Everything You Need To Know About Oxytocin

Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention topics that include prescription medication, abuse of medication, and addiction. The information found in the article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have.

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. This hormone impacts sexual, sensual, and social behaviors. For instance, when an individual is hugged or kissed by someone else, their levels of oxytocin surge. Oxytocin is linked to orgasms, empathy, sex, birth, generosity, breastfeeding, cuddling, and other forms of connection. Due to this hormone's impact on sexual and social behaviors, it is often dubbed the "love hormone." However, there are many layers and intricacies to oxytocin, its impacts, and other related factors that may be worth exploring.

The Production Of Oxytocin

According to the American Psychological Association, the production of oxytocin begins in the forebrain before being released into the blood, brain, or spinal cord. After release, the hormone influences various human functions and behaviors. While oxytocin has many impacts on the body, its connection to and influence on what humans deem love, bonding, and belonging can be interesting and complex.

Oxytocin And Love

While oxytocin's impact on love is not new, the understanding and discovery of this phenomenon are recent. Decades ago, oxytocin was thought only to impact particular bodily functions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. For instance, when someone is going through the latter stages of pregnancy, oxytocin starts to kick in and is released during the child's birth. This hormone is further stimulated to help nourish newborns after birth when physical contact during breastfeeding causes oxytocin to be released.

However, researchers have found that the impacts of oxytocin are not limited to pregnancy and breastfeeding. This hormone also increases the bond between parent and child during childbirth. Despite this, lower levels of oxytocin, manner of birthing, and adoption are not related to poorer bonds between child and caregiver. 

Oxytocin And Bonding

Not only does oxytocin impact pregnancy, breastfeeding, and motherhood, but the hormone also influences human bonding outside of family relationships. While romantic and sexual relationships have ties with oxytocin, so do other human interactions.

There are some existing misconceptions which still exist regarding oxytocin. For example, while the "love hormone" impacts how people socialize and interact with others, it does not force people to forge relationships or connections against their will. For instance, an individual may have oxytocin when meeting someone, but they won't bond if they don't feel willing.   

Oxytocin And Stress

The plethora of adverse impacts associated with stress is well documented. Not only is stress connected with several leading causes of death, but it also adversely affects relationships, work, and other areas of a person's daily life. Oxytocin may alleviate some of these symptoms.

According to one study, prairie voles who experienced feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression felt the preceding emotion subside after being injected with oxytocin. During a 2007 meeting at the Society for Neuroscience, specialists determined that the positive impacts of oxytocin became more apparent when the subjects at hand were experiencing negative feelings of anxiety, unrest, or stress.

Is There A Negative Side To Oxytocin? 

The positive effects and upsides of oxytocin are well-studied. While the "love hormone" can promote love and bonding and ease stress, oxytocin is not necessarily without its flaws. As one study showed, high amounts of oxytocin can be linked to abuse and violence in relationships.* 

In essence, oxytocin encourages or magnifies tendencies to become violent or connect healthily with others. For example, many parents feel the innate instinct to bond with their offspring, particularly after giving birth. The "love hormone" promotes bonding, love, romantic/sexual feelings, and other human interactions. However, if someone already tends to act aggressively or violently toward others, oxytocin can increase their propensity for this harmful behavior.

People who mistreat others may employ various excuses to explain away and justify their ill conduct. Oxytocin levels are not an excuse for domestic violence or abuse. If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788. You can also use the online chat. 

A Conclusion On Oxytocin 

Oxytocin is one of many hormones which can directly impact the human body and psyche. Love and bonding are complex and intricate facets of the lives of many. As more and more studies are conducted to explore the effects of oxytocin, there may be new developments and revelations.

Regardless of one's oxytocin level and hormonal impacts, each person can inevitably experience life's unique ups and downs. Life can be full of joyous times and challenging obstacles. While oxytocin can sometimes combat stress and boost the propensity for positive human interactions such as friendships, romantic relationships, and overall socialization with others, it can be critical for each person to understand that oxytocin may only go so far.

Discover The Link Between Oxytocin, Love, and Bonding

Connect With A Licensed Online Therapist

Counseling Options 

You're not alone if you're experiencing challenges related to connecting with others, parenting, love, or unhealthy relationships. You may benefit from contacting a therapist for further support. For example, many people sign up for online platforms like BetterHelp, which can allow you to match with a therapist suited to your unique needs. 

Humans are wired for connection, and having someone to turn to in times of distress can be valuable. While there may not be anyone you feel you can open up to in your everyday life, a certified online therapist may be able to provide you with a safe space to be transparent. Receiving care from the comfort of your home may allow you to move past anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concerns you might be facing. 

Online therapy can be a viable treatment option for those struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. One study assessed the effectiveness of an online therapeutic intervention for treating post-partum depression in women who had recently given birth. Researchers found that those participating in the online intervention had reduced scores in symptoms of anxiety. They also scored "significantly lower" on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and experienced fewer post-partum depression symptoms as compared to the control group.