Essentials: How Hormones Shape Sexual Development

from Huberman Lab

by Scicomm Media

Published: Thu Feb 13 2025

Show Notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the crucial role hormones play in shaping the sexual development of both the brain and body.

I discuss how biological masculinization and feminization depend on factors such as genetics, hormone ratios, and receptor availability. I also explore how hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and other steroid hormones influence sexual characteristics and brain development. Additionally, I examine the impact of environmental factors—such as herbicides like atrazine, cannabis, alcohol, and even cell phones—on hormone function and reproductive health.

Read the full episode show notes, including referenced articles, resources, and people mentioned at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hubermanlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Timestamps

Huberman Lab Essentials; Hormones, Sexual Development

Chromosomal Sex, Gonadal Sex, Hormonal Sex, Morphology

Sponsor: Function

Steroid Hormones, Sexual Characteristics

Primary & Secondary Sexual Characteristics, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Kisspeptin

Masculinization of Brain, Estrogen