Oxytocin is a natural hormone made by the hypothalamus, which is stored and released into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. It has several functions mostly related to reproductive health including stimulating uterine contractions in labor, promoting lactation for breastfeeding, and causing the contractions necessary for ejaculation.
Due to its association with sexual arousal, trust, and relationship building, oxytocin is often referred to as the “cuddle chemical” or “love hormone." Levels of this hormone have been shown to increase during orgasm or during activities like cuddling or hugging.
That said, there are lots of ways to produce oxytocin:
“There are so many nonsexual ways to boost your oxytocin levels for greater emotional ease," August McLaughlin, author, sex educator and Girl Boner Radio host/producer told Kinkly. “Try spending time with a pet, listening to music, sky-gazing in fresh air or sharing a long hug with a friend or partner. Most anything that feels playful, meaningful or fun to you is likely to increase your oxytocin levels, but it can be difficult to think of such an activity when you're feeling low or stressed. I recommend making a list of simple activities you love to keep handy for those rainy days and moments.”
Oxytocin and the Brain
Oxytocin plays an important role in many interactions that we perceive as positive such as:
- Sexual arousal
- Recognition
- Trust
- Romantic attachment
- Parent-infant bonding
However because brains are complicated, so too are the effects of this hormone. Scientists are also researching its role in things like:
- Addiction
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
“Oxytocin is believed to foster empathy, improve communication and strengthen bonds between people.” says McLaughlin, “It's also been linked with better understanding of social cues in autistic folks. While these perks won't 'fix' a harmful relationship, they can all benefit overall healthy ones. There is some research that shows negative effects of oxytocin in some people or certain situations. Oxytocin might, for example, lead you to feel more trusting of a harmful person.”
Oxytocin Level Problems
Though it is uncommon, a person can have too much or too little oxytocin, and each of those imbalances has its own set of repercussions.
When levels of this hormone are low, uterine contractions might stop during the birth process or milk might not flow from the breasts when attempting to breastfeed after birth. Low oxytocin levels are typically caused by a condition called panhypopituitarism. For those with this condition, the levels of all hormones released by the pituitary gland will be below normal.
Higher-than-normal oxytocin levels are particularly rare for woman and other assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. When this condition does develop it is called oxytocin toxicity and the result is an overactive uterus. In this case the uterine mass will increase to such a degree that it can limit the chances of pregnancy.
For men and other assigned male at birth (AMAB) individuals, high oxytocin levels of oxytocin are linked to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in which the prostate grows in size, making urination difficult. BPH is fairly common as it is experienced by more than half of AMAB people over 60.
Synthetic Oxytocin
Healthcare providers might use synthetic forms of oxytocin called Syntocinon® and Pitocin® to induce labor, accelerate the delivery of the placenta, and reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
“Synthetic oxytocin isn't the same as the hormone your brain naturally produces.” according to McLaughlin, “Synthetic oxytocin is an injected medication used to speed up childbirth, but it doesn't reach the brain.”
