Why do we Love? About Love Hormone: Oxytocin

DOC2US wishes everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!! For those who are still single, remember to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special! Love will come to you at the right time!

Ever been shot by cupid’s arrow? Love at first sight?  

When cupid strikes, your body’s hormones start releasing chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and oxytocin. These chemicals will leave someone feeling euphoric, giddy, and energetic. You may be love struck and incapable of thinking rationally for a short period of time.

Love hormone- Oxytocin

Feeling on cloud 9 on your first date? Oxytocin is the main culprit which gives us feelings of warmth, fuzziness whenever we are near someone we are attracted to. Oxytocin rises in the early stages of romantic love. Feelings of trust and attraction are activated by it’s social magic. Oxytocin also helps maintain relationships after they are sparked.

Our friend oxytocin

Oxytocin has many nicknames including “happy hormones”, “love hormones”, “cuddle chemical”. It is released when people snuggle up, have intimate moments or bond socially. It helps elevate our mood and makes us feel more attached to your romantic partner.

How is oxytocin produced?

Oxytocin is produced when electrical activity of neurons in the hypothalamus (a small region at the base of your brain) are stimulated. Oxytocin released in our bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland then acts as a chemical messenger to relay signals in our brain and other parts of our body.

How is oxytocin, serotonin & dopamine connected? 

The trio of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine is often known as the “happy hormones”. When our brains release dopamine and serotonin, oxytocin will be produced. This trio works together, causing us to feel butterflies whenever we are near our crush or sweethearts.

Is oxytocin really important?

Now we get to know that oxytocin can be triggered by almost any form of social bonding or positive physical contact. Additionally, oxytocin plays a crucial role in reproduction, breastfeeding, childbirth as well! You may be thinking, “Nah… I don’t need this love hormone. I’m in love with being single.” Think twice again, as oxytocin is also involved in aspects of human behavior in our daily lives!

Roles of oxytocin in our daily lives:

1. Oxytocin helps us build connection with people (e.g. empathy, bonding)
2. Oxytocin helps us feel happy
3. Oxytocin reduces our stress and anxiety
4. Oxytocin triggers our protective instincts
5. Oxytocin can also promote generosity, trust, decrease fear, and helps you recover from negative social behavior

You may often see this in romantic dramas or movies. The male lead will have a protective instinct to keep his lover safe from danger.

How can I raise my oxytocin level?

It’s relatively easy to increase your oxytocin level. As you already know, oxytocin can be triggered by intimacy, hugging, kissing, cuddling your loved ones. Here are some ways to boost your oxytocin level:

1. Getting a good massage
2. Listen to music, or make your own music!
3. Giving someone a hug
4. Petting your dog or cat (anyone will do)
5. Try yoga
6. Tell someone how much you care
7. Spend time with your friends! (Tip: Bond with your friends by doing something unique that neither of you has done before)
8. Meditation
9. Active (or empathic) listening
10. Do something nice for someone (e.g. offering to help someone)

Your behavior is not magically changed by an increase of oxytocin, and it does not make you trust or fall in love with someone instantly. However, oxytocin boosts feelings of love, contentment, security, and trust toward someone you already care for.

Downsides of oxytocin

However, all that glitters is not gold. Oxytocin promotes connection and bonding, but it also creates barriers between relationships. As oxytocin promotes bonds between people with shared characteristics and interest. This can lead to favoritism and bias against people who are not like you. It may also lead to jealousy, suspicion, resulting in social prejudices and an "in-group/out-group" mentality. The effect of oxytocin may depend on the situation. For instance, if someone or stranger not a part of the “tribe” or “gang” joins in the conversation, there may be an increase in negative feelings towards members of the “out” group.

Does Oxytocin have any medical uses? 

Oxytocin injection is also used medically to begin or strengthen uterine contractions during labor, or to reduce bleeding after childbirth. Moreover, in women with incomplete or threated miscarriage, oxytocin can help to stimulate uterine contractions! Oxytocin may also be used to treat repetitive and affiliative behaviors in people with autism, and also relationship counseling for wellbeing. 

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Specific references have been linked in its relevant part of the article.

Reference:

1. You and your hormones. Oxytocin. Available from https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/oxytocin/#:~:text=by%20the%20testes.-,In%20the%20brain%2C%20oxytocin%20acts%20as%20a%20chemical%20messenger%20and,attachment%20and%20mother%E2%80%93infant%20bonding. 
2. Osmosis. Oxytocin: The Reason We Fall in Love. Available from https://www.osmosis.org/blog/2020/02/16/oxytocin-the-reason-we-fall-in-love 
3. Healthline. Why Is Oxytocin Known as the ‘Love Hormone’? And 11 Other FAQs. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/love-hormone#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 
4. Psycom. Tell Me All I Need to Know About Oxytocin. Available from https://www.psycom.net/oxytocin
5. Scientific American. Oxytocin, the Love Hormone, Also Keeps People Apart. Available from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/oxytocin-love-hormone-keeps-people-apart/ 

Written By

Ms. Rosamund Koo Wei Xin

Reviewed By

Doc2us Medical Board