Women And The Love Hormone
“Oxytocin acts as a hormone as well as a neurotransmitter and is well known for its role in the birthing and lactation process”
The love hormone or cuddle hormone called oxytocin, is released from the posterior pituitary. Its release is more during the time when people bond socially or snuggle up to each other. Hence, the name, love hormone.’
Dual Role Of Oxytocin
This hormone is a protein and a nanopeptide with a dual role – it acts as a hormone and also as a neurotransmitter and is well known for its role in the birthing and lactation process.
As A Hormone
When women are in labour, this hormone helps the uterus to contract and push the baby down and helps augment the labour. Artificial oxytocin is also used to mimic its natural action on uterine contractions for induction and augmentation of labour. Another important role of oxytocin is when the baby suckles the breast, it helps in the ‘milk let down, reflex and milk is made available to the baby.
The release of oxytocin has an effect on cognitive, social and emotional behaviour too and many studies have revealed that the levels of oxytocin are quite high during the first six months of a man and woman’s relationship. It also helps a mother and baby to bond. However, it’s not the sole factor responsible for a mother-child bond, as many women adopt a baby and bond with those babies as well.
As A Neurotransmitter
Oxytocin helps in reducing stress and anxiety levels. High levels of oxytocin boost sex drive, increase trust levels and helps in reducing blood pressure. It is released during the hugging or cuddling process and is thus, popularly known as the cuddle hormone. Hence, it helps in resolving bitter issues between individuals, when they hug each other.
Also, In women it is related to the menstrual cycle, because release of oestrogen enhances oxytocin activity. Also, during ovulation, a woman is more receptive to touch and more emotionally attached as compared to other phases of her menstrual cycle.
Creates A False Perception Of Trust
At times, oxytocin also creates a taise perception of trust, especially in women. During the sexual act, oxytocin is released and it sometimes makes a woman think that this man is trustworthy and he is the perfect partner for her, whereas in men they get back to their normal self immediately after sex.
However, women take some time and on such occasions, high levels of oxytocin may create deceptive feelings of trust. This perception is usually an illusion created at that moment, which may not fit later.
so women should be a bit more careful about their physical relationships, as a relationship is a complex interplay of hormones, gratitude, attitude, respect and all positive feelings and not merely because of a release of oxytocin.