
Video Download: Fatherhood And Mens Hormonal Changes
Video Stream: Fatherhood And Mens Hormonal Changes
Upon discovering that they are about to become fathers, men often experience a drop in two hormones: testosterone and estradiol. This happens even before their babies are born, according to a new University of Michigan study.

Past research has demonstrated that men's hormones change after they become fathers, and there is some evidence that this is a function of a decline after the child's birth.
What is unique about the new U-M study is this: it is the first research to show that the decline may begin even earlier, during the transition to fatherhood, said Robin Edelstein, the study's lead author. "We don't yet know exactly why men's hormones are changing," said Edelstein, U-M associate professor of psychology.
"These changes could be a function of psychological changes that men experience as they prepare to become fathers, changes in their romantic relationships, or even physical changes that men experience along with their pregnant partners.
"Nevertheless, fathers' hormonal changes could have significant implications for paternal behavior once their babies are born." It has long been known (and painfully aware of by many husbands) that expectant mothers experience mercurial hormone changes and unusual food cravings while pregnant.
However, less has been known about the prenatal hormone changes among expectant fathers. Edelstein and colleagues examined testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone levels in 29 first-time expectant couples between the ages of 18 and 45.
Samples were obtained up to four times during the prenatal period at about 12, 20, 28, and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Women showed substantial fetal increases in all four hormones, while men saw drops in testosterone (which is associated with aggression and parental care) and estradiol (which is related to caregiving and bonding).
No changes were found in men's cortisol (a stress hormone) or progesterone (which is associated with social closeness and maternal behavior).
The conclusion? It's not only the physical presence of an infant that lowers testosterone Edelstein also said. One limitation of the new study (especially concerning lower testosterone levels) is that researchers do not have a comparison group of men who are not expecting a child.
"Thus, we can't completely rule out the possibility that the changes are simply due to age or the passage of time," Edelstein said.
Reference
Expectant fathers experience prenatal hormone changes
- Everything You Need to Know About Clomiphene - December 20th, 2020
- Women Can Boost Their Testosterone Just by Acting Like a Boss - December 19th, 2020
- Human Growth Hormone and Menopause Management - December 18th, 2020
- Study Examines Link Between Growth Hormones and Osteoporosis - December 17th, 2020
- Menopause Drugs: Study Stokes New Debate Over Cancer Risks - December 16th, 2020
- Hormone Therapy May Benefit Some Women's Hearts - December 15th, 2020
- The Importance of Hormonal Balance for Menopause - December 14th, 2020
- New Study Shows the Debilitating Effect of Smoking on the Brain - December 13th, 2020
- Want to Keep Your Bones Strong and Healthy? Then STAY ACTIVE! - December 12th, 2020
- New Study on Menopause Drugs Stokes Fresh Debate Over Cancer Risk - December 11th, 2020
- Foods and Supplements for Healthy Skin - December 10th, 2020
- Enjoy a Few Drinks Weekly? Beware: This May Be a Link to Poor Sperm Quality - December 9th, 2020
- How To Enjoy An Extended, Youthful Lifespan - December 8th, 2020
- Tylenol Use in Pregnancy May Present a Serious Risk of Lower Testosterone in Boys - December 7th, 2020
- Male Hypogonadism: The Word Men Dread to Hear - December 6th, 2020
- Aerobics May Ease Menopause Symptoms: Study - December 5th, 2020
- L-Arginine: The Key to Both Heart Health and Sexual Health - December 4th, 2020
- Statins May Slow Prostate Cancer Progression - December 3rd, 2020
- Not in the Mood for Sex? Scientists Say “You Just Need More Sleep.” - November 17th, 2020
- Male Blood Panel Work - November 11th, 2020
- Tattoo Safety: What to Know Before You Get a Tattoo - June 2nd, 2020
- High-Intensity Interval Training Boosts Both Body and Mind - May 10th, 2020
- Lipocine Reintroduces Tlando - March 18th, 2020
- Insomnia: The Silent Killer - April 30th, 2019
- How to Understand and Deal with Cirrhosis - April 12th, 2019
- Constantly Tired? Can't Sleep? - March 23rd, 2019
- Osteoporosis: What it is and How You Can Fight and Avoid It - March 10th, 2019
- Are You Constantly Feeling Tired And Fatigued ? - May 1st, 2018
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Dear Patient,
Once you have completing the above contact form, for security purposes and confirmation, please confirm your information by calling us.
Please call now: 1-800-380-5339.
Welcoming You To Our Clinic, Professor Tom Henderson.



Word Count: 392