AQA A Level Psychology
Gender - Role of Oestrogen
Notes
Paper Reference - 7182/3
● Oestrogen is mainly produced in women by the ovaries, men do however produce
small concentrations of oestrogen.
● Diminishment of oestrogen levels in women linked to menopause.
● Premenstrual syndrome - linked to mood swings and other symptoms in the weeks
before women go through their period.
● Oestrogen linked to puberty and the development of secondary sexual
characteristics.
● Psychological characteristics include:
○ Heightened emotionality and irritability during menstrual cycle.
○ Caring behaviour.
● Key Study - FINKELSTEIN (2013):
○ Gave men with normal testosterone levels a drug that converts testosterone
into oestrogen.
○ The men experienced a lower sex drive.
Gender - Role of Oestrogen
Notes
Paper Reference - 7182/3
● Oestrogen is mainly produced in women by the ovaries, men do however produce
small concentrations of oestrogen.
● Diminishment of oestrogen levels in women linked to menopause.
● Premenstrual syndrome - linked to mood swings and other symptoms in the weeks
before women go through their period.
● Oestrogen linked to puberty and the development of secondary sexual
characteristics.
● Psychological characteristics include:
○ Heightened emotionality and irritability during menstrual cycle.
○ Caring behaviour.
● Key Study - FINKELSTEIN (2013):
○ Gave men with normal testosterone levels a drug that converts testosterone
into oestrogen.
○ The men experienced a lower sex drive.
