Are Hormones And Anger Related

Everybody has experienced anger. This feeling is characterised by antagonism toward someone or something you believe has intentionally wronged you.

Anger can have positive effects. For instance, it might give you a way to express your negative emotions or inspire you to solve issues.

However, being overly angry can be problematic. Anger impairs your physical and mental health by raising blood pressure and causing other physical changes, making it difficult to think clearly.

Anger, like almost every other emotion we experience, is linked to hormones.

Hormones and anger: the relationship

When we are angry, our heart rate, arterial tension, and testosterone (male hormone) production all increase, while cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases and the left hemisphere of our brain becomes more stimulated. but let us dive deeper to link hormonal changes with anger.¹

How do hormones affect anger?

Every emotion is unique and anger makes people do irrational things, but sometimes it’s hard to control our emotions. Stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, testosterone, and cortisol are released by the body when a person is angry. Let's discuss hormones and the functions they play in our bodies.

• Testosterone- A hormone called testosterone is present in both humans and other animals. In men, testosterone is primarily produced in the testicles. Though in much smaller amounts, testosterone is also produced by women's ovaries

During puberty, testosterone production begins to rise significantly, and it then starts to decline around the age of 30.

The main reason testosterone by itself can cause aggression occurs when the levels are too high. Testosterone activates the subcortical areas of the brain to produce aggression. Aggression and high testosterone levels can also occur in females receiving testosterone therapy.²

• Adrenaline - Control is one of the main responses to anxiety. The body's chemistry returns to normal after the threat has been removed

What occurs when the perceived or actual threat continues and we feel trapped? Of course, this results in the release of even more hormones and the sensation of anger. Anxiety and anger are one and the same. Your body is making an effort to make you work harder to regain control. Anxiety with a chemical boost is anger. Every cell in your body is also impacted by adrenaline, and each organ system responds differently to it.³

• Noradrenaline(norepinephrine)-  Fear and anger are classified as one core emotion—the stressful emotion—like two sides of the same coin. Norepinephrine (NE), which is responsible for these emotions, causes the "fight or flight" response⁴

• Cortisol-The stress hormone cortisol is a steroid hormone that increases blood sugar levels (glucose), improves how well your brain uses glucose and increases the availability of compounds that help tissues heal. Additionally, cortisol suppresses bodily processes that, in a fight-or-flight situation, would be unnecessary or harmful. Cortisol levels being high have most frequently been linked to feelings of hostility and anger⁵ 

What triggers hormonal anger? 

The way we interpret and respond to particular situations is what leads to feelings of anger. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances that set them off, but some typical ones include:

• being assaulted or threatened
• frustration or helplessness, feeling invalidated or unfairly treated, or like others don't value our feelings or possessions

People interpret events differently, so a situation that incenses you might not incense someone else at all (for example, other reactions could include annoyance, hurt or amusement). But just because we all have our own interpretations of events doesn't necessarily mean that your interpretation is incorrect if you become irate. 

Your body may react as the levels of your reproductive hormones change with unpredictable hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood swings. These mood swings can occasionally manifest as intense, abrupt feelings of panic, anxiety, or anger. Perimenopause or menopause-related factors may contribute to anger. 

Perimenopause and menopause are typical stages of ageing for many women. Menopause-related factors may contribute to feelings of rage. Your mood may be significantly affected by menopause's hormonal changes as well as its side effects. It's common to go through mood changes, feelings of sadness, and even rage during this time. In fact, according to one study, irritability is the most prevalent symptom in 70% of women.⁶ 

Is hormonal anger common?

The short answer to this question is yes. A hormonal imbalance will most likely occur at least once or twice in a person's lifetime. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and ageing, hormonal imbalances are more prevalent. However, some people deal with persistent, erratic hormonal imbalances. Given that hormones and anger are related, it makes sense to say that hormonal anger is widespread.⁷

Ways to Manage and treat hormonal anger

Consume a healthy diet

Your hormone levels are significantly influenced by your diet. You'll feel better and maintain strong bones by including foods high in vitamin D, calcium, and iron.

Regular exercise

Your mood can be improved by exercise by triggering endorphin hormones. Cardio is still crucial for your long-term health since you are more at risk for heart disease after menopause.

Transform rage into something productive

Perceived control over your symptoms, according to researchers in one clinical trial Source, may be a sign of symptom severity. That may be the reason why some people find it beneficial to find a constructive outlet for their intense emotions.

Practice stress management, mindfulness, and meditation

You can regain a sense of positive awareness and control over your symptoms with the aid of mindfulness and meditation. Embrace the present. Pay attention to what your senses are currently telling you.⁸

Summary

It can be difficult to learn how to control your anger at times. Every emotion is different, especially when it results from hormonal imbalance, but anger makes it challenging to experience other emotions. If your anger seems out of control, makes you do things you regret, or hurts those around you, consult your physician.