Understanding & Controlling Aggression | Huberman Lab Essentials

The gist

1. Estrogen, not testosterone, activates aggression circuits in the brain; testosterone only plays a role after converting to estrogen.
2. High cortisol and low serotonin push the brain toward reactive aggression, and shorter days make this worse by altering both chemicals.
3. Huberman says a 20-minute sauna at 80 to 100 degrees Celsius or morning sunlight can lower cortisol and reduce aggressive impulses.
4. Huberman says ashwagandha cuts cortisol effectively but should be used for no longer than 2 weeks at a time to protect other hormones.