Oxytocin is a hormone produced primarily in the hypothalamus and acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It plays a significant role in the female reproductive system during childbirth and breastfeeding. However, it is best known as the “love hormone” because its levels increase with touch and stimulation. This powerful hormone plays a huge role in relationships and how we work with others.
What is oxytocin?
The hormone oxytocin is a messenger that controls your reproductive system for things like childbirth and breastfeeding. It’s produced in your hypothalamus and secreted into your bloodstream. Oxytocin is secreted when neurons in your brain become excited.
What does oxytocin do?
Oxytocin has two main roles in your body. It controls labor and certain human behaviors.
Oxytocin and childbirth
During labor, it causes the uterine muscles to contract. Synthetic oxytocin is often given to women to strengthen contractions to induce labor if it doesn’t start naturally. It may also speed up the delivery of the placenta. The placenta is an organ attached to the uterus. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby. Speeding up uterine contractions to deliver the placenta helps prevent excessive bleeding after delivery. During breastfeeding, oxytocin can increase the movement of milk through the breasts.
In men, oxytocin’s role is to transport sperm and produce testosterone in the testicles.
Human behavior
Oxytocin’s second job is to send chemical messages to your brain. It plays a crucial role in sexual arousal, romantic attachment, validation, and trust. Because of this activity, it’s often called the “love hormone.”
Oxytocin and depression
Oxytocin’s effects on the brain are complex. Researchers believe that oxytocin may play a role in depression . They are still unsure of the full benefits of this hormone. Oxytocin shows promise in treating depression and anxiety. Other studies are underway to investigate the effects of oxytocin on different conditions, such as:
- Post-traumatic stresslower
- Anorexia
- Addiction
It’s possible to have too much oxytocin in the body. Men with too much can eventually develop conditions that affect the prostate. This excess, typical in older men, can cause difficulty urinating.
Is it really a love hormone?
Despite being called the “love hormone,” oxytocin doesn’t always give you warm, fuzzy feelings. A study has found that too much oxytocin can lead to emotional distress. When you experience a stressful social situation, the hormone strengthens negative social memories in specific brain regions. Just as oxytocin enhances good memories, it can also intensify negative emotions, increasing your fear and anxiety about the future. Researchers hope to better understand oxytocin’s two effects—reducing stress or enhancing anxiety—and manipulate it to prevent these effects.
Is there too little oxytocin?
Science has linked low oxytocin levels to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and researchers believe oxytocin may help treat the condition.
Ten Ways to Boost Your Oxytocin Levels
Here are ten ways to increase this hormone in your body:
1. Physical contact.
Hugging, kissing, and cuddling quickly increase oxytocin levels. Under the influence of oxytocin, two areas of the brain responsible for reward and pleasure light up when men see their partner’s face. But seeing other women has the opposite effect, suppressing feelings of pleasure. Oxytocin triggers a reward system that activates and releases when we’re in a romantic relationship. Physical contact is stimulating. The hormone is released during intimacy, and for men, it only occurs when they’re with someone they love.
2. Words of encouragement.
When we hear compliments, we feel good about ourselves. We believe we are loved and highly respected. The same effect applies here. When we care for and empathize with others, our “feel-good” hormones increase, and vice versa. Words have a powerful frequency. When we feel loved and connected, our oxytocin levels increase. The same is true when we compliment others. The kindness you express to the world also increases oxytocin.
3. Listen.
Everyone wants to be recognized. We all want to know that the people we love hear and accept us. Listening is a wonderful way to increase oxytocin. You can feel this connection when you’re with another person. Listen. Put down your phone. Turn off your computer. Make time for one-on-one time with others. You’ll find a priceless sense of reward. Listening to music or something else we enjoy can also release a small dose of the hormone.
4. Smile and laugh.
Have you ever observed how children play? They laugh, smiling happily. Every time they’re in that moment, they release oxytocin. Smiling is contagious. It’s one of those things you can’t help but return to when it’s directed at you. Research shows that laughter and smiling improve health through many physiological changes. Most of the time, it happens unconsciously. Happy people live for happy moments. Their oxytocin is constantly released. Laughter creates a sense of joy, which is the most important trade-off in life.
5. Meditate and pray.
When your mind is clear and relaxed, your hormones balance. Oxytocin increases when you’re not in fight-or-flight mode. Prayer and meditation allow the mind to detach from stress. It lowers blood pressure and helps the body feel balanced. Mind, body, and spirit find a way to connect. Make time for this at some point in your day. You can do it for five minutes anywhere.
6. Exercise.
Endorphins and oxytocin increase during exercise. Oxygen flows to the brain and other parts of our bodies. Training isn’t just about keeping your body functioning properly. The hormones released into the brain are also beneficial. You don’t have to go to the gym. Walking around the block or doing gentle yoga can also bring these benefits.
7. Cry.
Research shows that suppressing emotions can lower oxytocin levels. Hiding your feelings and not processing them can lead to physical stress and other issues. Your emotional state should be balanced with your mind and body. The release of tears allows the body to return to a state of calm, rather than holding on to anger or frustration.
8. Give.
We feel good when we give, volunteer, and do things for others. Give gifts, give your time, donate to charity, and express gratitude. Gratitude is a huge factor in how we feel. Give of yourself and see how great you feel. Oxytocin creates a feeling of connection with others. Giving is a way to bond people. This is a natural and easy way to increase oxytocin while helping others.
9. Get creative.
Creativity helps relieve stress. When you’re creative, you’re not worried or afraid of anything. When you draw, paint, sew, journal, write, play an instrument, or do anything else that takes you out of your routine, you allow good hormones to take over. Endorphins are released, and oxytocin is recharged. Making time for your talents is essential for sparking happiness.
10. Keep a pet.
Animals have a way of calming us. You walk into the house, and your cat and dog are anxiously waiting for you to give them affection. Oxytocin has the same effect on touching another person as it does on petting your animal. Studies have shown that touching a pet lowers blood pressure and increases oxytocin levels.
To say oxytocin is a complex hormone is an understatement. It plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding for women. In men, oxytocin helps transport sperm and produces testosterone in the testicles. We may call oxytocin the “love hormone,” but it doesn’t always reveal love. Sometimes it increases anxiety and distress, especially in negative social situations. Other times, it reduces anxiety caused by depression. Too little oxytocin may even be linked to autism. Researchers hope to understand the effects of oxytocin and how to control them. In the meantime, we hope this “love hormone” will show you love.
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