Spring Is In the Air…and So Is Oxytocin!
It is officially spring here in the Northern Hemisphere and with spring brings about feelings of warmth, longer days, and the vibrancy of the spring with all its colors. It is also a time where new life also begins to emerge, either in the form of baby chicks, baby bunnies or all of the flower buds and vegetable starts you may have in the ground that are just starting to sprout and burst forth. All of this new life makes me think of fertility and when I think of how fertile the earth or humans can be, I think of oxytocin.
Baby chick (Very similar to the baby chicks that I got earlier this month!)
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is probably well-known as the love hormone. It is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that the body naturally releases during the beginning of labor as soon as the head of the baby starts pushing on the cervix beginning the positive feedback loop for more oxytocin to be produced. It increases in production to help the continuation of uterine contractions which then also provides a countering effect to the pain and discomfort that is present in labor. It also helps to foster the bonding that occurs between mother and child, aids in the stimulation of lactation and helps control postpartum bleeding.
However, this hormone does so much more than just what occurs during childbirth. Because it is also known as the love hormone or the cuddle chemical, it is a hormone that plays a strong role in bonding and social connection. When we hug our children, partners, or pets, we are generally flooded with this hormone as well. It is also released during sexual activity and has also been shown to even intensify our orgasms!
Oxytocin as a hormone balancer-metabolic homeostasis
Since this hormone is produced in the deep recesses of the brain (hypothalamus) it must have other uses other than for reproductive purposes, right?
Receptors for this hormone have been found not just in the uterus but also several areas of the brain, the breast, heart, muscles and even the esophagus (1). This hormone plays a role in the way that glucose and lipids are used in our body as well as having huge effects on the energy balance of several nutrients in our body thus promoting lose of adipose without affecting muscle or bone loss.
Oxytocin has also been researched as being beneficial for those going through menopause as it can help with the building of bone (osteogenesis) and decrease the build-up of fat (adipogenesis), both conditions that occur during this transition for some women. It has also been found to be helpful in muscle regeneration, which is needed to prevent muscle wasting that can occur with aging (2).
The love hormone and how it affects the heart
Because oxytocin is a love hormone, it should surely have an impact on the organ that is a symbol for love, the heart. There is evidence that oxytocin can increase cardiac work, decrease cell death and inflammation and increase scar vascularization.
““This hormone is cardioprotective and a major help in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic and cardiovascular function.””
How can oxytocin help you with fertility
Oxytocin can do much more than just assist during childbirth, it may actually be beneficial even before you get pregnant. One study showed how oxytocin helped advance the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge that is needed for ovulation to occur (3).
The contractions that need to occur in the uterus for the birth of a baby to be successful occur not just in female bodies but in male bodies as well. In a study where exogenous (not produced by the body) oxytocin was administered, the number of ejaculated sperm had increased, possibly by contractions of the male reproductive tract (4), which would generally occur during orgasm.
Oxytocin to help you manage stress
Research has shown how much oxytocin can assist with decreasing stress and anxiety. Because it already does a great job of fostering social connection, it will then encourage more relaxation, trust, and psychological stability (5). It is one of the feel-good hormones, right along with endorphins and serotonin, so even a boost of exercise or hugging someone can stimulate this hormone, helping to elevate these levels and bring about many positive effects.
There are so many great benefits that this hormone provides for us and may help you feel called to indulge in more hugs, hand holding or touch in your life to help bolster the health of your heart, bring more strength to your bones and even aid in promoting your fertility.
Sources: 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012298/#s1
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4435037/#S5
3. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/18/7/1428/2913502?redirectedFrom=fulltext
4. https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article-abstract/12/4/437/2182089?redirectedFrom=fulltext
5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone#:~:text=Once%20the%20baby%20is%20born,%22%20and%20%22cuddle%20hormone.%22