“Oh, it’s my hormones” is an all too frequent response that we’ve probably all been guilty of using in an attempt to justify unusual or extreme behaviour.

So what exactly are hormones?  And what role do they play in our lives? 

Simply put, a hormone (from the Greek ‘to set in motion’) is a chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. They are produced by animals and plants alike and can even be made synthetically. Their function is to stimulate cells or tissues into action.

Although hormones are produced on a constant basis, there are key stages in human development in which they seem to attract most attention. Hormones in puberty not only increase sex drive but they also bring with them less welcome side effects including mood swings, spots and painful growth spurts. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can go a long way to offsetting some of the more unpleasant aspects of puberty.

For women, there is the menopause, signifying the end of childbearing years, as the body releases less eggs and oestrogen levels fall. The conventional view of the menopause is that it is a disease that needs to be treated and historically, women were prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT, a treatment to relieve symptoms by boosting a woman’s oestrogen levels. 

Recent research has shown there to be significant side effects with HRT. The Million Women Study confirmed findings from other recent studies that these side effects are substantially greater for combined (oestrogen-progestagen) HRT than for oestrogen-only HRT.  As a direct result of this study, in August 2003, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued guidance that “as a result of increasing knowledge about the risks of its long-term use, HRT is no longer recommended as the first choice for preventing osteoporosis”.

Fortunately, however, there are a wide range of alternative options to HRT for the management of the symptoms of menopause that can bought over the counter, including: Black cohosh, Red clover, Evening primrose oil, Dong quai, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, St John’s Wort and Agnus Castus (chasteberry). 

Regular exercise and a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens (e.g. soya products) may help reduce osteoporosis and taking Vitamin E plus avoiding spicy food may reduce hot flushes. Homeopathy and Acupuncture have also been proven to help.

Interestingly, some scientists now believe that middle aged men go through a menopause, just like women. Certainly, stress can cause men of any age to suffer plummeting testosterone levels, affecting their mood and behaviour. Historically, when a man gets grumpy and irritable, researchers try to explain it only in terms of cortisol levels and depression. However, scientists now believe that testosterone levels are probably falling too, which, as they age, can leave men feeling more withdrawn and emotional.

So, the next time someone mentions their hormones, chances are it’s an entirely acceptable excuse!