Known as the love hormone, oxytocin is extremely powerful and can strengthen several positive bonds between people
In the same way as it is known as the love hormone, oxytocin is also considered the hug hormone, the trust hormone, the hormone of generosity and kindness.
In short, it connects us with others, injects us with the strength that shapes affection, reproduction and breastfeeding. Basically, this hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and released from the neurohypophysis into the bloodstream. According to several studies, oxytocin promotes bonding and other forms of social behavior.
Oxytocin is not only released in love between couples, but in every type of love that exists. For example, the bond between mother and child and great friendships. Therefore, it is the hormone of relationships, which makes a person capable of giving themselves for another, of grouping together, of socializing.
How does oxytocin age the body?
Basically, our body naturally produces oxytocin. Oxytocin is released through neurons and then acts on the central nervous system. It acts strongly on the limbic system, related to emotions. Therefore, everyone has the capacity to release oxytocin, but what varies is each person’s stimulus and response.
How to activate oxytocin?
Above all, it is activated through social interaction or in situations of extreme pleasure and happiness. However, physical contact, hugs, massages, music, reading, sex, orgasm and physical activities encourage the production of the hormone. Much like natural birth, this is actually where the greatest amount of the hormone is released.
On the other hand, loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, sedentary lifestyle and habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, sugar and excess carbohydrates inhibit oxytocin.
Benefits of oxytocin
According to research, among the brain actions of oxytocin there is a positive effect on the development of states of self-confidence and empathy. The higher the levels of oxytocin in the blood, the greater the feeling of well-being and happiness.
In addition, there is good news regarding the possible uses of oxytocin in the treatment of schizophrenia, autism, postpartum depression and even to help with weight loss. But many of these are still being studied.
Negative part of the hormone
Despite having many benefits, it triggers favoritism and prejudice, leading to the formation of groups and segregation. As well as feelings of jealousy and excessive attachment, due to the large amount of affection.
Effects
1- Normal birth
In short, its action in labor is triggered by the pressure that the fetus puts on the cervix, when it enters at the end of pregnancy. This pressure activates signals that reach the hypothalamus, stimulating the release of oxytocin, which causes contractions.
If the hormone is not released in sufficient quantity by the body, the obstetrician may request the use of hormone-based medications.
However, this should only be done in cases where it is really necessary. Since the use of artificial oxytocin during labor increases the chance of complications.
Finally, right after the birth of the baby, oxytocin continues to act in the woman’s body, during uterine contractions, to reduce bleeding.
2- Sexual pleasure
Oxytocin is released by men and women during sexual intercourse, especially during orgasm. It releases excitement and completely intensifies the connection between sexual partners.
4- Attachment between parents and children
Mothers and fathers normally release large amounts of oxytocin during the first three months of their child’s life. However, over time, the child’s smell or just being close to him also easily releases the hormone. It is extremely important to highlight that this does not only happen to biological parents, adoptive parents feel the same symptoms.
5- Breastfeeding
Here oxytocin is essential. As well as during childbirth, it is one of the situations where large quantities are released, as the connection at that moment is very strong.
However, the baby ingests oxytocin through breast milk and, in addition to that produced by contact between mother and child, the bond between them is strengthened.
6- Confidence
When oxytocin is turned on, there is a great possibility of increasing someone’s confidence. Basically, individuals become more confident when approaching other people. Finally, perceptions of emotional expressions and sensitivity are also benefited.
7- Friendships
It also makes it easier to keep old friends and even make new ones. The hormone definitely significantly improves people’s ability to interact with each other.
Therefore, people with autism and schizophrenia demonstrate greater ease in social interactions when oxytocin is released.
8- Stress
In short, the hormone relieves stress, as it regulates emotions and especially mood. In this way, it is also capable of reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and social phobia.
9- Drugs
According to studies, oxytocin inhibits tolerance to addictive drugs, such as cocaine and alcohol, and reduces common withdrawal symptoms.
10- I am
It also benefits sleep, as it increases the feeling of tranquility and this promotes good rest.
11- Generosity
When someone is generous, the hormone is automatically released, and this makes the person be generous more often, as they feel good again.
12- Fidelity
According to studies, the stimulation of the hormone during romantic relationships makes people not feel attracted to individuals other than their partners.
13- Love relationships
Finally, here the release of oxytocin is stimulated through physical contact, looks, kisses, hugs and caresses. This increased presence of the love hormone in the body increases feelings of well-being and happiness.
Oxytocin in men and women
The hormone is definitely released by both, but in different situations. As previously stated, women release greater amounts during childbirth and breastfeeding, while in men the hormone is released easily during ejaculation, in relaxation situations and also in competitive situations.
Did you like the content? so read also: Estrogen – What it is, what it is for and how it influences women’s health
Featured Image: What I Got
Sources: Vittude The mind is wonderful
