Neuroactive hormones and personal growth: associations in Chilean adolescents (ages 12-25) with ovulatory dysfunction

Hormones produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-gonadal (HPAG) axis are crucial for modulating central nervous system (CNS) function and development throughout a person's life. Disruptions in HPAG function can impact psychological development, particularly during adolescence-a period marked by psychological growth and the maturation of the HPAG axis. An early indicator of HPAG alterations is ovulatory dysfunction (OD), a common condition among adolescents.

This study explored the associations between neuroactive hormones and personal growth in adolescents with OD. Female participants aged 12-25 years with OD were recruited, and assessments were conducted to profile their basic hormonal levels and various dimensions of individual development, including self-concept clarity, sense of coherence, self-esteem, perfectionism, self-control, and mood states.

Adolescents with OD (n = 117) had lower self-concept clarity and self-esteem compared to reference data. A significant portion of the sample displayed elevated levels of tension (71.25%), confusion (62.5%), fatigue (58.22%), and depression (52.6%). Self-esteem scores were negatively correlated with DHEAS (r = -0.224; p = 0.026) and glucose (r = -0.249; p = 0.010). Higher levels of free testosterone were associated with increased depression scores (coef = 0.2398; p = 0.002), whereas higher estradiol levels were linked to lower aggressiveness scores (coef = -0.0648; p = 0.001).

These findings indicate that hormonal imbalances in adolescents with OD could affect personal growth. Further research is needed to establish causal relationships between the variables considered.