Which hormone is considered to have the greatest influence on neural changes?

Testosterone is recognized for its significant impact on neural changes due to its role in influencing brain development and connectivity. This hormone is not only vital for muscle growth and repair, but it also affects cognitive functions and mood regulation. Testosterone has been shown to enhance synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory. Moreover, research indicates that it plays a role in neurogenesis—the process of forming new neurons—particularly in areas of the brain that are important for memory and emotional regulation.

In contrast, while cortisol can influence brain structure through its effects on stress and regulation, and growth hormone can contribute to overall tissue growth including potentially some neural aspects, neither exert the same direct, systemic effects on neural development as testosterone does. Insulin primarily regulates metabolic processes and energy balance, having less direct influence on the neural changes that occur within the brain compared to testosterone. Therefore, testosterone holds a distinctive position in promoting neural adaptation and plasticity, making it the hormone with the greatest influence on neural changes.