How can I maintain a good attitude when I am hormonal?

Answer

Hormones are natural substances produced in the body that regulate and influence the body’s growth and development. Extra hormones are produced at certain times in a person’s life to facilitate growth spurts, such as during adolescence. Hormone levels may decrease at other times, such as during and after menopause. Maintaining a positive attitude while dealing with hormones can be challenging for everyone at some point in their lives.

Hormones, like other natural substances in our bodies, can impact us in both positive and negative ways. One negative effect of a hormone imbalance is irritability and heightened emotional sensitivity. While this imbalance is often associated with females, men and boys can also be affected by hormonal imbalances that might result in aggression or anger. Instead of simply excusing inappropriate behavior, we should seek guidance from God on the matter. What does God expect from us when hormones are causing turmoil?

The Bible does not make allowances for physical conditions contributing to improper behavior. Commands are commands, regardless of our inclination to obey them. We are accountable for our actions, not just our emotions. Therefore, a crucial step in maintaining a positive attitude is acknowledging our responsibility for our actions, even when hormones may influence how we feel. Acknowledging to God and ourselves that we feel overwhelmed can help us regain control. Such honesty is also beneficial in learning how to overcome our earthly desires (Romans 6:6;2 Corinthians 5:17). Choosing to do what is right while grappling with intense emotions can actually aid in our spiritual growth and the development of self-control, which is advantageous in various aspects of life.

In severe cases of struggling with hormones, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Sometimes, there are other underlying factors that could indicate a more serious issue.

Us problem. If a person recognizes that periodic hormone imbalances are creating tension and hurt feelings within the family or workplace, it may be time to restructure schedules to minimize personal interactions. When the cycle is at its worst point, it is better to stay away from people than risk hurting feelings and damaging relationships. The one struggling with hormones can warn those in close contact and apologize in advance, assuring them that normalcy will soon return. By warning those close to us, we are taking the responsibility for our actions, rather than picking fights and blaming others.

Human beings are excuse factories, and, unfortunately, advances in medical knowledge have given us a storehouse full of biological ones. We can blame drunkenness on a “disease,” adultery on an “addiction,” and hatefulness or aggression on “hormones.” God never accepts our excuses, so we shouldn’t either. Sometimes obedience to Him is easy, and sometimes it is not, but our responsibility remains the same. Confessing our bad attitudes as sin “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”, (1 John 1:9), finding forgiveness “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.”, (Micah 7:18), and asking for God’s strength to overcome “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”, (Romans 8:37) are always the right responses when struggling with hormones.