Human Hormones

Further evidence has come to light that social interaction between females can have a massively positive effect. There has been recent news that has stated that women who spend a lot of time with other women tend to do a lot better as regards their stress levels and general emotional well being.

This is not exactly rocket science. Most people know that spending time with their friends makes them feel better. However, a more recent study has found more evidence that suggests that the link between social interaction between women and elevated moods is now stronger than ever before.

A study conducted between Penn and University of California research teams involved female baboons. These are actually quite affectionate creatures as it is, but the study showed that the close social interaction between females in a group did a lot more than just make each other happy, it actually promoted a longer life expectancy in their offspring.

There are direct fitness benefits then when female baboons interact. This is because, the study states, that interaction between female baboons causes a reduction in the levels of the hormone group called glucocorticoids. This particular group of hormones causes attacks on the immune system. When baboons meet up and socialise, the hormone is reduced, and therefore the immune system is strengthened.

The research teams found that the lower levels of this particular group of hormones allowed the female baboons to suffer from less stress than they would normally do. In other words, in potentially stressful situations, they didn’t suffer as much as they would have done in the past.

The leaders of the research groups said with considerable conviction that they have also seen a correlation in humans, particularly women. This all adds up to the general conclusions that being with your female friends means that you have a stronger immune system, and are therefore naturally healthier.