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What does the Oxytocin Hormone do?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The oxytocin hormone is a chemical produced by most mammals in greater or smaller amounts. Women typically produce it in much larger amounts, but it is also produced by men, particularly men engaged in amorous activities like kissing or intercourse. The hormone acts as a neurotransmitter, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and facilitating bonding. It may be called the “cuddle hormone” in this respect, because it tends to encourage greater cuddling between pairs since it can make the brain perceive this in a “feel good” way, while stress levels decline.

There are a number of ways oxytocin serves the female body. It stimulates lactation, making it possible for moms to breastfeed their children. It also is released throughout labor, and women having difficulty going into labor may have labor induced by the synthetic form of the oxytocin hormone, called pitocin.

Called the "cuddle hormone", oxytocin encourages long term pair bonding.
Called the "cuddle hormone", oxytocin encourages long term pair bonding.

It’s often wondered why any woman would endure a labor a second time, and here there may be a specific reason, due to this hormone. Even though most women will remember their labors quite well, the details may be fuzzed and perception of pain encountered can be less than was actually experienced. Though not every woman has a fantastic labor experience, and some women suffer from trauma, many women feel joyful or energetic after labor, which can be in part due to the significant reduction of cortisol at the same time oxytocin levels are increased. Interestingly, using pitocin may change labor perception because it is released differently into the body than is oxytocin.

Oxycotin helps women overcome the pain of childbirth.
Oxycotin helps women overcome the pain of childbirth.

Numerous studies on oxytocin suggest it may indicate the degree to which animals will form long-lasting bonds. One such study, conducted by C. Sue Carter between prairie and montane voles showed that prairie voles, which are much likely to stay together as couples for longer, had higher levels of oxytocin than did montane voles. Montane voles are more known for their mate and move on behavior, and are unlikely to participate in raising baby voles together.

Oxytocin nasal spray contains the love or cuddle hormone.
Oxytocin nasal spray contains the love or cuddle hormone.

In humans, it is thought that this hormone helps form the bond between mothers and babies, especially if mothers breastfeed. It may be important to infants too. Some doctors feel that infants who suffer extreme neglect might be treated with the hormone in order to reduce some of the negative stressors neglect causes. There are also questions about whether oxytocin hormone could be used to treat conditions of mental illness or possibly of autism.

Oxytocin helps initiate bonding between mother and child.
Oxytocin helps initiate bonding between mother and child.

Bonds between couples may be strengthened by production of oxytocin, and here there is some interesting evidence. It has long been thought that casual sexual encounters are most likely to affect women in a negative fashion, because when bonds break suddenly, a woman may not be as likely to recover as quickly, though this varies. Part of the reason this has always been argued is due to women’s larger amount of oxytocin. However men may actually produce greater amounts than do women during cuddling, kissing or intercourse, suggesting neither women nor men are exactly immune to the bonding feelings that can occur during even the most casual sex.

Alcoholism recovery might be made easier with oxytocin hormone.
Alcoholism recovery might be made easier with oxytocin hormone.

Indication also exists that oxytocin hormone may be a way to help end addiction. It might help make recovering from alcoholism easier, and it is not considered an addictive substance. The synthetic versions may be difficult to take, and can’t be taken orally though. They are either administered by injection or by nasal spray. As soon as this hormone hits the stomach, it is digested and won’t reach the bloodstream.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon993824

I started oxy treatments last week and had my second shot today. From here on out I will be using the nasal spray. I have been told I have PSTD and I am in a relationship that is not loving in nature. More of a friendship relationship (marriage). So I do miss the cuddling, kissing and just that close feeling you have when you feel connected to someone. Hoping this will help with my depression as well. So far so good though, all positive!

anon292068

This is an anti anxiety medicine that is a very safe supplement which is based on the naturally occurring hormone oxytocin. It is beneficial for the human body and mind. It is especially effective for women’s hormone enhancement and the hormone oxytocin is basically best known for its role in childbirth and breastfeeding.

anon290962

Oxytocin is a love drug, as we all know. It helps in childbirth and breast feeding. It also secures the sexual life of every couple who use it.

I also prefer this supplement in my married life. I have read an article on it which really helped me out to understand about what this product really is.

anon253538

So, there is a drug that can help you become an non alcoholic?

anon253411

Psychologically, the hormone that builds up in an individual cannot make another individual love you by kissing or cuddling, but your heart and mind and what you see. Why do people break up and cannot connect forever?

anon251879

I'm a Phd holder and educated person. I have put my simple love life on hold due to all my levels of education.

I must stress that simple yet consistent interaction with your loved one in intimacy is key to a long lasting relationship. You must learn the keys to your partner. You must communicate to them to find out what their triggers are in this sexually deprived society. What makes them sing in the bedroom is up to you, not their stupid lovers developed because of relationship bonding ignorance.

bkeeper

So there is proof that men can and do become just as attached to women as women do to men -- at least when it comes to oxytocin! Maybe women are just encouraged more frequently by society to express these attachments and feelings.

jriley7

It makes sense that the same hormone released during kissing, cuddling and lactation would help to ease or heal psychological issues.

I have read that this hormone is still being tested for its effectiveness. I think it is a brilliant idea to heal people with their own hormones, instead of using artificial chemicals.

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    • Called the "cuddle hormone", oxytocin encourages long term pair bonding.
      By: diego cervo
      Called the "cuddle hormone", oxytocin encourages long term pair bonding.
    • Oxycotin helps women overcome the pain of childbirth.
      By: Halfpoint
      Oxycotin helps women overcome the pain of childbirth.
    • Oxytocin nasal spray contains the love or cuddle hormone.
      By: kirillica
      Oxytocin nasal spray contains the love or cuddle hormone.
    • Oxytocin helps initiate bonding between mother and child.
      By: id-foto.de
      Oxytocin helps initiate bonding between mother and child.
    • Alcoholism recovery might be made easier with oxytocin hormone.
      By: kmiragaya
      Alcoholism recovery might be made easier with oxytocin hormone.
    • Oxytocin tends to encourage greater cuddling between couples.
      By: mast3r
      Oxytocin tends to encourage greater cuddling between couples.
    • The oxytocin hormone can be produced in the body during kissing.
      By: Forgiss
      The oxytocin hormone can be produced in the body during kissing.
    • Oxytocin stimulates lactation.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Oxytocin stimulates lactation.