Oxytocin also known as the “Love Hormone” or “Cuddle Hormone” is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the hypothalamus and released from the pituitary gland [1].
The intricate dance between this neuropeptide and its biological processes earns oxytocin its reputation as being an essential component of a complex neurochemical system that allows the body to adapt to highly emotive situations such as regulating our ability to love and influencing our health and wellbeing [1].
When oxytocin is released into certain parts of the brain, it can impact emotional, cognitive, and social behaviour [2].
- One review of research into oxytocin states that the hormone's impact on "pro-social behaviours" and emotional responses contributes to relaxation, trust, and psychological stability, therefore reducing anxiety and encouraging firmer social bonds [2].
- Researchers have also found oxytocin levels to be higher among people in the early stages of romantic attachment compared to single, unattached individuals. The new romantic attachments enjoyed a boost to oxytocin levels for up to six months leading science to suggest that the “honeymoon period” lasts about the same amount of time [3].
- More recently oxytocin has proved to have even more positive effects on the brain and has been linked to improvements in self-image and peoples’ perceptions of their own personalities [4].
- Furthermore, studies have shown that increased levels of oxytocins are correlated with higher reports of life satisfaction and lower levels of depression[5].
Science has shown that just 10 minutes of warm physical and emotional contact leads to higher plasma oxytocin [6].
When oxytocin enters the bloodstream, it affects the uterus and lactation[7].
- A 2007 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that the higher a mother’s oxytocin levels in the first trimester of pregnancy, the more likely she was to engage in bonding behaviours such as singing to or bathing her baby [8].
- Breast fed babies also absorb oxytocin from their mother's milk [7].
- This biological anomaly coupled with skin on skin contact assists in building the bond between mother and child [9].
Oxytocin is one of the most-studied hormones in the human body and with good reason. It’s not only good for bonding with family & friends but science is proving it’s an important aspect for your health and may also help improve your relationship with yourself.
References
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Carter, C. and Porges, S. (2012). The biochemistry of love: an oxytocin hypothesis. EMBO reports, 14(1), pp.12-16. [Full Text]
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Olff, M., Frijling, J., Kubzansky, L., Bradley, B., Ellenbogen, M., Cardoso, C., Bartz, J., Yee, J. and van Zuiden, M. (2013). The role of oxytocin in social bonding, stress regulation and mental health: An update on the moderating effects of context and interindividual differences. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 38(9), pp.1883-1894. [Abstract]
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Schneiderman, I., Zagoory-Sharon, O., Leckman, J. and Feldman, R. (2012). Oxytocin during the initial stages of romantic attachment: Relations to couples’ interactive reciprocity. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(8), pp.1277-1285. [Abstract]
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Liu, Y., Wu, B., Wang, X., Li, W., Zhang, T., Wu, X. and Han, S. (2017). Oxytocin effects on self-referential processing: behavioral and neuroimaging evidence. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 12(12), pp.1845-1858. [Abstract]
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Dfarhud, D. and Malmir, M. (2014). Happiness & Health: The Biological factrs-Systeim Review Article. Iran J Public Health, 43(11), pp1468-1477. [Full Text]
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Light, K. C., Grewen, K. M., & Amico, J. A. (2005). More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biological Psychology, 69(1), 5–21. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.11.002 [Abstract]
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Prevost, M., Zelkowitz, P., Tulandi, T., Hayton, B., Feeley, N., Carter, C., Joseph, L., Pournajafi-Nazarloo, H., Yong Ping, E., Abenhaim, H. and Gold, I. (2014). Oxytocin in Pregnancy and the Postpartum: Relations to Labor and Its Management. Frontiers in Public Health, 2. [Full Text]
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Bick, J. and Dozier, M. (2010). Mothers' concentrations of oxytocin following close, physical interactions with biological and nonbiological children. Developmental Psychobiology, 52(1), pp.100-107. [Abstract]
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Moberg, K. and Prime, D. (2013). Oxytocin effects in mother and infants during breastfeeding. Infant, pp. 201-206. [Full Text]
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