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Oxytocin (The Love Hormone): Benefits + How to Increase Levels

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:11:36 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin, nicknamed by some experts “the tend and befriend hormone,” is one of the most important hormones that humans (and many other mammals) produce. It plays an important role in: social bonding building relationships reproduction childbirth breastfeeding raising children Here’s something that may come as a surprise: According to the American Psychological Association, oxytocin is released in response to both positive social connection and stressful conditions. Levels have been found to be higher when someone is under stress, such as when exposed to social isolation or when in an unhappy relationship. It’s thought that increased levels may help motivate people to reach out for help. On the other hand, situations that make us feel safe, happy and connected tend to cause the release of several “feel-good hormones,” including oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a hormone (technically a peptide or neuropeptide) that is involved in bonding. As a neuropeptide, it’s a “chemical messenger” that acts on organs, including the brain. What does oxytocin do, and where is it produced? Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus region in the brain, often called the “control center” of the brain. It’s also thought to be influenced by activation of the amygdala, which is the region of the brain mostly associated with fear and memories. Once the hypothalamus sends signals for oxytocin to be produced, it’s either released into the bloodstream or to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. It binds to oxytocin receptors, influencing how we feel and behave toward others. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. This includes having an effect on the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis” (also called the HPA axis), which dictates release of many hormones. This peptide hormone has been said to have “broad implications” for general health, including facilitating adaptation to stressors, development, growth, healing, reproduction and social behavior. It also seems to have anti-inflammatory and even antioxidant effects, since it defends the body against trauma, illness and stress-induced damage. Additionally, it helps keep blood pressure levels in the normal range and also balances cortisol levels, a primary “stress hormone.” We usually think of it as a feminine hormone, but do men produce oxytocin too? Yes. While it was originally considered a hormone that was only found in women due to its tie to labor, lactation and raising children, it’s now known to be present and important in both men and women (although women are still thought to produce more). For example, oxytocin helps with male reproduction, as well as female reproduction, by supporting production of testosterone in the testes and motility of sperm. Additionally, it affects both sexes’ metabolisms, moods, immune systems and more. How the love hormone affects emotions Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin also has similarities to endorphins (opiate chemicals) because we produce more in order to soothe ourselves in response to sources of pain and stress. How does oxytocin make you feel? Here’s a basic overview of the emotional effects of oxytocin: Research has told us that oxytocin’s effects are basically the opposite of those linked to our “fight or flight” response. Higher levels are linked to feeling calmer and having a better capacity to deal with stress. Newer research has suggested that increased oxytocin can potentially also increase feelings of generosity, forgiveness, trustworthiness, joy and security. It seems to help increase fidelity and monogamy in relationships by keeping us honest and facilitating compassion/empathy toward others. Plus it increases feelings of protectiveness. Benefits/uses 1. Helps with social bonding and building relationships Can oxytocin make you fall in love? The release of oxytocin is associated with feelings of love and protection, as well as empathy, trust and connectedness. Studies have shown that oxytocin enforces pro-social behaviors, attachment, bonding and even fidelity by rewarding those who maintain good relationships with positive, calm feelings of well-being. One study demonstrated that people in the early stages of romantic attachment, within the first six months of a new relationship, had higher circulating levels of oxytocin. It’s also known that oxytocin levels are high during sexual activity and after orgasms. Many forms of social contact seem to result in bursts of oxytocin, even if it’s anticipated social contact, such as planning for a date, party or get-together. The hormone also works on a “positive feedback loop.” It makes us want to socialize, which further increases our oxytocin production, which then makes us feel good so we continue to seek out relationships with others. 2. Boosts ability to cope with stress While it also works under times of low stress, oxytocin has been shown to be elevated under times of high stress, too. Some studies have found that people who report having poor social relationships usually have higher circulating levels of both oxytocin and the stress hormone cortisol than those reporting better relationships. Externally administering the hormone via supplements has been shown to help mitigate stress reactions, acting as a type of natural buffer. It can make people who are stressed seek out support through better social connections. It may also help protect the nervous system from shutting down in the face of stressful circumstances, including childbirth. By increasing someone’s motivation to find help from others, the hormone can help people find opportunities and engage in behaviors that lead to more security, joy and love. 3. Induces labor What does oxytocin do in women to facilitate reproduction? Not only does it help women bond with their sexual partners or potentially the future fathers of their children, but oxytocin also strengthens labor contractions during childbirth, along with helping control bleeding after childbirth. It facilitates production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that move labor along by increasing contractions. In prescription/synthetic form, it can be used to induce labor or speed up the process. The most widely used form is the brand-name drug Pitocin, which is commonly given to women in the hospital during labor. 4. Supports breastfeeding and child rearing According to a 2018 study focused on human evolution, some of oxytocin’s main functions are to support breastfeeding and nurturing maternal behaviors among both mothers and fathers. Research has linked the hormone to a mother’s ability to care for her infant in multiple ways, one of which is through breastfeeding. When a baby nurses from his/her mother’s breast, nerves in the nipple send a signal to the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin, which then causes tiny muscles around the nipple to squeeze and release milk. Experts also believe that oxytocin helps new mothers and fathers feel calm even during difficult life transitions, one of which is having and caring for a new baby. Levels have been shown to rise in parents due to affectionate touch and contact with their babies and children. 5. May have anti-aging and anti-obesity effects In one study, it was shown that higher oxytocin release is linked with protection against accelerated signs of aging and better regeneration of aged tissue stem cells, including muscle cells. Oxytocin injections may be used in the future to help injuries heal better, improve bone health and possibly prevent obesity. For example, some animal studies have found that oxytocin administration leads to sustained weight reduction by reducing food intake, which is believed to happen because it dampens the brain’s food-related reward circuitry. Additionally, it seems to reduce muscle and joint pain due to pain-dulling and anti-inflammatory effects. Higher circulating levels are also thought to be positively associated with lean mass and bone mineral density. 6. May help with social disorders Oxytocin has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric conditions characterized by social deficits and anxiety, including social phobia, autism spectrum disorders and postpartum depression. Research has suggested that oxytocin may modulate social behaviors and reduce anxiety, making it a promising candidate for treating social phobia. A review of clinical trials indicated that oxytocin administration could have beneficial effects across several conditions, including social anxiety. Oxytocin’s role in enhancing social cognition has led to studies exploring its application in autism as well. A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that oxytocin administration showed a significant combined effect in improving social behaviors in individuals with autism. The involvement of oxytocin in mood regulation and maternal behaviors has prompted investigations into its potential therapeutic effects on postpartum depression. Oxytocin is considered a promising neuromodulator for psychotherapeutic interventions in various psychiatric illnesses, including postpartum depression. While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and the therapeutic use of oxytocin for these conditions is still under investigation. Further studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety profiles in these contexts. How to increase it Both higher- and lower-than-normal levels of oxytocin can cause health problems and changes in behavior among women and men, according to endocrinologists. Here are some examples of how: High levels among men may contribute to enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and urinary problems. Low levels (what some might call “oxytocin deficiency”) among women can interfere with child labor and breastfeeding. Low levels among both sexes have been linked to depression and anxiety, although it still isn’t totally clear how administering oxytocin supplements can help treat these and other mental health conditions. It’s also believed that low levels may be tied to autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Wondering, “How can I increase my oxytocin levels?” Is there a supplement for oxytocin or foods that can naturally boost production? Here are ways that you can naturally boost your production in order to promote feelings of well-being and connectedness: Physical contact. Hugs, massages, being intimate, shaking hands and breastfeeding all cause the release of oxytocin. Physical contact can increase levels whether it’s between lovers, friends, or children and their parents. Essential oils. Research has shown that certain essential oils, including clary sage oil, may help balance hormones and encourage production of “the love hormone.” Making eye contact Laughing Giving and receiving gifts (including money) Altruistic behaviors, such as cooking for others and sharing meals together Petting a dog, cat or other pet Doing “loving kindness” meditations or visualization Telling someone you love him or her Listening to calming music Speaking to someone you trust on the phone Walking or exercising with someone Looking at photos or videos of people you care about, including via social media Supplements, sprays and dosage What happens if you take oxytocin in supplement or spray form? Although more research is still needed to confirm how oxytocin supplements and sprays affect our behaviors and moods, researchers think there’s a possibility that administering this hormone may help people dealing with social and emotional problems. Conditions that oxytocin may be able to help include: autism or Asperger’s disorder social anxiety schizophrenia depression Some early experiments have suggested that oxytocin nasal sprays or injections may help people with these conditions better identify emotional content and facilitate social information processing. The synthetic version of oxytocin given intravenously (Pitocin) is also used to induce labor. Can oxytocin be taken orally? At this time there isn’t an oral supplement of this hormone available. Because it’s destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s given by injection or nasal spray instead. Dosage of oxytocin depends on why it’s being given and someone’s response; therefore it must be individualized. When it’s given to induce labor, IV infusion is used along with frequent monitoring. Infusion doses starting at 0.5 to 1 milliunits/minute, in some cases increasing up to 6 milliunits/minute, are typically given to women during labor. Does food have oxytocin? This hormone is not found in foods, but it does play a role in regulating appetite. Eating aphrodisiac foods (such as chocolate, coffee, fish, avocado and some herbs) may also improve your mood and desire for connection, leading to higher release. Risks and side effects Are there any oxytocin supplement...

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How Many Hugs a Day Does a Person Need? (Plus Top Hug Benefits)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 08:00:15 +0000

Rachel Keck, MS via Dr. Axe – A hug is universal. Hugs are so versatile, people all around the world use them to express everything from joy and affection to sadness and despair. During times of social, emotional and mental turmoil, individuals seek out the comfort and social bonding that hugs bestow. Some people even believe a hug is at the heart of humanity since it has the ability to transcend race, religion, gender and age. In fact, being a professional hugger and/or cuddler is a legitimate job. Professional huggers and cuddlers provide hug benefits to people during all different points of their lives. For instance, some specialize in using this touch therapy on premature babies in neonatal intensive care units. Other hug and cuddle professionals focus on nursing home or hospice situations, while others are available for hire by anyone in need of human touch. Similarly, Ken Nwadike Jr., a peace activist and founder of the Free Hugs Project, attends rallies and protests to spread love and compassion. During the 2016 protests in Charlotte, Nwadike wore a “free hugs” T-shirt and was captured sharing hugs during a time of riots, protesting and intense emotion. How to Hug During a Pandemic During a pandemic, keeping social distance is important. We also know about the importance of human connection, so if you’re going to hug a loved one, there are ways you can do it more safely. For starters, both huggers should wear masks. During your embrace, put your faces in opposite directions in order to reduce the risk of exposure. For children, hugging an adult around the waist is safer. You should also keep your hugs brief during a pandemic. It’s also helpful to wash hands after hugging and avoid making contact with someone’s skin. Although the idea of changing up your hugging may seem strange, it’s best to make these little adjustments right now so we can continue occasional close contact with loved ones while keeping them safe. How Many Hugs a Day Does a Person Need? How many hugs a day does a person need? Although not technically proven by science, the late psychotherapist Virginia Satir once said: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Although these numbers aren’t an exact science, it suggests that we could probably all stand to give (and receive) more hugs every day. There is a pretty large body of research proving the importance of hugs and physical contact. It’s not only the amount of hugs you give or receive in a day, but the amount of time that the hug lasts that’s important. While the average length of a hug is about three seconds, some researchers suggest that longer hugs, lasting 20 seconds or more, are even more therapeutic for the body and mind. The science behind a longer hug being better comes from the oxytocin release that occurs during an extended hug. This “love hormone” is able to calm our anxiety and ease our fears. Benefits of Hugs In order to understand the benefits of hugs, we have to first take a look at the sensory pathway involved. When an individual is hugged, the sensory receptors in the skin are activated. There are several sensory receptors within the skin, and they respond to touch or distortion on the skin. Along with the sensory receptors, there are also sensory nerves that innervate the skin and respond to touch. One group in particular, the C-tactile afferents, play a major role in the effects of hugging and touch. Research shows that C-tactile afferents are found in hairy skin and respond optimally to a low-intensity, stroking touch, and they have been shown to fire most strongly to what people perceive as pleasant touch. These sensory nerves also play a prominent role in the touch hypothesis. This hypothesis states that the sensory nerves are developed to signal the rewarding value of physical contact. Once activated, the sensory receptors and nerves transduce the mechanical stimulation into electrical and chemical signals that travel along the peripheral nerve to the spinal cord and continue onto the opposite side of the brain. Sensory pathways activate brain regions associated with: Social bonding Pleasure Pain Now that we’ve got a little pathway education under our belts, let’s take a look at the fun part: hug benefits. 1. Vital for Healthy Childhood Development Ever wonder what a hug does? Turns out, hugs/human contact are a vital first part of life. Interaction through touch is so crucial to the human experience, especially to a child’s well-being. The sense of touch is widely believed to be the first of the senses that develops in utero. Immediately following the birth and the early stages of life, physical contact (skin-to-skin) between the mother/caregiver and the infant is crucial for child development. That’s why whether you’re having a natural childbirth or C-section, getting that mother-to-child, skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible is so very important. The touch of the mother enhances feelings of attachment, security and positive emotions. A 2010 study showed that babies with affectionate mothers grew up to be happy, resilient, less stressed and less anxious adults. Studies using EEG to measure brain activity have shown cuddling increases brain responses when infants are presented with displays of affection from parents, which may cause lasting effects on the way the brain builds connections. These interactions and new-forming brain connections enable children to learn how to manage stressful situations on their own and how to manage their emotions appropriately. On the other hand, children with little affection or skin-to-skin contact following birth have been shown to have cognitive, emotional and physical issues, as well as have an increase in cortisol levels. (Cortisol is the hormone commonly associated with stress.) In 2015, a study done at Notre Dame found that children experiencing just a small amount of touching and hugging in early infancy grew up to have worse health and more emotional problems compared to kids experiencing more hugs. This illustrates the damaging effects of a lack of affection. 2. Boosts Oxytocin Following activation of the C-tactile afferents, the “love” hormone, oxytocin, is released from the neurons projecting from the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that is part of the limbic system or reward system. It is responsible for regulation of many of the metabolic processes of the autonomic nervous system. Oxytocin is made within the hypothalamus and is largely known for its effects on social bonding. Studies indicate that neurons that produce oxytocin project widely throughout the brain, including into regulatory regions associated with social interaction, fear, aggression, calm and stress. While much of the oxytocin that is released acts on various structures that have an impact outside of the brain, some of the oxytocin remains within the brain and influences behavior, mood and physiology by acting on the limbic (emotion) center, stimulating the feeling of contentment, decreasing anxiety/stress and increasing social bonding. 3. Provides Immune System Support The increase of oxytocin also helps the effectiveness of the immune system. Yes, that’s right: Hugging can be considered a natural immune system booster. Hugging induces the “stress buffering effect” in which an individual who is hugged often is less likely to become sick due to stress-induced illness. Oxytocin acts on the pituitary gland to decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Along with a decrease in cortisol, the social support through physical contact also allows an individual to cope with stressful situations, rather than wearing down the immune system and leaving room for illness. A study in 2015 at Carnegie Mellon exposed healthy adults to the cold virus and found that individuals with social support had a decreased chance of getting sick due to the stress-induced buffering effects of hugging. The results concluded that those individuals who did get sick had less severe symptoms if they were hugged and had a stable social support than those that did not. Simultaneously, as the activated sensory receptors send signals to the brain, signals are also sent to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the cranial nerve that helps mediate the parasympathetic response of the heart, lungs and digestive tract. This decreases the blood pressure, helping both individuals involved in the hug feel calmer. In animal studies, activation of the vagus nerve has also been shown to increase the release of oxytocin, decreasing the heart rate and cortisol, leaving the person feeling less stressed and more relaxed. 4. Produces “Chill Out” Neurotransmitters Several neurotransmitters are increased in the brain following the activation of the sensory neurons that play a role in the positive emotions associated with being touched. The neurotransmitter dopamine is associated with motivation, goals and reinforcing behavior. Research shows that hugging releases dopamine within the limbic pathway in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Studies also indicate that another neurotransmitter, serotonin, is increased due to the activation of sensory receptors and leads to a general feeling of satisfaction and an increase in mood. It is through the increased release of oxytocin, in conjunction with the neurotransmitters, that creates the soothing and calming feelings one experiences following a hug. 5. Boosts Self-Esteem Hugging and human contact are critical for infants, children and adults. There are also associations of self-worth and tactile sensations that are established when we are babies, which have a lasting impact on our nervous system. Who knew that hugs have a major impact, even at a cellular level? Research shows that hugging is an effective means of conveying social support, which we know is so important for our self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Final Thoughts The simple act of human touch, including a hug, causes a cascade of events, beginning with the sensation of a touch on the skin traveling along nerves to the brain, causing changes that affect the entire body. Sensory receptors and nerves work together sending signals to the central nervous system to provide enough information for the individual to create an appropriate motor and emotional response. This allows an individual to engage with the environment through the neuronal processing of a touch stimulus, which leads to eliciting a response that is often emotional in nature. Hugging increases oxytocin and other neurotransmitters associated with happiness and pleasure, while decreasing stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate. The overall general effects of hugging lead to an increase in social bonding, relaxation and a decrease in stress — and therefore result in a better quality of life. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Blueprint of Oxytocin Receptor Facilitates Development of New Autism Drugs

AHA Publisher — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:00:43 +0000

University of Zurich via EurekAlert – The so-called “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone” oxytocin is not only involved in strengthening the mother-child relationship and regulating social bonding. It also plays an important role in different mental health disorders like autism, Asperger’s syndrome, social anxiety or addiction vulnerability. Furthermore, oxytocin starts labor, the birth process, and features in many aspects of sexual reproduction – as well as corresponding disorders. The hormone exerts all these effects by binding to the oxytocin receptor. Substances that target the oxytocin receptor thus have great therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. New Drugs Are Difficult to Develop Since its discovery nearly 30 years ago, researchers have tried to develop drugs that bind specifically to the oxytocin receptor. However, conducting such experiments proved to be very difficult. Except for the hormone oxytocin itself, hardly any drug targeting the oxytocin receptor has been approved for clinical use. A team led by Andreas Plückthun, professor at the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Zurich (UZH), has now determined the detailed three-dimensional structure of the oxytocin receptor bound to the drug candidate retosiban, which was developed for the suppression of preterm labor. “The elucidation of the oxytocin receptor’s structure was an extremely challenging undertaking, which only succeeded thanks to a combination of directed evolution and protein engineering methods we developed over the last few years,” says Plückthun. “Understanding the exact three-dimensional interaction of retosiban and the oxytocin receptor at the atomic level serves as the blueprint for developing new therapeutics that regulate the receptor’s functioning.” Improved Understanding of Receptor Mechanism The scientists also made an additional discovery. “To allow efficient propagation of oxytocin-induced signaling, the oxytocin receptor has to interact with two additional substances – cholesterol and magnesium,” says PhD candidate Yann Waltenspühl. Determining the exact receptor shape enabled the researchers to identify interaction regions for both of these substances. “The identification of these previously unknown regions fundamentally improves the understanding of the receptor mechanism,” adds the first author of the study. Boosting the Development of New Therapeutics for Other Diseases The new findings might also be directly applicable to the very closely related vasopressin receptors. The hormone vasopressin controls the water content of body fluids and the blood pressure, and its receptors are therefore drug targets for the treatment of many diseases – from kidney disease to heart failure. Just like the oxytocin receptor, the vasopressin receptors have also been implicated in autism spectrum disorders. “Our work could thus boost the development of new drugs for a very broad range of widespread and severe human diseases,” concludes Andreas Plückthun. To read the original article click here.

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