PSY 450 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Dihydrotestosterone, Aromatase, Menopause

• School: University of Oregon
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 450
• Professor: Pranjal Mehta

Document Summary

Testosterone released in the body in several spurts, regulates homeostasis. Produced by gonads (testis & ovaries) also a small amount produced by adrenal glands. Higher levels in blood and saliva of men compared to women, but women are more sensitive to effects of t levels. For women, the drop-off rate of estradiol levels after menopause is rather steep, especially compared to men who experience a small decline in testosterone. Women do not experience much change in testosterone levels during menopause. Testosterone can influence behavior through androgen and estrogen receptors. Enzymes can convert testosterone to estrogen (estradiol) or dihydrotestosterone. Aggression: behavior intended to cause harm (not just physical harm) Dominance: behavior intended to gain or maintain status (testosterone influences dominance, not aggression per se) John wingfield: the challenge hypothesis (1990) developed to explain the role of testosterone and aggression in birds androgens high with intermale conflict during period of reproduction time (essentially fight for females)