Hormones Significant hormonal changes take place during adolescence. Reproductive hormones shape not only sex-related growth and behaviour, but overall social behaviour as well. Stress hormones, which also change during adolescence, can also have complex effects on the brain and our behaviour (17). Dopamine, often referred to as the ‘pleasure’ hormone, plays a role in reward-seeking and motivation. The amount of dopamine appears to rise during adolescence and then decline just before adulthood. This causes an increase in risk-taking behaviour during this period. In turn, risk-taking behaviour increases dopamine which may predispose adolescents to take further risks still.
Dopamine
Serotonin
7-9 years old
18+
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