Don’t Call Me Hormonal

Being called “hormonal” even jokingly reflects gender bias, particularly if it is used to undermine, dismiss, or delegitimize your feelings or behavior based on gendered assumptions.

Why it’s biased:

Stereotyping: The term “hormonal” is often used to stereotype women as overly emotional, irrational, or unstable—especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This aligns with long-standing sex stereotypes that label women as less competent or less rational due to their biology.
Dismissal of agency: Using “hormonal” to discredit someone’s viewpoint can be a form of gendered silencing—a way to suggest that emotions are not valid or reasoned, thus undermining credibility and reinforcing a power imbalance.
Double standard: Men are rarely labeled “hormonal,” even though hormonal shifts affect all genders. This reveals an unequal standard in emotional expression and behavior.

When it’s especially problematic:

In workplaces or public settings, it can undermine professional credibility.
In personal relationships, it can be a tactic for emotional control or manipulation.
In legal or medical contexts, it may amount to institutional stereotyping with real consequences.

How to respond:
You might consider asking for clarification, such as:
“What do you mean by ‘hormonal’?”
This can help expose the underlying bias and shift the conversation.