It is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone," because levels of oxytocin increase during hugging and orgasm. It may also have benefits as a treatment for a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and intestinal problems.
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. Females usually have higher levels than males.
Alternative names for oxytocin
Alpha-hypophamine; manufactured versions – carbetocin, syntocinon and pitocin
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. Secretion depends on electrical activity of neurons in the hypothalamus – it is released into the blood when these cells are excited.
Metabolic effects of oxytocin: OT is secreted from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and binds to its receptor in peripheral tissues. In adipose tissue, it induces fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis, and formation of small adipocytes. Small adipocytes increase secretion of adiponectin and decrease leptin secretion, which improve insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscles. In pancreas, it induces insulin secretion via phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and activation of protein kinase C, and regeneration of pancreatic β-cells. In liver and muscles, it enhances glucose uptake by stimulation of intracellular release of calcium, and activation of phosphoinositid-3-kinase (PI3K), calcium-calmodulin kinase kinase (Ca-CAMKK), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
The two main actions of oxytocin in the body are contraction of the womb (uterus) during childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and also increases production of prostaglandins, which increase the contractions further. Manufactured oxytocin is sometimes given to induce labour if it has not started naturally or it can be used to strengthen contractions to aid childbirth. In addition, manufactured oxytocin is often given to speed up delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding by contracting the uterus. During breastfeeding, oxytocin promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipple. Oxytocin is also present in men, playing a role in sperm movement and production of testosterone by the testes.
More recently, oxytocin has been suggested to be an important player in social behaviour.
In the brain, oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has been shown to be important in human behaviours including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety and mother–infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle chemical'.
Many research projects are undertaken, looking at the role of oxytocin in addiction, brain injury, anorexia and stress, among other topics.
- Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released during sex, childbirth, and lactation to aid reproductive functions.
- It has physical and psychological effects, including influencing social behavior and emotion.
- Oxytocin is prescribed as a drug for obstetric and gynecological reasons and can help in childbirth.
- Research shows that it may benefit people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Oxytocin is naturally produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and distributed
- both within the brain and to the rest of the body by way of the pituitary gland.
- Artificial oxytocin nasal spray is thought to access the brain directly through the nerves
- located inside the nasal cavity that are linked to the brain. Artificial oxytocin nasal spray
- has been shown to affect activity in different parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex,
- amygdala, and the brain stem. The blood–brain barrier acts like a protective filter for the
- brain by preventing unwanted molecules entering the brain from the blood stream, but it
- can also prevent the entrance of large drug molecules, such as oxytocin. Small amounts of
- the oxytocin nasal spray are sometimes swallowed, which is relatively harmless. Image
- adapted from Quintana et al
How is oxytocin controlled?
Oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism where release of the hormone causes an action that stimulates more of its own release. When contraction of the uterus starts, for example, oxytocin is released, which stimulates more contractions and more oxytocin to be released. In this way, contractions increase in intensity and frequency.
There is also a positive feedback involved in the milk-ejection reflex. When a baby sucks at the breast of its mother, the stimulation leads to oxytocin secretion into the blood, which then causes milk to be let down into the breast. Oxytocin is also released into the brain to help stimulate further oxytocin secretion. These processes are self-limiting; production of the hormone is stopped after the baby is delivered or when the baby stops feeding.
What happens if I have too much oxytocin?
At present, the implications of having too much oxytocin are not clear. High levels have been linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition which affects the prostate in more than half of men over the age of 50. This may cause difficulty in passing urine.
It may be possible to treat this condition by manipulating oxytocin levels; however, more research is needed before any possible treatments are available.
What happens if I have too little oxytocin?
Similarly, it is not fully understood at present if there are any implications of having too little oxytocin in the body. A lack of oxytocin in a nursing mother would prevent the milk-ejection reflex and prevent breastfeeding.
Low oxytocin levels have been linked to autism and autistic spectrum disorders (e.g. Asperger syndrome) – a key element of these disorders being poor social functioning. Some scientists believe oxytocin could be used to treat these disorders. In addition, low oxytocin has been linked to depressive symptoms and it has been proposed as a treatment for depressive disorders. However, there is not enough evidence at present to support its use for any of these conditions.
Foods That Boost Your Love Hormone
Avocados
The buttery avocado plays a crucial role in boosting energy and sexual drive. Avocados are beneficial for both men and women as they are loaded with all essential fats, vitamins and minerals.
Watermelon
Watermelon is called as a natural Viagra by researchers, as it is loaded with citrulline, an amino acid which can relax and dilate blood vessels improving blood flow to the extremities, leading to heightened sexual pleasure.
Spinach
The abundance of magnesium in spinach lowers inflammation and increases the blood flow, which help men in improving their vitality.
Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect beverage to spice up your sexual drive. The three magical components in green tea such as caffeine-theanine and ginseng help in boosting libido and improve sexual health.
Foods For Her
Coffee is a great drink that can boost libido in women, by balancing hormones and increasing sexual desire.
Foods For Him
Nutty almonds are abundant in omega 3 fatty acids, and they trigger the production of sex hormone testosterone in men and improve quality and vitality of the sperm. Pumpkin seeds, high in zinc too can help in boosting libido.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795.php
https://www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/25-effective-ways-to-increase-oxytocin-levels-in-the-brain
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Metabolic-effects-of-oxytocin-OT-is-secreted-from-the-posterior-lobe-of-the-pituitary_fig1_281393923
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