How does oxytocin affect the body

It is not only important to investigate the mechanisms underlying disease but also to examine the physiological and psychological mechanisms which protect and heal the body and soul. The nonapeptide oxytocin, originally known to stimulate labour and milk ejection, appears to play an important role in this regard.

Oxytocin can induce anti-stress-like effects such as reduction of blood pressure and cortisol levels. It increases pain thresholds, exerts an anxiolytic-like effect and stimulates various types of positive social interaction. The effect of oxytocin on the brain is complex.

Current research is focused on examining the role of oxytocin in various disorders including addiction, depression , post-traumatic stress, anxiety and anorexia.

Oxytocin production and secretion is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism where release of the hormone causes an action that stimulates more of its own release.

For example, when contraction of the uterus starts during childbirth, oxytocin is released. This stimulates more contractions and more oxytocin to be released.

In this way, contractions increase in intensity and frequency. There is also a positive feedback involved in the milk-ejection reflex. Stimulation of the nipple during breastfeeding leads to increased oxytocin production and secretion into the blood, which then causes milk to be let down into the breast. The positive feedback cycle is maintained until the baby stops suckling. The production of oxytocin during childbirth is also self-limiting; release of the hormone is stopped once the baby is delivered.

At present, the implications of having too much oxytocin are not clear. This may cause difficulty in passing urine. The study, presented at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, indicated the hormone's effects were more evident under stressful situations. A November study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences supported researchers' theory that oxytocin would amplify men's early memories of their mothers.

In a group of 31 men, those who inhaled a synthetic version of the hormone found the hormone intensified fond memories of their mothers if their relationships had been positive. Those whose ties with their mom's had frayed downgraded their opinions after inhaling oxytocin, the study showed.

In its best understood role, oxytocin is released in large amounts during labor, intensifying the uterine contractions that open the cervix and allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Physicians have been using synthetic oxytocin, also known by its brand name Pitocin, to induce or augment labor since the early s. After birth, the hormone continues to stimulate uterine contractions that discourage hemorrhaging, and more is released when the nipples are stimulated during suckling, promoting the letdown of milk into the nipples.

Spontaneous erections in rats were observed after oxytocin was injected into their cerebrospinal fluid in a study in the journal Physiological Review. And a cocktail of brain chemicals that includes oxytocin is released in men during ejaculation. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal. Using breast milk for eczema is a popular home remedy.

Here's what the research says about acupuncture for your morning sickness. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. And 11 Other FAQs. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is it? What does oxytocin have to do with love? Some of these include: trust gazing empathy positive relationship memories fidelity positive communication processing of bonding cues. What exactly is oxytocin? Does your body produce oxytocin naturally?

How is it connected to dopamine and serotonin? How can oxytocin positively affect your emotions? One review of research suggests that oxytocin has a positive impact on social behaviors related to: relaxation trust overall psychological stability The hormone has also been shown to decrease stress and anxiety levels when released into certain parts of the brain.

How can oxytocin positively affect your behaviors? Oxytocin plays several important roles in motherhood. Labor The hormone signals the uterus to contract, beginning labor. Bonding Human and animal studies on the effects of oxytocin on the mother-child bond have found that mothers with higher levels are more likely to engage in affectionate parenting behaviors, including: frequent checking in on baby affectionate touch singing or speaking to baby in certain way grooming and bathing behaviors Some research suggests that babies who receive this type of parenting experience a boost of oxytocin that makes them seek more contact with their mother, further strengthening their bond.