The Actual Role of Hormones In Teenage Mental Health

Art by Jia Agarwalla

Teenage mental health is closely tied to biology, and hormones play a measurable role in shaping how adolescents think and feel. Rather than just ‘causing mood swings,’  which is the most common myth, hormones interact with brain development, stress systems, and social processing.

During the onset of puberty, levels of sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone increase significantly. These hormones influence the development of key brain regions, particularly the limbic system (involved in emotion and reward) and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning and impulse control). The prefrontal cortex continues to mature into the mid twenties, showing why many teens may struggle with rash decisions and impulses. 

Hormones also affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine, which is linked to reward and motivation, becomes more active during adolescence. This can lead to more risk-taking behaviours as teenagers search for heightened dopamine rushes. At the same time, fluctuations in serotonin, which controls mood stability, create vulnerability to conditions like depression and anxiety. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that around 1 in 7 adolescents (10–19 years old) experience a mental health disorder, with depression¹ and anxiety among the leading causes of illness in this age group.

Sleep is another biological factor. Puberty delays the circadian rhythm by around 2 hours, meaning teenagers naturally feel alert later at night. However, early school schedules often lead to sleep deprivation. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the majority of adolescents do not get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation is strongly associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and problems with impulse control.

In conclusion, puberty and adolescence are times of increased

and large hormonal jumps. However, it is often not ‘just mood swings’ and is instead a complex web of biological changes that affect overall mood and mental regulation.

Written by: Anna Merezhko Prentice