We all hear about hormones in health class, but what do we really know about them? Being “hormonal” is more than just being emotional or wanting sex all the time, although that can definitely happen when you are going through puberty. Being hormonal gets a bad rep, because people automatically assume it makes you moody and miserable, but it’s actually really important because it means your body is working the way it’s supposed to. Hormones don’t just make you horny – they send signals to different parts of your body that help you do things like relax or go to sleep. They’re a complex part of the body and each one plays an essential role in helping you function properly. This, of course, means there are also some weird facts about hormones that you probably didn’t know.
If you never knew this stuff, don’t feel bad. There are so many different types of hormones in your body that it can be beyond confusing to learn what every single one of them does. Whether you’re interested in science, want to get better grades in health class, or are just curious for yourself (which you kind of should be!), this strange info on hormones are really interesting. I’ve gathered a bunch of weird facts about them that will give you a little insight on what’s going on in your body. Check ’em out below, and then impress everyone you know with your vast knowledge (thank me later).
Your Hormones Affect Your Memories
You know when you can't stop thinking about that embarrassing thing that happened in 5th grade? Well, you can thank your hormones for that. Certain hormones can trigger increased memory function, which means you can have a very intense reaction to any memory. Brains are weird, right? Image Source: iStockEating Too Much Sugar Will Mess With Your Hormones
Most girls crave chocolate and other sugary desserts when they are on their period, which isn't entirely a bad thing, but it should be eaten in moderation. Eating too much sugar can make your body resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps your body process sugar properly. This can put you at risk for certain diseases like diabetes. Image Source: iStockFalling In Love Releases Hormones
We all know that being in love can make you ~feel~ things, but this is because of the release of hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which can increase your heart rate, cause a loss of appetite and loss of sleep! It also increases your heart rate, which is probably why you feel so out of breath when you run into your crush in the hallway. Take a deep breath, girl! Image Source: iStockYour Hormones Can Actually Help Protect You From Illness
Even though you might get angry at your hormones sometimes for being unpredictable, they have a lot of physical health benefits. Studies have shown that estrogen (a type of hormone in the female body) can help prevent illnesses such as the flu. Not to say that you will be completely immune to the flu, but your estrogen levels before your period can actually help protect your body from the flu! Image Source: iStockWomen Produce Testosterone
A lot of people believe that testosterone is only produced in the male body, but it actually plays a role in the female body as well. In addition to producing estrogen, women produce testosterone, which is linked to your sex drive. What does that mean? When you produce testosterone, it can help increase your sex drive and even make sex feel better. Image Source: iStockHugging Releases Hormones
Oxytocin is a hormone that is released during any physical touch, like hugging, cuddling, or even sex, and can help you relax and form a bond with your partner. Don't have a bae? No worries, studies have also shown that cuddling with your dog can release oxytocin as well. Image Source: iStockHormones Make You Wet
Yep, that's right. When you're messing around with bae, it causes your estrogen levels to spike, which will make you wet down there. Just think of hormones as a natural alternative to lube. Estrogen is also the thing that keeps your vagina that reddish/pink color. Image Source: iStockWhich of these facts surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!
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