Oxytocin is one of the four hormones that make up the happiness hormones. Popularly known as the "love hormone" or "the hugging hormone", but the truth is that it is a fascinating molecule. Its action extends to the brain and body, modulating everything from social bonds to appetite, sexual behavior, childbirth and empathy.
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus. From there, it is transported to the neurohypophysis, where it is stored until its release into the bloodstream. Depending on the place of actionoxytocin can function as a hormone (through blood) or like neurotransmitter (between neurons).
Once released, it acts in peripheral organs, such as the uterus and the mammary glandsbut it also exerts a potent neuromodulatory effect on specific areas of the brain related to the behaviour and the emotions.
What roles does oxytocin play in our organism?
Physiological functions and couple bonds
The best known functions of oxytocin are its role in childbirth and lactation, although it is also involved in couple bonding and reproduction:
- Birthing: At the end of pregnancy, the release of this hormone is stimulated, which triggers and maintains the uterine contractions necessary for birth.
- Breastfeeding: sucking on the nipple by the infant activates neural reflexes that trigger the release of oxytocin, which causes contraction of the myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands, facilitating the release of milk.
- Sexual reproduction: In both men and women, oxytocin is released during sexual intercourse, especially during orgasm, reinforcing pleasure. In addition, it is suspected that in women it stimulates uterine contractions to promote conception and in men it facilitates ejaculation.
- Couple and maternal bonds: Given the release of oxytocin that occurs during orgasm, in addition to sexual motivation for future relationships, attachment to the partner is also strengthened. In animal studies such as prairie mice (Microtus ochrogaster), oxytocin has been shown to be essential for monogamy and pair bonding. It also strengthens maternal bonding. In animals, brain administration of oxytocin has been shown to induce artificial maternal behavior, even in virgin females.
Social behavior, empathy and emotions
As a neuromodulator, oxytocin influences empathy, trust and social relationships:
- Favors the formation of social ties such as those between mother and child, friends or partners.
- Increases the generosity and empathy.
- Decreases the stress.
- Its intranasal administration has shown positive effects on the cooperation gives you access prosocial behavioralthough doubts persist as to its real capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier by this route.
Other functions
Additionally, it has been observed that:
- In people with autismthere is a deficiency in plasma oxytocin levels.
- A decrease of oxytocin has been associated with increased cortisol levels (stress) and less emotional regulation.
- Oxytocin plays a role in the appetite regulation gives you access metabolism
How to maintain healthy oxytocin levels?
Maintaining adequate levels of dopamine is key to good emotional and social health, as this hormone is related to bonding, trust, empathy and stress reduction. Some strategies include:
- Eating foods rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is considered a cofactor in the production of oxytocin. Vitamin C is usually obtained through the intake of certain varieties of vegetables and fruits.
- Practicing exercises such as yoga or meditation to reduce stress levels
- Maintain social relationships, positive and affective and in the most intimate relationships maintain physical contact.
