There is no single "short temper hormone". Short temper and aggression are complex behaviors influenced by an interaction of several hormones and neurotransmitters, as well as brain functions and environmental factors.
Some women feel more emotional, weepy, or irritable when progesterone levels rise (especially before menstruation or during pregnancy).
Most of these aren't unique to women; they are universal for people in general.
Testosterone activates the subcortical areas of the brain to produce aggression, while cortisol and serotonin act antagonistically with testosterone to reduce its effects.
Anger triggers the body's 'fight or flight' response. Other emotions that trigger this response include fear, excitement and anxiety. The adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Once menstruation begins, you may experience other mood changes up to two weeks before your period arrives. Feelings like anger, anxiety, and irritability are attributed to fluctuating estrogen levels that occur during the luteal phase of your cycle.
Common Triggers for Sudden Anger Over Small Things:
Unresolved stress or trauma. Sleep deprivation. ADHD or sensory overload. Poor emotional regulation habits.
Feelings of anger and hostility have been most commonly associated with elevated levels of cortisol. Anger may be exacerbated with elevated cortisol or the “metabolic fuel” stemming from the HPA axis (Kemeny & Shestyuk, 2008).
These studies show a reliable link between momentary increases of testosterone and aggression/antisocial behavior (See Carré and Olmstead, 2015 for a review).
Estrogens can increase aggression by acting on cells in the hypothalamus which is known to regulate other functions such as our drives, hunger, and sexual behaviours.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
These adrenal hormone levels usually begin to rise by 6 to 9 years of age (typically before gonadarche) and steadily increase for more than a decade, peaking in the early 20s. This hormonal system contributes to adolescent changes in skin (including acne), as well as the development of pubic and underarm hair.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — which include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) and others — have been successful in reducing mood symptoms. SSRIs are the first line treatment for severe PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Self-care. Prioritising self-care can help you stay grounded during menopause. This might include setting aside time for relaxation, practising mindfulness or meditation, journaling, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Taking a few moments each day to focus on your needs can reduce stress and provide emotional relief.
Symptoms of high progesterone
Common symptoms include: Weight fluctuations (usually a slight gain of 5-10 pounds). Drowsiness, waking up groggy or tired. Feeling down but not too depressed.
The best HRT for anxiety
Combined HRT with oestrogen and progesterone can help with anxiety during menopause as oestrogen can reduce the body's fear response and progesterone can help with sleep and anxiety because its breakdown products bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
It is supposed that if an imbalance which raises the testosterone level occurs in the amygdala the person will become more aggressive. A study concluded that psychopathy and aggressive behavior are related only to high ratio of testosterone to cortisol levels.
Similarly, promoting dopamine release in this area of the brain boosted hostility in rookies but had no effect on veterans. This suggests that the lateral septum is a key brain site for dopamine to promote “aggression learning” in rodents and likely in other mammals, including people, says Dr.
Testosterone shows the same small, positive relationship with aggression in women as in men. The role of cortisol is unclear, although some evidence suggests that women who are high in testosterone and low in cortisol show heightened aggression.
After the amygdala sends a distress signal, the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system by sending signals through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands. These glands respond by pumping the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) into the bloodstream.
Your situation in life can affect how well you're able to control anger. For example, it gets more difficult to control your anger if you're stressed or you're dealing with other challenges. Your family history can also have a strong effect on how you manage anger and other negative emotions.
Borderline Personality Disorders (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by intense emotions, fear of abandonment and unstable relationships. People with BPD often experience intense anger, known as “borderline rage,” which can be disproportionate to the situation.
People with irritability may react with anger to slight frustration. They have a short temper and may snap at people. Irritability can be a symptom of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, or it may be due to a physical condition.
ADHD rage, or emotional dysregulation, looks like sudden, intense outbursts (meltdowns or shutdowns) disproportionate to the trigger, manifesting as yelling, throwing things, intense crying, physical tension (clenching fists/jaw, stomping), or total withdrawal, stemming from the brain's difficulty regulating emotions, making small frustrations feel overwhelming and leading to "volcanic" reactions that seem to come from nowhere.