Hormonal Changes in Teens

Zephlin H. Dawn
Mar 31
4 min read

Updated: May 10

The rollercoaster of teenagers and the irritable and moody role the teen plays stems from hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands. Hormones originate from the brain and nervous system and are released into the bloodstream to target cells and tissue throughout the body because they recognize hormones. They do this with the receptor, which triggers a change in the target cell's structure, located on the surface or inside, primarily to match the hormone's shape. When the hormone hits the target cell, with the correct receptor, it binds to it.

Furthermore, tissues are a group of cells, and making hormones will trigger the tissue to react to the hormone when encountered. To ensure hormones bind with the correct receptor, they only bind when they fit the shape that fits. Each cell and the hormone has a specific shape; this is the lock and key mechanism. Hormones are the fundamentals of reproduction, growth, and mood.

Why is there a change in hormones, and what causes hormone change? There are multiple reasons for hormones to arise and change; however, the most common is puberty, specifically puberty onset, which refers to the beginning of puberty. Puberty onset ranges from 8 to 13 for girls and 9 to 14 for boys. Puberty onset is triggered by the hypothalamus, a control center that aims to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the balance of your body's internal environment, such as temperature, blood sugar, pH levels, and more. Puberty onset or any start to the hormonal process is like dominos, it takes one gland to release a hormone to another gland to release the “final hormone”. For example, the hypothalamus gland releases the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which signals the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH and LH then signal the gonads to produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. To summarize, the hypothalamus gland indirectly signals the pituitary gland to release sexual hormones.

Furthermore, all of these hormones related to puberty develop sexual characteristics such as facial hair, voice, and breasts. However, the pituitary gland also releases growth hormones (GH) that stimulate physical changes such as height, and muscle growth, and cause growth spurts. A melatonin shift also occurs during puberty, which makes it harder for teens to sleep early. This is due to puberty delaying melatonin onset, causing the hormone to be released later at night instead.

While puberty is the most common change in hormones for teens there are many other reasons why hormones can change like the thyroid gland and cortisol hormone. The thyroid gland produces hormones and regulates the body’s metabolism. Furthermore, it can impact your energy levels, weight, and mood. On the other hand, the cortisol hormone, also known as the stress hormone, can increase during puberty, causing teens to endure more stress, anxiety, and mood swings.

What are the effects of hormonal changes in teens physically, emotionally, and behaviorally? Firstly, physical changes include growth spurts, development of secondary sexual characteristics, as well as breast development, widening of hips, and menarche—onset of menstruation—for girls.

In comparison, boys experience growth of testes and penis, deepening of voice, and development of facial and body hair. Another component of experiencing puberty is increased oil and body odor due to increased sebum production. This leads to oily skin and acne as well as an increase in the androgens hormone, which stimulates the apocrine sweat gland.

Additionally, emotional changes with hormones include androgens, primarily testosterone, can heighten brain activity causing increased irritability and aggravation. Shifts in testosterone also play a key role in mood swings. This is done because androgens work with neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, which play critical roles in mood regulation. Another hormone that has a similar effect is estrogen; the difference is that it also targets menstruation. Cortisol, as previously explained, correlates with stress. It affects brain regions that focus on the emotional process such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

Furthermore, behavioral changes from hormones. Androgens and estrogens influence brain regions surrounding social behavior and reward processing, causing teens to be more influenced and focused on peer approval. During hormonal changes such as puberty, you will develop these processes to create a desire for autonomy and independence. As the production of reproduction hormones, testosterone, and estrogen increases, so do sexual and romantic feelings. Troubled sleep also affects behavior. Melatonin release shifts cause a change in sleep routines and affects sleeping patterns.

While hormone changes are common and standard, it is essential to regulate and treat significant imbalances. Treatments and management include lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular sleep. Implementing good lifestyle choices maintains hormones and eradicates imbalanced hormones. Limiting sugar drinks, caffeine, and processed food stabilizes insulin levels and prevents mood crashers. Regular exercise decreases cortisol (stress) and maintains melatonin levels (improves sleep). Furthermore, a healthy sleep routine not only regulates melatonin levels but also reduces cortisol and supports growth hormones.

Additionally, you can manage hormonal imbalances with medical treatment. Although, medical treatment varies and is not beneficial for everyone so please discuss this with your doctor if you are looking into hormone treatment. Its purpose is to maintain hormonal imbalance. For example, hormone therapy is usually provided as a supplement and restores hormonal levels for irregularities or disorders. Medication is also a form of hormonal treatment such as birth control pills, which regulate estrogen levels and can alleviate extreme menstruation symptoms.

However, managing your stress is one of the most beneficial treatments. This can be achieved with therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or participating in activities you enjoy. Furthermore, it promotes emotional balance. Developing coping skills provides you with a healthy way to regulate cortisol hormones. Therefore, maintaining hormone imbalance through various medical treatments.

To summarize, hormonal balance is crucial for development and healthy well-being. When neglected, your mental, physical, reproductive, and overall well-being take a huge hit. Every hormone has a place, pair, and job, and your role is to take care of yourself. Lastly, talk about your feelings and, if needed, get support from trusted adults, family, or friends. Treat your body like a temple; it deserves it. I have explained a tiny part of how much it does for you to function daily!