Functions of oxytocin, what it is and how to increase the hormone, its effect on the body

Ecology of health: Today the story will be about oxytocin. Today I’ll tell you about the positive effects of oxytocin, which stimulates its production. Disturbances in the functioning of oxytocin in modern society have a wide variety of manifestations: from the collapse of social groups, communities and families with increasing aggression and alienation to avoidance of social contacts (the hikikomori lifestyle in Japan and beyond). Lack of oxytocin stimulates people to adhere to various kinds closed but close-knit communities.

Today the story will be about oxytocin. Today I’ll tell you about the positive effects of oxytocin, which stimulates its production. We will not talk about the role of oxytocin in childbirth and feeding, but will focus on its psychological and social effects.

Disturbances in the functioning of oxytocin in modern society have a wide variety of manifestations: from the disintegration of social groups, communities and families with increasing aggression and alienation to avoidance of social contacts (the hikikomori lifestyle in Japan and beyond). A lack of oxytocin encourages people to join various types of closed but close-knit communities that often engage in sectarian-radical activities.

Oxytocin plays an important role in various states eg during orgasm, social acceptance, pair bonding, anxiety and maternal behavior. In this regard, this hormone is often called the “love hormone”. The inability to produce oxytocin and a person’s inability to empathize are associated with concepts such as sociopathy, psychopathy, and narcissism.

Hormone of love and morality.

The main function of oxytocin is to unite and connect people into communities: couple, family, group, nation, etc. and maintain a stable connection within this group. Therefore, oxytocin is also called the “high moral molecule” or the “bonding hormone.”

Oxytocin breaks down quickly inside our bodies (three minute half-life), so its action depends on a constant flow of certain stimuli. The ability to put yourself in another person’s place directly depends on the level of oxytocin in the blood. This hormone takes an active part in the regulation of social behavior in mammals, not excluding humans.

It is involved in recognizing familiar individuals, forms trusting relationships, regulates the reliability of marital relationships, etc. Oxytocin enhances the feeling of “we are family” around people close to us. An increase in the level of oxytocin in the blood causes a person to feel a sense of satisfaction, a decrease in fears and anxieties, and a feeling of trust and calm around a partner.

Oxytocin triggers chain reaction. Oxytocin allows us to experience empathy, and empathy promotes socially approved behavior, promotes trust, and caring for other people, which in turn allows them to generate greater levels of oxytocin.

In addition to improving our psychological state Oxytocin improves our health. Maternal and marital love is associated with reduced risks of a wide range of diseases, from sore throats to ulcers and cardiovascular diseases to alcoholism. This is even confirmed by studies involving animals. In the 1980s, American scientists decided to find out what effect diet has on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits, and noticed that in two identical groups there were significant differences in symptoms.

The groups were looked after by different laboratory assistants - the rest of the conditions were absolutely identical. The experiment was repeated twice with different people and published its results in one of the most authoritative scientific journals, Science. Rabbits who were treated “kindly”—regularly played with, talked to, and petted them—showed a 60% reduction in the symptoms of atherosclerosis, regardless of diet.

Stimuli for the release of oxytocin.

Your oxytocin low.

1. Physical contact.

Sex, hugs, stroking - whatever. Massage also contributes to an increase in oxytocin, and the level of this hormone also increases in the person performing this massage. The frequency of strokes plays an important role: 40 strokes per minute is considered optimal. According to research, this particular frequency of stroking is chosen instinctively; it is more pleasant to a person. We need four hugs a day to survive, eight to stay in good shape, and twelve to grow.” A 20-second hug (or 10-minute hand-holding) reduces harmful physical consequences stress, including lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

2. Eye contact.

When we meet our eyes, we actually establish “brain to brain” contact: both participants know for sure that the interaction between them nervous systems V this moment two-way. Such reciprocity is the essence of any communication. It is well known that increased levels of oxytocin in the blood increase our tendency to look people in the eyes, which in turn improves “mind reading” and understanding of their emotions.

When we look into the eyes, it increases the production of oxytocin. Moreover, this works not only in people, but also in dogs. When a dog looks into the owner's eyes, the owner's oxytocin level increases, prompting him to show affection and care, which, in turn, increases the oxytocin level in the dog, which will then look at the owner even more faithfully.

The same positive feedback is also involved in the formation of mutual attachment between mother and child. The fact that there is no such connection between tame wolves and their owners suggests that the tendency to look into the eyes of a person, thereby causing a release of oxytocin in him and stimulating affection, developed in dogs during the process of domestication, and was not inherited from wild ones. ancestors It is possible that this tendency was an adaptation that increased the adaptability of the ancestors of modern dogs to life among people.

Man is a rational being, and therefore he is able to control his thoughts and actions. By at least, most people believe this. However, in reality everything is somewhat different. All thoughts and emotions, which prompt people to perform any actions, are controlled by hormones - substances produced by organs endocrine system.

Glands internal secretion produce more than a hundred hormones. But the functions of most of them still remain unclear. At the same time, many hormones received names that make their main function clear. For example, endorphin is joy or pleasure. and is , and is a sleep hormone.

But there is another hormone that is responsible for the feeling of affection. According to scientists, under the influence of this hormone a person experiences tender feelings for his partner. The same hormone produces maternal instinct in women. Oxytocin - and it deservedly received this name. What other functions does this hormone perform, is it really important for the body, and what ways can help enhance its production.

The hypothalamic-pituitary system is responsible for the production and delivery of the hormone into the blood. In this case, the main producer of oxytocin is precisely. However, it delivers it into the blood through the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland in this case performs the functions of a storage device.

Having produced the next portion of the hormone, the hypothalamus sends it to back pituitary gland, where the hormone accumulates. As needed, the pituitary gland releases a certain amount of oxytocin into the blood, which, along with the bloodstream, enters the internal organs.

Despite the fact that all the functions of oxytocin have not yet been studied and remain shrouded in mystery, it plays invaluable role in human life. Its main functions are as follows:

• Oxytocin promotes the production of endorphin, which is called the hormone of happiness;
• regulates testosterone production;
• this substance inhibits the synthesis of cortisol, a hormone formed as a result of stress;
• under the influence of oxytocin, the muscle layer of the uterus contracts, which allows labor to be stimulated and the uterus to contract in the postpartum period;
• the ability to relax smooth muscles is indispensable for women during childbirth and breastfeeding;
• ensures restful sleep;
• reduces drug, alcohol and other types of addictions;
• affects memory, helping to capture happy moments in life;
• increases libido;
• strengthens emotional attachment;
• accelerates muscle tissue regeneration;
• enhances social emotions;
• improves emotional condition and social behavior in people with autism;
• stimulates the formation of heart cells and bone tissue;
• reduces the risk of developing breast cancer;
• affects functions thyroid gland;
• reduces fat mass.

Oxytocin is very important for pregnant women. It is this hormone that causes contractions, both training and real. With insufficient concentration of oxytocin natural childbirth impossible.

The role of this hormone is invaluable for lactating women. Milk produced under the influence of prolactin passes through ducts, which dilate due to oxytocin. Along with mother's milk, a certain amount of oxytocin enters the baby's body, which stimulates the hypothalamus to produce it independently.

Most strong influence This hormone affects a person’s psycho-emotional state and his sexual life. It is under the influence of oxytocin that people experience attraction to each other, and then attachment.

And if, with normal concentrations of the hormone in the blood, people experience love for themselves and others, a deficiency of this substance can cause prolonged depression. When hormone levels decrease, people become irritable and begin to show aggression. It has been experimentally established that aggression manifests itself only towards familiar people.

Reasons for decreased hormone levels

Oxytocin deficiency can be caused by the following pathological conditions:

• physiological or surgical menopause;
• frequent stress;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• HIV and AIDS;
• autism;
• Parkinson's disease;
• infectious and viral infections brain;
• drug use.

Autism is congenital disease, which develops as a result of a disruption in the formation of a gene containing the oxytocin receptor. Studies have shown that patients who were given oxytocin became more active and open to others. The patients' sense of fear of society decreased.

The production of oxytocin decreases with physiological aging of the body, causing many health problems. The synthesis of oxytocin occurs under the influence of dopamine and thyroid hormones. As we age, the production of these hormones decreases, and along with them, the production of oxytocin decreases.

How to stimulate oxytocin production

Having understood the functions of oxytocin, what it is, and what effect this substance has on the body, we can move on to considering the issue of how to increase its production.

The importance of this hormone for human life cannot be overestimated. On the one hand, its deficiency does not threaten the life and health of people, as is the case with somatotropin -. However, this substance stimulates the production of the happiness hormone and inhibits the production of the stress hormone. That is, oxytocin deficiency has a direct impact on a person’s emotional state, thus shaping his mood. What can you do to become even happier?

Love as the main stimulant

Scientists were able to prove that the concentration of this biologically active substance in the blood increases with close contact between two lovers. Hugs, kisses and gentle touches release the hormone into the blood. However, regular kisses and hugs do not allow you to achieve such an effect.

No wonder they say that when a person falls in love, butterflies flutter in his stomach. The butterfly effect is a property of oxytocin. Falling in love provokes contraction of smooth muscles. And any reduction in them promotes the burning of adipose tissue. This is why people in love experience a decrease in body weight.

However, any good deed associated with caring for one’s neighbor can increase the level of this substance. Having done something nice for yourself or others, a person feels satisfaction, which indicates an increase in oxytocin levels. This means that the hormone is produced in sufficient quantities only if a person is calm and satisfied with his life.

Use of oxytocin in medicine

Created based on this hormone pharmaceuticals which are used in medicine. Are used similar drugs V :

• to stimulate and relieve labor activity;
• to increase the contractility of the uterus after surgical birth;
• to stimulate postpartum discharge;
• to normalize the functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
• to increase lactation;
• to lower blood pressure and relieve attacks of bradycardia.

Use during childbirth

It is administered intramuscularly or intravenously if intramuscular injections do not achieve the desired results. In obstetrics, it is widely used to stimulate labor. This is done only if continuing the pregnancy poses a great danger to health. expectant mother and her baby, rather than artificial birth.

Oxytocin is most often used in the following situations:

• if a woman’s water breaks prematurely;
• if intrauterine growth retardation or fetal death is diagnosed;
• if the aging of the placenta occurred before the expected due date;
• if a blood test of the expectant mother showed the presence of Rh conflict;
• with late gestosis.

Before inducing labor, the woman undergoes ultrasonography, during which the maturity of the fetal lungs is assessed. The same study is necessary in order to exclude pelvic or transverse presentation of the fetus, since in this case natural childbirth is contraindicated.

Negative influence

Excessive concentrations of oxytocin in the blood can cause health problems. High levels of the hormone are especially dangerous for pregnant women, since it is this factor that most often causes spontaneous abortion. Under its action, the muscles of the uterus contract, which pushes the fetus out.

This substance reduces urination by retaining fluid in the tissues and thereby causing swelling. Oxytocin impairs memory and reduces learning ability, which affects the performance of schoolchildren. However, this function of the hormone, according to scientists, is protective. Thus, women who give birth forget about the pain suffered during childbirth.

Oxytocin is the love hormone. However, its manifestation is possible only with sufficient content.

The hormone oxytocin is known as the “hormone of tenderness”, “hormone of happiness”. It was not by chance that he received such definitions: thanks to him, a feeling of attachment between the mother and the baby arises, and the relationship between man and woman is strengthened.

It is produced in both sexes, having a significant impact on the functioning of the body.

What is oxytocin?

What kind of hormone is this? This is a happiness hormone produced by the hypothalamus. It enters the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, where it accumulates and enters the blood. IN more synthesized in women. In the opposite sex, a small amount of this hormone is observed.

Especially a lot of oxytocin is synthesized during childbirth and during breastfeeding. In men, the release is quite strong during an erection. This hormone is necessary to establish emotional attachment and sexual desire. It increases resistance to stress.

Scientists note that, despite the rapid development of medicine, this hormone has not been fully studied. Its functions, synthesis and interaction with other substances in the body require additional research. It is currently known and scientifically proven that the hormone oxytocin:

• is able to suppress anxiety and nervousness, which is especially important in stressful situations for a person, when he is extremely tense and cannot relax;
• stimulates uterine contractions during labor, helping the baby to be born and avoid complications;
• is a rejuvenating agent for muscles, helping to stay strong and healthy;
• promotes the emergence of sexual desire, the desire to give physical pleasure to your other half;
• helps strengthen love and family relationships, fills them with trust and tenderness.

It is known that with a lack of this hormone, a person becomes anxious and nervous. It is difficult for him to trust anyone and build relationships. Such people often suffer from loneliness and lack of love. They appear cold and rude, unable to show love.

Where and how the hormone oxytocin is produced

The hypothalamic-pituitary system is responsible for the synthesis and delivery of oxytocin into the bloodstream. The hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and released into the blood via the pituitary gland. Which in turn is a storage device.

If necessary, the pituitary gland supplies the blood required amount a hormone that travels with the blood to the organs.

The release of oxytocin into the bloodstream occurs during hugs, kisses, and sexual intercourse. In women, its level increases during pregnancy, labor and lactation. This is necessary so that the mother develops an attachment to the baby.

It has been proven that the synthesis process in women occurs more slowly than oxytocin in the stronger sex, so women need longer caresses. They need more tenderness, pleasant sensations, warmth, contact with a loved one.

This also manifests itself during sexual intercourse: after orgasm, the woman is ready to continue hugging her loved one, speaking tenderly, she strives to experience as much joy and pleasure as possible, and the man has already received the necessary amount of warmth.

The hormone has been produced in the required quantity, and the man does not want to continue caresses, so after intercourse he simply falls asleep, which upsets the woman.

What is the hormone responsible for?

Oxytocin, as you might have guessed, is very significant for the human body, here are some functions of the hormone:

• emotional attachment– helps to strengthen relationships between a man and a woman, parents and children, a person seems to need a soul mate and strives to spend all his time with her;
• strengthening emotional memory- remembering a certain person or event, a person begins to feel what he felt in the past, he experiences those situations again and again;
• birth and discharge breast milk – thanks to this hormone, the uterus contracts, helps the baby pass through the birth canal faster and easier, the hormone helps milk to be produced in the right quantity;
• warning drug addiction – with the help of this hormone, cravings for alcohol and drugs are significantly reduced;
• sexual arousal– this hormone increases desire between lovers, gives rise to sexual hunger, which is especially evident during physical contact with a loved one;
• adaptation in society– Oxytocin helps communicate with other people, find mutual language, solve various issues without negativity and conflicts;
• protective functions- appear at the moment of danger, when a person understands that it is necessary to save himself, to move away from the stimulus.

In addition to the listed functions, this hormone helps normalize sleep, get rid of insomnia, and get enough sleep. Some scientists claim that it is oxytocin that makes a person more generous and eliminates greed. Be that as it may, this hormone has a positive effect on humans.

If the hormone were not produced in the human body, people would not be able to build trusting relationships, become attached to someone, or experience a strong attraction to the object of adoration. A person would not be able to experience pleasure from bodily caresses, hugs and kisses.

The birth process would be almost impossible, because it is oxytocin that stimulates the uterus, and without this, doctors would have to resort to caesarean section much more often.

Oxytocin and relationships

Experts like to repeat that in relationships between people main role plays psychological aspect. Why don’t they believe that certain characteristics, personal qualities, and past have great importance, when the question comes about love relationships.

In fact, this is just a stereotype. Science says it's the body's fault for what happens in relationships. Psychology depends precisely on biological processes. This suggests that internal processes influence what a person thinks about and what decisions he comes to.

If the production of hormones is disrupted, there is not enough oxytocin, the person’s behavior will be a little strange: he will be cold towards his loved one, will not want to show feelings again, and will avoid physical contact. From the outside it will seem that the person is not interested in developing the relationship. As a result, separation occurs.

If this hormone were produced in the required quantity, a person would behave completely differently: he would love communication with his other half, try to please her, often hug and try to caress her. This helps strengthen relationships and create a family.

If we consider the example of the relationship between a parent and a child, oxytocin manifests itself here too. A parent whose body has little oxytocin can be very tough, rude, raises the child in strictness, and does not like to hug him or show him love once again. As a result, this affects the child’s character. He doesn't get any love in sufficiently, cannot trust the parent with all the secrets and secrets, often deceives him.

There is no mutual understanding between parent and child, warm relations. From the outside it may seem that people are strangers to each other. Children grow up closed and may have difficulties interacting with other people in society.

This hormone has a huge effect on human behavior and actions. It manifests itself in relationships in one way or another. A lack of this hormone always leads to negative consequences: breakup of relationships, deterioration of communication with people, isolation and coldness.

Drugs with the hormone oxytocin

There are drugs that contain this hormone. The most effective and well-known are:

• drug Oxytocin;
• Demoxytocin;
• Oxytocin Grindeks.

Oxytocin is the most common and safe drug to use. It is available in injection and spray form. If a person purchased the drug in the form of injections, you must first ask your doctor optimal dosage. It is prescribed individually, based on the patient’s condition, height and weight. Oxytocin injections can be administered intravenously and intramuscularly.

Typically, the course of treatment with Oxytocin is two weeks. More long term practically not prescribed, as side effects may occur.

This drug is often prescribed to women to restore the tone of the uterus, remove lochia that has lingered in the reproductive system. Oxytocin enhances labor and is also used to terminate pregnancy in the early stages.

To prevent a miscarriage, take the drug very carefully, not exceeding the dosage prescribed by the doctor. Men take Oxytocin much less often: only to reduce stress, anxiety, and normalize mental state, restoration of sexual desire.

Doctors quite often prescribe not only Oxytocin, but also Demoxytocin. The actions of these drugs are identical. Demoxytocin effectively stimulates the uterus and promotes the production of breast milk. The use of this drug is always monitored by a doctor, since the occurrence of side effects in case of violation of the dosage is very high. While taking this medication, you should not take other medications that have similar effects or contain oxytocin. The product is available in tablet form.

Oxytocin Grindeks is synthetic analogue natural oxytocin. It is used in the same way as previous drugs - to stimulate the uterus, produce breast milk, and reduce anxiety. Available in the form of a solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection, has no color, but has a characteristic odor.

Use the drug with caution during complicated labor and reduce the dosage. Doctors especially often prescribe this medicine during the postpartum period, when the uterus needs restoration. With this drug you can prevent postpartum complications.

The contraindications for these drugs are identical; they cannot be used for:

• arterial hypertension;
• hypersensitivity, tendency to allergic reactions;
• discrepancy between the size of the mother's pelvis and the size of the fetus;
• excessive stretching of the uterus;
• compression of the fetus.

It should be remembered that if the drug is taken incorrectly, or due to individual intolerance, problems may arise. side effects. They manifest themselves in the form of uterine hypertonicity, decreased blood pressure, rupture of uterine tissue, and fetal asphyxia.

If a woman has allergic reaction to these drugs, she may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, and serious cases arises . A person’s pulse quickens, he feels dizzy, and medical help is needed.

Not only women, but also men can suffer from improper use of medications. If they violate the dosage, they become lethargic and infantile. Their blood pressure may increase and their overall health may worsen. May occur hormonal imbalance, which will lead to the occurrence of other ailments.

For this reason, the drug is always taken under the supervision of doctors, who calculate the individual dosage and duration of treatment. If the patient complies with the dosage, a drug containing oxytocin will only bring benefits. It will make a person healthy, full of energy, cheerful.

How to increase oxytocin production

If iron cannot produce a sufficient amount of this hormone, experts recommend using several in effective ways solving the problem.

By regularly giving a massage to your loved one, you can give him real pleasure, and this promotes the production of oxytocin. IN in this case bodily interaction is characterized by pleasant sensations, rubbing, stroking, which can not only affect the emergence of feelings of affection, but also provoke a surge of sexual desire.

It is recommended to hug your loved ones every day. Experts advise lovers to hug, touch, kiss, talk more often pleasant words, talk heart to heart. There is no need to be afraid to show your feelings; your chosen one will be pleased to know what feelings he or she evokes.

Sexual intercourse promotes the production of oxytocin. In people who are active sex life, there will be no problems with the production of this hormone. They are used to giving love and warmth to their significant other and trust her completely. Relationships only become stronger from this.

As practice shows, it will help solve the problem and physical activity. Sports activities, games with friends fresh air, walking will also help produce oxytocin – love hormone in the right amount. The main thing is to spend time with pleasure, train in in a great mood, and even better – play sports in the company of loved ones.

Oxytocin is a pituitary hormone that plays a huge role in the human body and controls many processes. If there is a deficiency, it can be replenished with the help of special drugs. By taking them, it will be possible to normalize many processes and improve a person’s well-being. Improvements are evident both physically and psychologically.

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“Man is the architect of his own happiness,” says a common proverb, but from the point of view of human biochemistry and physiology, adjustments must be made to this categorical judgment. It is hardly possible to “forge” and feel full-fledged happiness without the participation of the so-called “happiness hormones” - serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin and some other substances. This group of compounds is also called neurotransmitters. They transmit electrochemical impulses between neurons and other cells, and are also responsible for a positive perception of the world. Each of them enriches our lives with additional vivid feelings and emotions. Hormone oxytocin helps revealing in a person such aspects of his personality as empathy, trust and affection. Thanks to him, we enjoy communication, relationships with friends, loved ones and family. Isn't it amazing? So let's take a closer look at how exactly oxytocin affects Luckily for us, what awaits us if there is a shortage or excess of it in the body, and is it possible to somehow control the level of our own oxytocin.

Discovery of oxytocin

I wonder what's up discovery of oxytocin, back in the early 19th century, the concept of “oxytocic” meant substances used to stimulate labor, in particular ergot, known for its toxicity, which was used to open the uterus of a woman in labor. This word came to English from Greek, where ὀξύς was understood as “ rapid birth" The substance itself was discovered in 1906 by pharmacologist from England Henry Dale, who established its effect on accelerating labor and enhancing lactation.

And in 1953, oxytocin became the first hormone synthesized. This breakthrough in biochemistry was made by the American Vincent du Vigneault, who discovered the sequence of amino acids included in composition of oxytocin. For this the chemist was awarded Nobel Prize. If earlier medicine used oxytocin, extracted from the pituitary gland of animals, today it is a completely artificially synthesized hormone, no different from the natural one in its properties and effects on the body.

General characteristics of oxytocin

Characteristics of oxytocin(lat. Oxytocinum) can be briefly summarized as a peptide hormone of 9 amino acids. Its chemical formula is C 43 H 66 N 12 O 12 S 2. It is synthesized in the hypothalamus of mammals, from where it is sent to the pituitary gland, in the posterior lobes of which its depot is located - a kind of reserve, a warehouse from which the substance enters the blood. The bloodstream delivers it to all organs and systems, where it is met by oxytocin receptors of cells.

This hormone is the most important neurotransmitter (transmitter of electrochemical impulses, commands nerve cells), influencing reproductive functions and intimate life, as well as on blood pressure, water-salt metabolism. Neuroscientists studying oxytocin note the special role of this compound in the evolutionary process, as it stimulates the development of social feelings and communication skills.

Effect of oxytocinon human physiology

Although in the name of oxytocin its role in accelerating labor is indicated, this peptide cannot be called purely female hormone, since it is significant for both sexes. Effect of oxytocin on human physiology is multifaceted. Let's look at its main functions.

• Stimulation of uterine contractions during childbirth. At the final stage of pregnancy level of oxytocin in the body women are growing. First, it promotes the opening of the uterine canal, and on II and III stages contractions causes contractions of her smooth muscles - increases their frequency and strength. After the birth of the child need oxytocin for the speedy cleansing of the uterus and its restoration to normal size.
• Ensuring lactation. When a newborn begins to suckle, it immediately intensifies oxytocin production, which affects muscle cells and facilitates the movement of milk through the milk duct system and flow into the baby’s mouth. Oxytocin release outside feeding time leads to spontaneous milk release. Depression, stress, and fatigue interfere with the synthesis of this hormone, which can cause muscle contraction and make it difficult for the baby to suck. Often this is what causes children to refuse their mother's breast. That’s why positive emotions and the ability to relieve stress are so important for mothers.
• Effect of oxytocin on sexual functions. It enhances desire, libido, being released into the blood as a result of hugs and caresses. After orgasm, its level is very high in both sexes. This is due to contractile muscle movements reproductive organs. There is an assumption that it is oxytocin that promotes the movement of sperm to the eggs. It has been found to strengthen emotional connection between partners.
• Participation in the regulation of blood (arterial) pressure. Oxytocin moderately lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, in particular the coronary arteries.
• Maintenance water-salt balance . Oxytocin exhibits diuretic properties (accelerates the formation of urine), especially enhances the excretion of sodium by the kidneys.
• Influence on the synthesis of other hormones. Determined that oxytocin enhances production endorphin– another hormone of happiness. It is important that it regulates the production of male sex hormone testosterone and contributes to its transformation into active form– dihydrotestosterone. It also reduces the synthesis of cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which trigger destructive processes in the muscles.
• Impact on stem cells. Oxytocin increases the proliferation (reproduction by division) of stem cells, which encourages them to become heart and bone cells. Rejuvenates muscle stem cells.
• Maintenance normal operation thyroid gland. This hormone promotes the delivery of iodine to thyroid cells.
• Effect on blood glucose concentration. In experiments on rodents that received injections of oxytocin, the animals began to eat less, their fat cells were burned. That is oxytocin promotes losing weight.
• Improved sleep by reducing the level of anxiety, anxiety, stress, depression.
• Prevention of breast cancer development.
• Reducing inflammation and accelerating body recovery due to the suppression of some cytokines - specific proteins that function in the immune system.

The effect of the hormone oxytocin on the emotional sphere and human relationships

It’s even hard to say what’s more surprising: the participation of hormones in the regulation physiological functions or their influence on human feelings and relationships in society. Action of the hormone oxytocin on the emotional and mental sphere is truly unique. Without him we would be completely different! It determines various aspects of our personal and social life.

• Mother's attachment to child . From the moment of birth, the child is protected by maternal care and love thanks to a large number oxytocin, which gives rise to maternal feelings. The fact that women with elevated levels of this hormone experience these feelings more strongly and from the first days establish an extremely strong relationship with the baby was confirmed by a 2007 study published in the scientific publication Psychological Science. Moreover, oxytocin makes the female fearless, and in case of danger, she is ready to defend her offspring at the risk of her life. In fathers, this hormone is synthesized as an empathic reaction to the sight of manifestations of maternal instinct in the woman they love.

An interesting experiment was in which virgin mice were injected with oxytocin, as a result of which they began to behave towards mice in exactly the same way as females who gave birth. That is, oxytocin literally reformatted their brains and forced them to respond to the babies’ squeaks.

• Development and socialization of the child. American scientists from Atlanta have also established an inverse relationship between the level of this hormone in adults and the atmosphere in which they spent their childhood. Children from dysfunctional families, those who experienced emotional abuse from their parents or were deprived of communication with their family in the first years of life may experience lack of oxytocin. This will be expressed in their inability to find contact with other people, problems in the emotional and intimate sphere, and less successful socialization.
• Monogamous relationship. Oxytocin makes the relationship between a man and a woman more stable, increasing not only pleasure in sex, but also openness, trust, tenderness, affection, empathy, fidelity and love. It promotes the concentration of partners (spouses) on each other. This has been confirmed in many experiments. For example, when it was administered nasally, men experienced more pronounced attachment to their regular partner, and other women lost their attractiveness to them.
• Bringing people together social groups . Group unity, collectivism, acceptance of public morality, the norms of one’s reference group - all these are the fruits of oxytocin’s influence on our body. Not only family and friendly, but also corporate and professional relationships will be strong when normal level of this hormone. Uniting in informal groups, political parties, sects and other unions, including those of an asocial nature, are also associated with synthesis of oxytocin. Moreover, if the trust hormone strengthens ties with “our own” people, then in relation to “strangers” it causes feelings of competition, rivalry, distrust, hostility and aggression, which is the biochemical basis of social intergroup conflicts itself. different levels. So excess oxytocin, which generates the desire to thoughtlessly dissolve one’s “I” without a trace in the collective whole, appears to be a very terrible and destructive force.
• Emotional Calm. Beach modern man – constant fear before the future increased anxiety, stress. Oxytocin, according to clinical trials, reduces all these manifestations, so it can also be called hormone of calm, relaxation, tranquility. The relaxation and peace experienced after orgasm are associated precisely with the release of oxytocin. It blocks the activity of parts of the brain in which fear and anxiety are formed, reducing the synthesis of stress hormones - corticotropin and cortisol.
• Changing Perception. Increased oxytocin levels affect cognitive (perceptual) processes. On the one hand, it improves the perception and memory of socially significant and emotionally positive information related to personal relationships. For example, it helps highlight the voice loved one in a stream of various noise, remember birthdays, family or hierarchical connections, etc. On the other hand, the perception and memorization of abstract and other (not colored by personal emotions) information is difficult. Even one’s own experience, which is not relevant in a specific communication situation (mother - child, man - woman, believer - religious association, etc.), can be forgotten for the benefit of the common cause. Oxytocin inhibits critical thinking activity, impairs personal motivation. And in this regard, it provides invaluable assistance to various kinds of propaganda, preaching, brainwashing and social manipulation.

How is oxytocin used in medicine and sports?

Currently oxytocin is applied in medicine, primarily in gynecology, obstetrics: for termination of pregnancy, stop uterine bleeding, artificial stimulation of labor with reduced contractile activity of the uterus, to accelerate the contraction of the muscles of the uterus after childbirth. It can also prescribe during breastfeeding if hypolactation is observed. Indications for its use may be premenstrual syndrome accompanied by pain and swelling.

Use of oxytocin during childbirth today it has become a widespread practice, significantly facilitating and speeding up the process. However, by introducing it to women in labor without good reason, doctors deal a big blow to a woman’s reproductive health and increase the risk of developing serious pathologies in a newborn. It is advisable to use it in childbirth with premature birth amniotic fluid; premature aging placenta; disturbances in fetal development or death; in case of Rh conflict in the blood test of a pregnant woman; gestosis. IN veterinary practice it is also used to stimulate labor and improve lactation.

Promising prospects were discovered by researchers when studying influence of oxytocin on autistic behavior, who experienced an increase in the expression of emotions, in particular emotions of recognition, and a decrease in fear of other people, when additional oxytocin was introduced into the body. They even made visual contact with those around them, which in principle is not typical for them. So it is likely that oxytocin will still show itself as a medicine in psychiatry.

Perhaps it will find application and in narcology, since studies indicate a decrease in tolerance to drugs and alcohol, mitigation of withdrawal symptoms, which can be used in the treatment of pathological addictions. In gerontology Oxytocin may be a means of rejuvenation, since its systemic administration promotes muscle regeneration by dividing stem cells. Studies of the results of oxytocin therapy have also shown the effectiveness of this hormone for vaginal atrophy in menopausal women (vaginal injections were used), for headaches (nasal spray) and for improving mood in depression.

In sports practice, in particular in bodybuilding, oxytocin can be used due to its effect on stem cells (increased proliferation) and strengthening, renewal muscle cells, restoration of muscle tissue after increased physical activity, as well as due to the suppression of the production of corticotropin and cortisol, which have a destructive effect on muscles. It reduces the level of cytokines, due to which inflammation goes away faster, wounds and injuries heal faster. However, without the prescription and supervision of a sports medicine doctor, injections or nasal administration of oxytocin not recommended, since the hormone can provoke allergies (up to anaphylactic shock), violation heart rate, hypotension, vomiting, hormonal imbalance.

Lack of oxytocin and its excess

Lack of oxytocin can greatly impair a person's quality of life. A deficiency of this hormone can develop due to natural aging of the body, in women - upon the onset of menopause, when secretory functions weaken; at endocrine disorders; immunodeficiency (HIV, AIDS), infectious lesion brain, autism. Alcohol and drugs also reduce its synthesis.

The consequences of a lack of the hormone of love and trust can be difficulties in socialization, communication, lack of orgasm and true emotional intimacy in intimate relationships, increased level anxiety, depression, chronic stress and irritability, sociopathy and narcissism, selfishness, inability to sympathize with other people and enter into their position, inability to make friends.

However excess oxytocin doesn't benefit anyone. Urine output decreases and sodium metabolism is disrupted, swelling occurs, and may decrease arterial pressure. In pregnant women it causes risk of miscarriage or premature birth. In men, an excess of this substance reduces the production of the main androgenic hormone - testosterone, which is responsible for masculinity, competitive qualities and rationality. In study and work, excessive oxytocin is also not helpful, as it disrupts perception, memorization, and handling information that has no personal or emotional significance. Its excess makes a person overly trusting, suggestible and controlled, dividing the world into “us” and “strangers”, aggressive towards other non-reference groups, disinhibited (intoxicated by oxytocin).

How to increase or decrease the production of oxytocin?

Increase production of oxytocin Many factors contribute.

— tactile contacts: handshakes, massages, hugs and kisses when meeting; even tactile communication with pets leads to increased secretion of this hormone - both in people and in our smaller brothers;

— visual contacts: the habit of looking your interlocutor in the eyes helps to increase the level of oxytocin, the same applies to pets, which, by the way, they skillfully use, luring out a tasty morsel and earning our favor;

— intimate conversations, during which we open up and gain confidence in the interlocutor;

— regular sex, including prolonged caresses and orgasm, which results in a particularly powerful release of oxytocin. Sometimes relationships between partners reach a dead end due to decreased libido, endocrine (hormonal) disorders, menopause in women or erectile dysfunction in men. In this case irreplaceable help your reproductive system will benefit from the drug "Eromax", created exclusively on the basis of natural ingredients ( drone brood homogenate, bee pollen, epimedium, leuzea and ginseng with the addition of L-arginine, zinc and vitamin B 6). By improving the intimate sphere in your life, you will be able to avoid a host of other health problems, in particular, you will cope with oxytocin “hunger”;

— birth of a child and breast-feeding among women;

— caring for your neighbors, including animals;

— performing collective, joint actions: singing a hymn, march or drinking song in chorus, dancing, applauding in a theater or at a rock concert, cleaning at a cleanup day, praying in church, observing family and social rituals - everything that allows us to feel unity with other people;

— sports, physical activity;

— eating a range of foods. Although it is not found in food products pure form, but some of them are able to stimulate its synthesis, these are bananas, dates, avocados, pomegranate juice, beets, zucchini and squash, asparagus and celery;

— giving up alcohol and drugs, because ethanol suppresses secretion of oxytocin.

Accordingly, if a person experiences oxytocin “intoxication”, it is worthwhile to rationally approach his manner of communication: reduce the number of “hugs”, sexual relationships (if there are really a lot of them), avoid all kinds of effeminacy, and introduce a bit of criticism into emotional relationships with friends.

We must not forget that not only neurohormones determine our behavior, but we also trigger biochemical processes in our body with our behavior. Such interdependence gives us hope that with concentration of mind and sufficient willpower, a person can still control his hormones, and therefore be the architect of his own happiness!

No matter how sad it is to admit, a person largely depends not on his own decisions, but on what his body dictates to him. Adrenaline, dopamine, melatonin, testosterone, progesterone and many other substances affect people's behavior, their reactions, routines, attachments and aversions. What does oxytocin affect, for example?

Human hormonal system

Any living organism exists due to the work of its biological systems. A person has many of them, and each of them is complex in its own way. But there is one that is interconnected with all the others and regulates their work. It is only worth mentioning that the human body produces more than hundreds of hormones and neurotransmitters.

These substances have different nature, mechanism of action, and are formed by completely different cells. Peptide hormones, corticosteroids, catecholamines, androgens, estrogens, prostaglandins and many others - there are a huge variety of them, and each performs its own important function.

The human endocrine system is a very delicate and delicate instrument that can easily become unbalanced, and the results of this can result in very unpleasant diseases: from depression and dwarfism to diabetes and infertility. This is why it is so important for doctors to know how everything works and what substances affect what. The task is further complicated by the fact that the production of some hormones is closely related to the secretion of other substances, and by correcting one, you can easily damage everything else. It can be compared to a house of cards. However, ordinary people are not interested in such subtleties. But, perhaps, everyone has heard about oxytocin in one way or another - the hormone of happiness, trust and love. What does this mean, is this really true?

Hormones of love and happiness

Obviously, these substances have a strong influence on the emotional state of a person at certain points in his life. There are also those that are believed to cause feelings of euphoria, happiness, love, trust, and affection. This effect, for example, has endorphins - peptide hormones produced by the body in response to stress. Their increased level causes a feeling of euphoria, and the receptors with which they bind play an important role in the development of drug addiction. In fact, endorphins are natural analogues of opiates.

Another substance with a similar effect is dopamine. It is part of the so-called reward system and is actively developed during positive experiences. Some drugs work by increasing the secretion of dopamine several times, which is why you want to return to them again and again.

Another neurotransmitter from this group is serotonin. In general, in conjunction with dopamine, it participates in the formation of the “reward system,” but in addition to this, it has many more functions, both mental and physiological. There are even products that affect its production and, therefore, improve your mood. These include dark chocolate, dates, milk. In some cases, in combination with certain medications, this can cause a dangerous condition - serotonin syndrome.

There is one more hormone that can be classified in this group. But we need to dwell on it in more detail, because its role in human body huge.

Oxytocin

The love hormone, as it is sometimes called in literature, is actually involved in the formation of attachments and has many other functions. Yes, it's all oxytocin. It has a relatively simple structure, and the more surprising is how it affects human life. From time to time, new information appears in the scientific and popular literature about how hormones act on people, and this is explained by the fact that their careful study began not so long ago.

Doctors knew first of all that oxytocin is a hormone that controls the process of childbirth. This is probably what led scientists to the idea that a mother’s deep love and affection for her baby, which arises almost in the first moments of his life, is determined by the presence of certain substances in the mother’s blood. This is how the study of this hormone began.

Output

Oxytocin is a hormone that appears in the human body thanks to a special gland - the hypothalamus, which controls the functioning of the entire endocrine system. From there it is transported to the pituitary gland, where it accumulates and is then released into the blood.

Scientists have recorded sharp jumps in observed people when they were hugged or taken by the hand by their loved ones. Any contact with loved ones, such as playing with children, talking, or simply spending quiet time together, also helps increase the production of oxytocin. At the same time, stressful situations reduce the level of the hormone, since adrenaline suppresses its production. Besides, Negative influence Ethyl alcohol, that is, alcohol, has an effect on the secretion of the neurotransmitter.

Concentration

Usually the level of this hormone in a person’s blood is approximately the same, although there are daily fluctuations. So, at night the concentration increases, so it is not surprising that both training and real contractions in pregnant women quite often occur precisely during dark time days.

Mechanism of action

Oxytocin causes a response in many systems in the human body. One of its main functions is the contraction of smooth muscles, that is, it is involved in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and labor. In addition, together with prolactin, it contributes to the proper establishment of lactation, allowing milk to pass into the ducts.

In addition, oxytocin is closely related to normal sex life and the formation of attachment to a partner. This neurotransmitter promotes the development of attraction in people and subsequent trusting relationships.

Oxytocin plays an important role in how the same person acts in different situations. With him high level people tend to be more generous, friendly, and more trusting.

Recent studies confirm beneficial effect oxytocin on people with autistic disorders, helping them stabilize emotions. And on a physiological level, this hormone helps fast healing wounds and muscle tissue rejuvenation.

Negative influence

Despite the fact that oxytocin is a hormone that performs a lot of extremely important functions, it can affect health negatively. For example, its high concentrations in pregnant women can cause miscarriages and premature birth because he forces muscle tissue the uterus contracts. Sometimes excess can also cause fluid retention in the body or low potassium levels in the blood.

A state where oxytocin is elevated negatively affects memory and learning ability. This incident, as researchers suggest, is due to the fact that it is better for the mother of a newborn not to remember the painful process of childbirth in detail. At the same time, everything related to social interactions, on the contrary, is remembered much better.

Another interesting effect is that oxytocin causes a feeling of unity with the group to which a person belongs. When a couple breaks up, lovers experience mental pain, striving to reunite, so the pain of a broken heart, alas, is also the effect of a hormone.

Synthesis

Like many other substances produced by the body, oxytocin was obtained artificially and make it out medications. It is used to stimulate labor and to reduce recovery time after cesarean section. Now they are finding other ways to use it, but we should not forget that long-term administration of synthetic oxytocin suppresses the secretion of natural oxytocin.