency and severity levels throughout life. Neuropsychiatrist Louann Brizendine, MD, discusses the issue and the role of hormones.

Transcript

00:00

There are many times in a female's life that you get these large fluctuations. In the male's life, it's only usually between age 9 and 15.

00:08

All of you guys have an increase in testosterone-- about, you know, 250%. [GENTLE MUSIC]

00:29

My specialization is in the effects of hormones on behavior, and particularly the sex hormones

00:38

like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. And the fluctuation of those hormones in the female brain

00:45

are part of what makes what we commonly call PMS happen.

00:53

So about 80%, 85% of women get a fluctuation in their mood during the menstrual cycle or postpartum

01:02

when there is about a 100,000 level drop in hormones on the day of birth.

01:10

There are many times in a female's life that you get these large fluctuations. In the male's life, it's only usually between age 9 and 15.

01:19

All of you guys have an increase in testosterone-- about, you know, 250%.