Oxytocin: the love hormone
Happy (late) Valentine's Day! Valentine's day is a special day to celebrate your loved ones, whether that be your partner, your friends or your family. But what makes you love that special someone so much? How did you come to form such a strong bond with them? Well, to answer that we have to look at a group of 'social hormones'. 1. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is often considered the primary bonding chemical . This neuropeptide plays a major role in bonding, trust and attachment especially in close friendships and romantic or familial relationships. It is a peptide molecule made up of nine amino acids and is a neurotransmitter , transmitting signals between nerve cells to influence emotions and social behaviour. 2. How is oxytocin important for social bonds and relationships? Oxytocin is typically released as a response to a variety of stimuli. This can range from physical contact , such as hugging, to spending time with your loved ones and showing compassion. This horm...
