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 hormone is released in pulses and regular positive interactions over time can reinforce oxytocin's long-term effects. One benefit of oxytocin is that it doesn't need to be constantly released, after its release the emotional effects linger and can enhance positive social experiences.

This hormone is related to co-operation and empathy, encouraging altruism and prosocial behaviour. It reduces activity in our amygdala, the brain's emotion centre, which increases trust and empathy. In romantic relationships, oxytocin is linked to commitment and faithfulness. This can also lead to jealousy and possessiveness, amplifying distrust of others.

3. What other functions are influenced by oxytocin?

However, that's not all that oxytocin is capable of. During childbirth, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions which helps with labour and delivery. It also plays a role in building attachment between the parents and child. Oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland during breastfeeding. It travels to the mammary glands causing smooth muscle cells around the milk producing alveoli to contract and push milk into milk ducts and towards the nipple.

The love hormone offers natural pain relief by affecting the brain's opioid receptors, and controls inflammation, an essential part of the body's healing process. It has been found to stimulate cell growth and repair, and some research shows that those with higher oxytocin levels may heal faster after injuries. In addition, feeling loved and supported while healing from an injury can boost oxytocin levels and reduce physical pain. Research into this mechanism had led to medical treatments administering oxytocin via nasal sprays, injections, patches and pills.

4. How can we increase our oxytocin levels?

We've established that oxytocin is good for our health, so how do we increase our oxytocin levels? Here are a few ways in which you can increase yours:

• Social connection -- cuddling or holding hands with a loved one, spending time together and having meaningful conversations
• Interacting with pets -- studies show that looking into your dog's eyes can boost oxytocin in you and your dog!
• Exercise -- yoga, brisk walking, group work outs e.g. dance classes
• Acts of kindness -- giving compliments or helping someone
• Eating certain foods -- dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, and foods high in magnesium

Most of these activities involve social interactions, showing how essential it is for the wellbeing of people. This explains why low oxytocin levels have been linked to chronic pain disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It is so important to get the help you need and to reach out to others, as well as to check up on our loved ones and friends.

5. What is the role of the other main 'social hormones'?

There are a few other main 'social hormones'. Vasopressin is known as the 'loyalty hormone', working alongside oxytocin in pair bonding and long-term relationships. Dopamine, the 'reward hormone', is responsible for motivation and reinforcement in social interactions. Serotonin is the 'mood stabiliser', regulating our emotional state. The 'feel-good' endorphin hormones help with pain relief and emotional bonding, released during laughter, exercise and positive social interactions. We also have testosterone, the 'dominance hormone' influencing assertiveness and competition. Finally, we have the 'stress hormone' cortisol which controls the fight-or-flight response.

Different combinations of these hormones are responsible for different aspects of social behaviour and interactions. For example, dopamine and serotonin balance motivation and mood in social settings while oxytocin and endorphins help create deep emotional connections.

I hope you enjoyed reading about oxytocin and how it affects our health. Remember to take care of yourself, go outside, and spend time with friends and family to get your boost of oxytocin!