what is love/good behaviour harmone?
What is Love hormone ?
Oxytocin or the “love hormone can help in building strong social connections and healthy relationships. So, know how to increase oxytocin
You may not be familiar with oxytocin, but you must have heard of the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone”. As the name suggests, it is a substance that facilitates profound human connections and emotional experiences. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. High levels of oxytocin can amplify the positive aspects of interaction and emotional bonding with people. It can help in enhancing feelings of trust, empathy, and generosity. This can lead to stronger social connections and relationships, making it important to know how to increase oxytocin
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a natural hormone that manages key aspects of the female and male reproductive systems, including labor and delivery and lactation, as well as aspects of human behavior. Your hypothalamus makes oxytocin, but your posterior pituitary gland stores and releases it into your bloodstream.
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.
Your hypothalamus is the part of your brain that controls functions like blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and digestion.
Your pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of your brain below your hypothalamus.
Synthetic forms of oxytocin
Healthcare providers use synthetic (manufactured) forms of oxytocin to induce labor in childbirth if it hasn’t started naturally or to strengthen contractions. Healthcare providers also use synthetic oxytocin to speed up delivery of the placenta (the third stage of labor) and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage).
What is the function of oxytocin?
The two main physical functions of oxytocin are to stimulate uterine contractions in labor and childbirth and to stimulate contractions of breast tissue to aid in lactation after childbirth.
Oxytocin also acts as a chemical messenger in your brain and has an important role in many human behaviors and social interactions, including:
Sexual arousal.
Recognition.
Trust.
Romantic attachment.
Parent-infant bonding.
The effects of oxytocin on your brain are complex. Scientists are currently researching the role of oxytocin in various conditions, including:
Addiction.
Anorexia.
Anxiety.
Autism spectrum disorder.
Depression.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Oxytocin and uterine contractions
During labor, when the fetus’s body (usually head) pushes against your cervix, the nerve impulses from this stimulation travel to your brain and stimulate your pituitary gland to release oxytocin into your bloodstream. The oxytocin travels to your uterus and stimulates contractions.
These uterine contractions, in turn, cause your pituitary gland to release more oxytocin, leading to an increase in both the intensity and frequency of contractions. Oxytocin also increases the production of prostaglandins (a group of lipids with hormone-like actions), which move labor along and increase the contractions even more. This enables you to carry out vaginal delivery completely.
Oxytocin and lactation
Once your baby is born, oxytocin promotes lactation by causing contractions of the myoepithelial cells in the alveolar ducts of your breasts. These contractions move milk through your breast tissue.
When your baby sucks at your breast, oxytocin secretion causes the milk to release so your baby can feed. As long as your baby keeps sucking, your pituitary gland continues releasing oxytocin. Once your baby stops feeding, the release of oxytocin stops until the next feeding.
Oxytocin in people assigned male at birth
In people assigned male at birth (AMAB), oxytocin plays a part in ejaculation. The hormone contracts the vas deferens to push sperm and semen forward for ejection. Oxytocin also affects the production of testosterone (a sex hormone) in the testes.
How are oxytocin levels controlled?
Oxytocin is one of a few hormones that have a positive feedback loop. This means that the release of oxytocin leads to actions that stimulate your pituitary gland to release even more of it.
Most hormones create negative feedback loops after they’re released, meaning your body releases less of the hormone after it has its effect on your body.
With uterine contractions in childbirth, pressure on your cervix from the fetus baby stimulates your pituitary to release oxytocin. The release continues until your baby is born. With lactation and breastfeeding (chest feeding), your baby’s sucking stimulates your pituitary to release oxytocin to push milk through your breast tissue. The release continues until your baby stops feeding and will restart when your baby feeds again.
What happens when oxytocin levels are low?
Having lower-than-normal levels of oxytocin is rare.
Low levels of oxytocin could stop uterine contractions during the birthing process and prevent milk ejection after giving birth. Although it’s rare, the most common cause of lower-than-normal oxytocin levels is panhypopituitarism, a condition in which all the levels of hormones your pituitary gland releases are below normal.
Low oxytocin levels have been linked to autism spectrum disorder and depressive symptoms. Scientists are still researching the connection between oxytocin and these conditions, and the potential of using synthetic oxytocin as a treatment.
What happens when oxytocin levels are high?
Having higher-than-normal oxytocin levels is very rare for people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and is called oxytocin toxicity. It results in an overactive uterus, causing an increase in uterine muscle mass (hypertrophy), which limits pregnancy due to not being enough space in your uterus to hold your fetus.
For people assigned male at birth, high levels of oxytocin have been linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition in which the prostate, a walnut-sized body part made of glandular and muscular tissue, grows in size.
The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body. BPH can make it difficult to pee (urinate). It affects more than half of people assigned male at birth over the age of 60.
Oxytocin is a powerful neuropeptide or a small protein-like molecule that acts both as a hormone and as a neurotransmitter in the brain, says medical science. It is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.
A happy couple holding hands to increase oxytocin
Oxytocin is called the “love hormone” because of its significant role in promoting social bonds and emotional intimacy, says the expert. When we hug, touch, or bond socially, oxytocin levels increase, fostering feelings of trust, empathy, and connection. During childbirth and breastfeeding, oxytocin strengthens the mother-infant bond, emphasising its role in creating deep, nurturing relationships. It is the chemical that makes us feel closer to our loved ones, enhancing our capacity to love and be loved.
A link was found between oxytocin and increased levels of well-being, social interaction, and anti-stress effects during a research published in the Frontiers In Psychology
What is oxytocin?
It enhances feelings of trust and empathy, which are crucial for forming and maintaining social relationships.
It facilitates childbirth and lactation, strengthening the mother-child bond.
Oxytocin helps reduce stress and anxiety.
It also gets released during sexual activity, so it increases emotional closeness and bonding between partners.
What are the ways to increase oxytocin?
Low levels of oxytocin can have an impact on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. It can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, making it harder to form and maintain relationships, . People may struggle with trust and empathy, leading to social isolation. Low oxytocin levels can also increase anxiety and stress affecting the overall quality of life. Here’s how to increase it!
1. Physical touch
Hugs, cuddles, and holding hands all come under physical touch, which is one of the most direct ways to increase oxytocin. When we hug, cuddle, or hold hands, it creates a feeling of warmth and security. This physical connection signals to the brain that we are safe and loved, which in turn boosts oxytocin levels. It can reduce stress and anxiety, making us feel more connected to those we care about. These small acts of affection can also improve our mood and overall well-being.
2. Spend quality time with loved ones
Spending meaningful time with friends and family can significantly boost oxytocin, says the expert. Engaging in deep conversations where you share your thoughts and feelings fosters emotional intimacy. Participating in activities like cooking together, playing games, listening to music together or simply spending time in each other’s company strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. This sense of closeness and belonging is good for our emotional health.
3. Acts of kindness
Performing acts of kindness not only benefits the receiver, but also enhances the giver’s well-being. When you help others, whether through volunteering or simple acts like helping a neighbour, your brain releases oxytocin. This creates a sense of joy and satisfaction, reinforcing positive social connections and making you feel more integrated into your community. The emotional uplift from these acts can be long-lasting.
Play with your pet to increase oxytocin. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
4. Pet therapy
Spending time with pets can have a tremendous impact on oxytocin levels. The unconditional love that animals like dogs and cats provide, can reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. Petting your cat, playing with your dog, or even watching fish swim can calm your mind and boost oxytocin. These interactions remind us of the pure, simple joys in life and provide comfort and solace in times of stress.
5. Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation help you stay present and connected to your inner self. By focusing on your breath and letting go of worries, you create a peaceful state of mind that can increase oxytocin. Practices like mindful breathing, and yoga can reduce stress hormones and promote a sense of calm and well-being, says the expert. This inner peace can improve your ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
6. Laughter
Laughter is a powerful and natural way to boost oxytocin. When you share a good laugh with friends or family, it strengthens your bond and creates a joyful atmosphere. Watching a funny movie, sharing jokes, or reminiscing about amusing memories can lighten the mood and enhance emotional connections. The release of oxytocin during laughter makes you feel happier and more relaxed.
7. Music
Music has a unique ability to touch our emotions and increase oxytocin levels. Listening to your favourite songs can evoke positive memories and feelings. Singing, especially in a group, such as a choir, fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. The harmonising of voices creates a collective joy and connection that can be deeply satisfying. Music therapy is often used to enhance emotional health and well-being, says Dr Ghosh.
8. Physical exercise
Engaging in group activities like yoga classes, dance, or team sports can not only keep you physically fit, but also significantly boost oxytocin. The sense of camaraderie and shared effort enhances social bonds. Exercise also releases endorphins, which work together with oxytocin to improve mood and reduce stress.
9. Sharing meals
Cooking and sharing meals with others is a nurturing act that can elevate oxytocin levels. The process of putting all the ingredients with care and then enjoying it together fosters a sense of community and love. It’s not just about the nourishment from the food, but also the emotional nourishment from spending quality time with loved ones.
10. Gratitude
Expressing gratitude and appreciation can have a powerful impact on emotional well-being. When you thank someone or show appreciation for their efforts, it strengthens your bond and makes both parties feel valued. Writing a heartfelt thank-you note, verbally expressing your gratitude, or even small gestures of acknowledgment can boost oxytocin levels. This practice fosters a positive, supportive environment and enhances overall happiness.
11. Chamomile
You can also increase oxytocin with herbs, such as chamomile.
Chamomile is a medicinal herb that has been traditionally used for its calming and anti-inflammatory drugs
But it can also help you produce more oxytocin.
Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti anxiety drugs
Researchers also know that chamomile naturally increases oxytocin and lower cortisol
Oxytocin or the love hormone can help to build stronger bonds with people. It is important for your emotional well-being, so you must increase oxytocin by playing with your pet, spending time with your loved ones and expressing gratitude.
Note-This article only for awareness and not for medical advice