We are discussing happiness this week. Oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin are often referred to as “happy hormones”. When you’re attracted to another person, your brain releases dopamine, your serotonin levels increase, and oxytocin is produced. This causes you to feel a surge of positive emotion. They work together. In this nugget, we will specifically discuss Oxytocin.
Oxytocin is referred to as “love hormone” probably because the levels shoot up during orgasm, hugging etc. Women produce this more than men 😳 In females, the hormone triggers labor and the release of breastmilk. In males, oxytocin helps move sperm.
Structure & Functions
Oxytocin (Oxt) is a hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. In case you are wondering what is a hormone vs neurotransmitter? We discussed this earlier but a quick one here
[ Neurotransmitters are proteins, amino acids or gases. Neurotransmitters are released by presynaptic nerve terminal into the synapse. Hormones are produced in endocrine glands and are secreted into the blood stream. Hormones are transmitted through blood.]
The chemical spelling of oxytocin is: C43H66N12O12S2.
It looks like this
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter and a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus. From there, it is transported to and secreted by the pituitary gland, at the base of the brain.
It plays a role in the female reproductive functions, from sexual activity to childbirth and breast feeding. Stimulation of the nipples triggers its release (now you know why we focus there 😅).
During child labor, oxytocin increases uterine motility, causing contractions in the muscles of the uterus, or womb. As the cervix and vagina start to widen for labor, oxytocin is released. This widening increases as further contractions occur.
Oxytocin also has social functions. It impacts bonding behaviour, the creation of group memories, social recognition, and other social functions.
Some of oxytocin’s possible relationship-enhancing effects include:
trust
gazing
empathy
positive relationship memories
fidelity
positive communication
processing of bonding cues
Oxytocin as a drug
Both my children were born through induced labour. The drug used there was oxytocin. The brand name is Pitocin and it is administered into the epidural space.
Under medical supervision, an oxytocin injection is used to start birth contractions or strengthen them during labor, and it helps reduce bleeding after delivery. Side effects include a rapid heartbeat and unusual bleeding.
If too much oxytocin is delivered too rapidly, it can lead to a rupture of the uterus.
Oxytocin can also be given to make the uterus contract and control bleeding after a delivery or a termination. It can be used medically to induce a termination or complete a miscarriage.
Why love fades away?
Have you ever wondered why marriage is not the same as love before? The answer lies in chemicals.
Love is classified as companionate love aka attachment and passionate love. Attachment comes from the satisfaction we take in being around another person, day after day. Your company right now is enough for me. It is driven by here and now and Oxytocin plays a huge role here.
On the other hand, passionate love is driven by a single chemical, dopamine which rewards us for pursuing things we don’t yet have but that might be useful. Love and sex propagate the species. Those are infinitely useful, so dopamine gives us a buzz when the possibility appears. That buzz encourages pursuit – in this case, meeting new people, flirting, and dating. And the neurochemical buzz of pursuit is intense. And though it's a great buzz, it can be tricky to maintain in a relationship because it fades away once the dopamine hit fades. The thrilling mystery of the unknown becomes the boring familiarity of the everyday and hence marriages feel the way it feels. It is just biology nothing personal :)
If you know this difference, you can lay foundations for a lifelong happiness using Oxytocin.
There are some nuances with Oxytocin as discussed below
The more time you spend with your partner, the more oxytocin you produce; the more oxytocin you produce, the more you may desire your partner. This is why long distance relationship sucks.
Although oxytocin can enhance bonding, it may also encourage favouritism and prejudice. This can lead to the formation of “in” groups and “out” groups.
Possessiveness, dark desires, envy and dishonesty also steams from Oxytocin (the downside).
It is interesting that women don’t prefer escorts but a chosen relationship because oxytocin decreases the novelty of interacting with a stranger.
Oxytocin can only boost feelings of love, contentment, security, and trust toward someone you already care for.
Strategies to boost oxytocin
Enhance human bonding naturally using these strategies below:
Try yoga (have I not said this for every other neurotransmitter as well 🙈)
Music enhances Oxytocin. Doesn’t matter what kind, just listen to more music.
Give and Get Massages. People often report less pain, stress, and anxiety post-massage. Many also notice an improved mood and greater feelings of well-being. My mother is a living example. She has been suffering sciatica and I advised her to go for oil massages and she is reporting zero pain in just one week. I bet the sciatica is still stuck there but the oxytocin is helping her.
Tell how much you care about that person. It is weird but it works. Telling a friend or partner you love them can prompt a hug, hand squeeze, or kiss.
Have friends time in your calendar. Strong friendships can make a big difference in your emotional well-being.
Meditation is your time with yourself. Loving-kindness meditation helps you send love to others and that enhances Oxytocin.
Listen more and speak less. Empathetic listening produces more oxytocin for you and for the speaker.
Cook meals together. Sharing food and making food is a great way to bond.
Give a hug. Cuddle. Hold hands. Give a hi-five.
Give. Do something nice to someone. Altruistic or selfless behaviours promote oxytocin release.
Give love and get love 🤗
🥂 to ❣️!
Yo! Thanks for reading. Means a lot to me as attention is the hardest currency 🙏
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