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An illustration of hormones in the human body
Image: DWImage: DW

Hormones

Hormones are produced in the endocrine system, which includes glands such as the thyroid and sex organs. They regulate involuntary actions — actions we need to stay alive but don’t do consciously — such as our breathing.

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All Content on this topic

A bald man and an overgrown, unkempt beard

A ba(l)d rap: Is it worth reversing hair loss?

What causes baldness and are their ways to reverse going bald? DW busts some myths about hair loss and its cures.
ScienceJuly 31, 2024
Jugendliche liegen im Gras

Many kids experienced early-onset puberty in the pandemic

In the pandemic, precocious puberty in kids grew more common. That’s been confirmed by data from all over the world.
ScienceJune 3, 202405:14 min
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In Good Shape - Let’s Talk About Sex

Sex is our focus this week. Are men and women's sex drives different? Can you boost your libido?
ScienceMay 31, 202426:04 min
[No title]

What to do when your hair falls out

Hormonal therapies? Hair transplant? Or just go bald? It might sound easy. But the decision is muddled by bad science.
ScienceMay 30, 202418:50 min
DW Tomorrow Today Sendungslogo Composite

Tomorrow Today - The Science Show

Why do fragrances help us learn? And how does electric current to the brain help paraplegics and Parkinson’s patients.
ScienceApril 12, 202426:06 min
Gwyneth Paltrow

Menopause needs a societal rethink

Menopause has been overmedicalized for decades, but experts are calling for a major societal shift in how it is viewed.
ScienceMarch 5, 2024
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Why does the hair turn gray?

This week's viewer question comes from Abu Ali A. in Egypt.
ScienceMarch 5, 202401:55 min
DW Podcast | Science Unscripted

Alzheimer's 'infections' & walking around parking lots

Was Alzheimer's transferred to a handful of patients? Also, a new study shows what parking lots do to your brain.
ScienceFebruary 1, 202414:28 min
A pregnant woman holding up an ultrasound photo next to her stomach

Pregnancy sickness: Major discovery offers hope for cure

The discovery could lead to better treatment of "underdiagnosed and undertreated" forms of severe pregnancy sickness.
ScienceDecember 15, 2023
Same-sex couple celebrate with a kiss

In love? Your brain is mixing chemicals

People go to extremes for love. Science says it’s love itself, a chemical concoction in the brain, that makes us do it.
ScienceJuly 18, 2023
Projekt Zukunft l Liebe

What is love?

What happens in the brain when you’re in love?
ScienceJuly 15, 202302:09 min
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How everyday toxins are a risk to our health

How can we protect ourselves from natural and industrial toxins?
ScienceJune 15, 202326:06 min
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PCOS: The little-known syndrome affecting 1 in 10 women

Infrequent periods and trouble controlling your weight? You might have polycystic ovary syndrome.
ScienceJune 7, 2023
DW Projekt Zukunft Sendungslogo Englisch (Tomorrow Today)

Tomorrow Today - The Science Magazine

Why caresses are vital for our wellbeing | How AI interprets feelings | How cells communicate
ScienceApril 14, 202326:06 min
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Weekly roundup — The sound of grass (not) growing

We have a lot of listeners who know things about rye grass, and one who had a spontaneous one-week romantic liaison.
ScienceApril 2, 202330:00 min
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Weekly roundup — Thin bodies & thin blood

A pre-print supports targeting microclots in long COVID, and appetite suppressants can have unintended consequences.
ScienceMarch 26, 202330:00 min
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Food or flirt?

You're hungry, and you're standing in front of a buffet — when a really attractive person starts flirting with you.
ScienceMarch 25, 202314:18 min
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Weekly roundup — An email from Jim

Has our show gotten worse? A guy named Jim thinks so. We don't know if he's right, but his email sent us to outer space.
ScienceMarch 19, 202330:00 min
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Men want the pill and they are ready to use it responsibly

There's high demand among men and their partners for male contraceptive pills, a new study shows.
ScienceMarch 13, 2023
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Will male birth control pills ever work?

A male pill could become available soon, but an on-demand male contraceptive may have more potential. Would you take it?
ScienceMarch 10, 2023
[No title]

Drunk yourself dizzy? Have a shot of liver hormone

There's a quicker way to make boozed up mammals (like us) regain their sense of balance.
ScienceMarch 9, 202320:22 min
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The birth of a younger sibling is not just beautiful

A new anaylsis of urine shows that primates get highly stressed when a younger sister or brother is born.
ScienceOctober 17, 202222:33 min
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Hormone-disrupting chemicals

More than 350,000 manufactured chemicals are in circulation worldwide. Scientists are particularly worried by hormone-disrupting substances. They are believed to be linked to cancer, developmental problems and obesity.
ScienceSeptember 9, 202207:56 min
Symbolbild Gehirn Nervenzellen Synapsen

How do cells communicate?

This DW viewer question comes from Elvin Kawale from Lilongwe in Malawi.
ScienceSeptember 2, 202202:34 min
[No title]

Your breath smells like ... sexual arousal?

Yes, you really can tell if someone's turned on just by measuring the air they exhale. Can we sense it, too?
ScienceMay 13, 202209:53 min
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Hunger: Are you its slave or master?

Feelings related to appetite can be hard to ignore. But our habits can influence feelings of being full.
ScienceApril 30, 202203:26 min
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What does the liver do?

The liver filters our blood, but it’s also key to hormone balance and immune system function.
ScienceApril 1, 202202:28 min
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Our hormones and us - in good shape

Hormones aren't just important for fertility - these chemicals impact almost every aspect of our daily lives!
ScienceFebruary 4, 202226:00 min
A woman in bed with a smartphone.

How melatonin helps you to fall asleep

Melatonin supplements have become a popular sleeping aid, but what are their health consequences?
ScienceFebruary 4, 202204:25 min
Birth-control pills, intrauterine device and vaginal ring

Hormon-free alternatives to the Pill

IUD coils, diaphragms, and the symptothermal method are some hormone-free alternatives to "the Pill."
ScienceFebruary 4, 202204:06 min
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The power of messenger substances

From food cravings to lovesickness - messenger substances control all the body's processes.
ScienceFebruary 4, 202202:22 min
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Are women more emotional than men?

Men, a new study has shown, are just as 'moody' as women — no matter what time of the month it is.
ScienceOctober 28, 202119:47 min
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Pregnant and I wish I'd known …

Morning sickness, mood swings, weird cravings — there's more to pregnancy than that. DW's Anna Sacco lists her top 13.
ScienceSeptember 10, 2021
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What happens during a pregnancy?

In just 9 months, a fertilized egg cell develops into a new human being.
ScienceMay 28, 202102:54 min
A person standing on a scale

Is a drug for obesity and diabetes coming?

Can the hormones GIP and GLP-1, important in controlling type 2 diabetes and obesity, help us find a drug?
ScienceFebruary 15, 2021
BG Corona Social distancing

Cuddling despite corona

Why are hugging and touching important for people? Some tips for people who suffer from lack of touch.
ScienceDecember 17, 2020
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Which hormone does what?

In Good Shape looks at the function of hormones like adrenaline, oxytocin melatonin in our bodies.
ScienceNovember 27, 202002:28 min
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Hormones - The expert opinion

In Good Shape talks to neuroscientist and author Franca Parianen about hormones.
ScienceNovember 27, 202005:45 min
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Will warmer weather stop coronavirus?

How rapidly a virus spreads depends on external conditions. What does this mean for the coronavirus?
ScienceFebruary 28, 2020
Woman holding a contraceptive pill blister

Hormones and depression: Can the pill lead to suicide?

The EMA wants package inserts for contraceptive pills to include a warning of a heightened suicide risk.
ScienceFebruary 1, 2019
Birth control pill blister

The dark side of the birth control pill

For years, Jasmin thought she was mentally ill. But ever since she stopped taking the pill, she has been doing great.
ScienceFebruary 1, 2019
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Hormone therapy

Dr. Joachim Spranger talks to In Good Shape about hormone replacement therapy and when it's suitable.
ScienceJuly 19, 201807:24 min
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Testosterone deficiency in men

Many men experience a drop in their testosterone levels in later life. Can pills, injections and patches help?
ScienceJuly 19, 201804:44 min
A scene from the movie Nosferatu with Max Schreck

What is it that gives you the creeps?

Ever feel scared of ghosts? We know it's totally irrational, but there is little we can do to stop the fear.
ScienceDecember 14, 2017
Symbolbild Gefährliches Spielzeug

Plasticizers all around

Many plastics have additives that help to make it soft and elastic. These plasticizers are now being detected in humans.
ScienceApril 28, 201705:36 min
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A hyperactive or an underactive thyroid?

Dr. Thomas Steinmüller explains how to recognize whether a thyroid is causing problems.
ScienceJuly 28, 201604:53 min
Aufgeblasener glatter Krallenfrosch

Frogs as hormone detectors

Harmful chemicals in lakes and rivers are often hard to detect. A method involving frogs could help.
Nature and EnvironmentMay 8, 201605:32 min
external

Interview: How to stay young longer

In Good Shape's studio interview with Prof. Dr. Bernd Kleine-Gunk
ScienceJune 18, 201504:02 min
external

Interview: Hormone therapy to fight aging?

In Good Shape's studio interview with Prof. Dr. Bernd Kleine-Gun
ScienceJune 18, 201503:42 min
17.06.2015 DW fit und gesund Bernd Kleine-Gunk Deu eng

How to stay young longer

In Good Shape's studio interview with Prof. Dr. Bernd Kleine-Gunk about what we can do to stay younger for longer.
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