The influence of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, on human behavior and physiology originates in the brain, where it is produced by the hypothalamus and then enters the pituitary gland, and from there – into the bloodstream. Oxytocin receptors are found in various cells of the body.
Oxytocin levels rise during times of stress and social activity. Also known as the attachment hormone, oxytocin promotes feelings of calmness and attachment. Estet-portal.com will tell you more about the effects of this hormone on the body and mind.
The effects of oxytocin you didn't know about
Over the past decades, there have been many studies in which experts have studied the effect of oxytocin on human behavior and physiology. Their results are presented below.
The most important effects of the hormone oxytocin on the body
- Oxytocin promotes attachment
Pregnant women who have higher levels of oxytocin during the first trimester feel a stronger bond with their newborn baby.
- Oxytocin reduces stress
In 2007, scientists conducted a study on mice-voles. Some individuals were separated from their brethren, resulting in depressive symptoms that were alleviated by the administration of oxytocin. The effect of oxytocin is more pronounced in stressful situations.
- Oxytocin Strengthens Relationships
By comparing the levels of oxytocin and vasopressin (a hormone associated with it) in biological and adopted children from Russian and Romanian shelters, researchers found that contact with the mother entails an increase in oxytocin levels in biological children.
In adopted children, the level of this hormone in a similar situation remains unchanged. This is presumably why foster children have difficulty building trusting relationships.
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Oxytocin helps fight depression, strengthen relationships and promote attachment.
- Oxytocin improves emotional memory
Oxytocin makes men's early memories of mothers more vivid. The scientists noticed that the men who inhaled the synthetic hormone had more distinct and varied memories of their mothers. Thus, experts suggest that oxytocin helps strengthen family ties.
- Oxytocin facilitates labor and helps with breastfeeding
Emissions of large amounts of oxytocin are observed during childbirth. This hormone makes uterine contractions more intense, which contributes to the opening of the cervix and the passage of the child through the birth canal. Synthetic oxytocin has been used since the 1900s to induce labor. After the baby is born, the hormone continues to stimulate uterine contractions, which prevent hemorrhages. Also, the release of oxytocin is observed during stimulation of the nipples during breastfeeding. Thanks to this effect of oxytocin, the flow of milk to the nipples improves.
- Oxytocin enhances sexual arousal
In 2001, it was found that after the introduction of oxytocin into the cerebrospinal fluid, rodents experienced spontaneous erections. Also, this hormone is included in the cocktail of chemicals that are released into the brain of a man after ejaculation. These chemicals strengthen the bond between sexual partners.
- Oxytocin reduces drug cravings
Studies in 1999 showed that oxytocin suppresses tolerance to narcotic substances, including opiates, cocaine and alcohol, and also alleviates withdrawal symptoms.
Oxytocin induces labor, increases sexual arousal and reduces drug cravings.
- Oxytocin triggers protective instincts
Oxytocin has been found to lead to defensive aggression directed at people who may threaten a particular social group (for example, when soldiers protect their comrades). The same effect of oxytocin has been observed in preliminary animal studies.
- Oxytocin helps you sleep
In stress-free conditions, oxytocin helps you fall asleep. It inhibits the effect of the stress hormone cortisol and has a calming effect. And there are 11 reasons to have sex every day.
- Oxytocin makes us more generous
In a 2007 study, volunteers were given an inhalation of oxytocin or a placebo, after which they were asked to share money with strangers. After inhaling oxytocin, participants were 80% more generous than after placebo.
Oxytocin improves social skills
The inhalation of oxytocin has been shown to improve the ability of autistic patients to communicate with others. In people with autism, oxytocin levels tend to be low.
Due to the effects of oxytocin, this hormone is called differently: the hormone of love, friendship, affection, marital happiness, trust.
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Harmony in relationships with loved ones and people around, according to estet-portal.com, is a very important factor that helps to deal with life's difficulties in healthy ways and helps to prolong life. And oxytocin makes such harmony possible.
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