What is neuroendocrinology?

Neuroendocrinology is the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. This field explores how hormones function and how hormonal processes impact and are impacted by the nervous system. Hormones generally operate on slower time scales and can be released at one location in the body to act at different locations. This contrasts with neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which tend to act more quickly. Neuroendocrinology examines the complex relationships between these systems, for example how hormones like testosterone and dopamine interact and impact behaviors and bodily functions. An example of this interaction is how testosterone enhances the feeling that effort is rewarding 1.