Oxytocin is known to most of us as the “love hormone”. Why has oxytocin been given such label? What is the connection between our bodies, minds and love which oxytocin seems to be connected to?
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide synthetizes in the hypothalamus. A neuropeptide is a short chemical sequence that can affect the activity of the communication system of the nervous system, as well as being able to act as a messenger itself. They can influence a number of body functions such as eating, learning, memory, reproduction or social behaviour. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain associated with regulating our basic bodily functions such as body temperature, blood pressure, sleep. It makes sense for oxytocin to be made in that part of the brain.
Oxytocin is a very old molecule found in many species, as far as 600 million years ago. The purpose of oxytocin was to support the management of stress function. Over time the role of oxytocin has evolved to adapt its functions towards playing a key role in social bonding. This is because species have evolved and the stress management function in more dependent on social connection than it was before.
Oxytocin circulates in a highly integrative system which has ramifications in both the brain and the body. This allows oxytocin to act as both a neuropeptide and a hormone. This dual role is essential to support the brain plasticity (ability to change), particularly when it comes to attachment in relationships.
Oxytocin is mainly released during childbirth and lactation, but studies have found that fathers can have elevated levels of oxytocin similar to the mother’s levels, when they actively participate in social engagement with their children.
Oxytocin is open to external environmental influences; this means that oxytocin can be released through changing some of our behaviours. Various studies have found that oxytocin can be released when physical touch and synchrony (mirroring of behaviours) is found between partners.
Levels of oxytocin are increased in specific situations such as falling in love. In this situation, oxytocin works with the dopamine system to lower our inhibitions and provide us with the courage to engage in social interaction with the other person. Dopamine is what helps us make a move.
Over time, we build resilience to oxytocin and to maintain a relationship in the long term, another chemical (beta endorphin) takes over the role that oxytocin plays in the early stages of a relationships.
Finally, oxytocin release is at its peak during female orgasm, and in contrast decreases substantially straight after male orgasm. This may explain why females more incline to bonding after sex, whilst males can be more distant.
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