Hormones are tiny messengers in the organism that regulate different functions and processes. Imbalances or depleted levels of hormones are associated with various symptoms and unwanted consequences, particularly when it comes to estrogen and testosterone, two important hormones in female and male body. Since they regulate our libido, overall sexual health, and performance, it’s only logical to wonder whether hormones also play a role in our sexual orientation. Throughout this article, we’re going to discuss this subject and the answer might surprise you.
Hormones and sexual orientation
Data on the impact of hormones on sexual orientation is limited as this subject is still poorly studied. Recently, the Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology study which analyzed the role of hormones in sexual orientation got into the center of media attention. A University of Cambridge scientist revealed there is evidence supporting a role of prenatal testosterone exposure in the development of sex-typed interests in childhood and sexual orientation later in life. This study implies that hormone makeup in prenatal setting could determine the sexuality of a person later in life, but the author mentioned many other factors play a role as well.
Indeed, human sexual orientation is intriguing, and it’s not surprising why different studies yield opposite results. For example, scientists from the Harvard Medical School and University of California San Francisco carried out a thorough evaluation of available studies on this subject and showed there is no connection between postnatal hormone levels and sexual orientation. They also evaluated the role of prenatal hormones in sexuality. Findings which appeared in the Journal of Homosexuality indicate the available data do not support a causal connection between hormones and sexual orientation in humans.
Hormones and sexual orientation in women
As you can see, while some studies confirm the relationship between sexual orientation and hormones, others deny it. However, scientists aren’t ready to dismiss this subject entirely. For example, lesbians are more than twice as likely as heterosexual women to experience hormonal imbalances, according to a study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting in Madrid, Spain. Lesbian women are more likely to suffer from conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and others, ABC Sciencereports. However, this discovery also leads us to the already-known assumption there might be a relationship between hormones and sexual orientation after all.
Furthermore, a comprehensive study of female sexuality presented to the American Psychological Association’s annual meeting in 2010, showed that an increasing number of middle-aged women are “coming out” as homosexual. These findings raise interesting questions over the long-held belief that the sexual preferences are partly genetic and partly fixed later in life, Daily Mail reports. Reasons, why women change sexuality deep into adulthood, are numerous, starting from the idea that they don’t feel the pressure of society, they develop an emphatic relationship with other women, while some scientists don’t rule out the influence of hormones. It is a well-known fact that in 40s women enter the perimenopause where they already start experiencing some symptoms of menopause while later (51 on average) they enter the big transition in their life.
During this time the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone dramatically decreases, and it comes as no wonder why some scientists believe this process could affect the sexual orientation. Naturally, while some experts believe it is theoretically possible, others are a skeptic. However, at the same time women are also worried about this subject which is why they’re reluctant to receive hormone therapy, thinking it would somehow affect their hormonal makeup to a greater extent and play a role in the sexuality.
It’s important to bear in mind that hormone therapy is primarily recommended to women who suffer from severe symptoms such as menopause hot flashes, night sweat, and others. The goal of the treatment is to regulate hormones and improve your overall quality of life during this important transition.
Hormones and sexual orientation in men
Women aren’t the only ones who suffer from hormonal imbalance. As men age, they also experience low testosterone which decreases muscle mass and has a significant impact on one’s libido and sexual performance. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that lower testosterone levels and higher levels of estrogen would make a straight man homosexual. Although the study from the journal Science showed that a group of homosexual men had been found to have a hormone-response pattern midway between heterosexual men and heterosexual women more evidence is necessary to confirm that biological or hormonal factor plays a role. Scientists at the State University of New York explained that findings they made do not indicate there is a correctable chemical difference in the brain or elsewhere that makes a man gay or straight, the New York Times outlines.
What about transgender population?
Individuals who are in the process of changing their gender i.e. transitioning receive hormone therapies. There’s a common misconception regarding this subject which leads people to assume that purpose of this treatment is switching the sexual orientation. That’s not quite correct. The goal of hormone therapy, in this case, is to make individuals feel more at ease with himself/herself physically and psychologically. For transgender women, hormones serve to make their appearance more feminine, while trans men get a more masculine look. Reports and explanations of hormone therapies for transgender population don’t indicate or portray that an individual will also experience a change in sexual orientation.
Although the therapy itself doesn’t change someone’s sexual preferences, many transgender persons do change their orientation during the process of transitioning. Is it due to hormones after all? The journal PLoS One reported results of the study which showed that self-reported sexual orientation changes are frequent in the transgender population, but they don’t only occur in the context of some particular transition events. Transsexual persons who are attracted by individuals of the opposite biological sex are more likely to change their orientation. However, it’s impossible to tell what propels this event.
Balancing hormones naturally
If you’re worried about fluctuating hormones and unwanted symptoms you experience, there are many things you can do to improve this problem in a natural manner. In fact, healthcare providers recommend hormone therapy only when traditional ways of relieving symptoms e.g. menopause don’t help. Below, you can see different ways to balance your hormones:
• Exercise
• Use all-natural dietary supplements such as Promensil to regulate hormones
• Get some sleep
• Improve gut health
• Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids
• Reduce stress
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Consult your doctor about medications you’re taking
Conclusion
The relationship between hormones and sexual orientation is poorly studied which is why available studies today show contradictory results. It’s important to bear in mind that one’s sexuality is a complex issue and it’s influenced by a variety of factors. That said, establishing healthy hormonal balance is necessary for overall health and well being. In case you’re skeptic about hormone therapies, consult your doctor. Make sure you know all the facts and answers to questions you might have before reaching the final decision.
