Oxytocin: the hormone of love and understanding?

Emotions and actions of a person are often controlled by hormones. Among them is to allocate oxytocin - the hormone of family happiness and love. He controls many functions in the body, and also provides a sense of attachment to the partner and child. In addition, it guarantees matrimonial fidelity. Surprisingly wide Spectrum of impact for one substance. What is the secret?

Oxytocin production and its physiological functions

Like many others, the hormone oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus - the brain department, which controls the work of the sex and endocrine glands, the interaction of hormones and nerves. This department is a real center of regulation of metabolic processes of the whole organism. From the hypothalamus, the hormone oxytocin is sent to the pituitary gland, which regulates the entire hormonal system. The next stage of spreading is blood. Under the influence of oxytocin, the smooth muscles of the internal organs contract, and its influence on the psyche is also very wide. But it affects women and men in different ways, so it is better to consider the processes in detail for each gender separately.

Female body and oxytocin

The hormone, which cuts smooth muscles, also affects the uterus. It is thanks to oxytocin that labor begins. In addition, the influence of the hormone on the mammary glands promotes the release of milk. Of course, its production is provided by another substance, prolactin, but oxytocin promotes its excretion from the breast. To stop bleeding after gynecological operations, oxytocin is also used. Its action is counteracted by progesterone. If progesterone is not enough, the contractile effect of oxytocin on the uterus will lead to miscarriage. Impact on the psyche is associated with increased benevolence, inclination to trust the interlocutor. In the postpartum period, the relationship between the mother and the baby is regulated precisely by oxytocin. The hormone provides mother attachment to the baby, helps to understand his mood and reduces the feeling of fear and anxiety.

Male organism and oxytocin

According to some reports, this hormone controls the erection. His influence on the psyche is manifested by the appearance of benevolence towards others, the desire to listen to the words of the interlocutor. The ability to communicate successfully provides exactly oxytocin. The hormone guarantees confidence Relationship between friends or as a couple. It is his development that provides attachment to children and the sexual partner. Scientists conducted an experiment that confirmed that men with high levels of oxytocin are more prone to monogamous relationships without betraying their chosen ones.

How to increase the level of oxytocin?

What if the body does not produce enough oxytocin? The hormone can be increased by medical means if the problem is related to labor activity, and other methods are suitable for a comfortable relationship in the family. For example, relaxing massage, touching, stroking - all this provides the body with additional oxytocin. The hormone is also produced during orgasm, so regular sex life also contributes to harmony in other areas of family communication.