What is oxytocin and what functions does it have?

Oxytocin is a hormone that also has neurotransmitter functions. It could be said that, in general, their functions are linked to social relationships and the pleasure they cause. In addition, they also have a fundamental role in childbirth and breastfeeding.

It is known what oxytocin is, although its full functions may not be understood. Science still has a lot to discover about this molecule. This article shows different physiological and emotional functions that are related to oxytocin.

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What is oxytocin

Oxytocin is involved in different functions of vital importance. For example, it is essential for the mother-child bond to be established at birth and, in addition to other physiological and emotional functions, it is suspected that it could be related to fidelity and monogamy.

Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus. To act, it is conducted through nerve fibers to the posterior lobe of the pituitary. Then it is released into the bloodstream and reaches the part of the body where it produces a specific effect.

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Which functions has?

Oxytocin has various functions in our body. Most of them are linked to social behaviors and falling in love, but it also plays a key role during childbirth.

When oxytocin reacts as a neurotransmitter it stimulates certain areas of the brain that provoke direct responses in behavior. This function is related to social skills, and significantly influences the way people behave. The main functions that this molecule has in the body are shown below.

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1. Oxytocin and pleasure

Oxytocin is present during pleasant intimate relationships. This molecule is one of the main hormones in this type of activity, together with endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. During sexual intercourse, oxytocin levels increase considerably, in both men and women, reaching their highest peak at the time of orgasm.

At the time of female orgasm, oxytocin causes contractions in the uterus. The goal is to push the sperm towards the egg and thus facilitate conception. For this reason, when couples are looking for a pregnancy, one of the most common tips is to forget stress and enjoy. If this is not the case you can inhibit the release of oxytocin.

In the case of male orgasm, oxytocin also works. Its function is to achieve conception. When oxytocin is released through the bloodstream it travels to the prostate and seminal vesicles to contract the muscles and achieve ejaculation. In the case of intimate relationships, oxytocin is present in both men and women.

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2. Oxytocin and social ties

When oxytocin works as a neurotransmitter, it allows us to establish social relationships. Another function of oxytocin has to do with affective relationships, love relationships, social behavior and even with the maternal and paternal instinct and the disposition of service and help towards others.

Oxytocin is known as "the love hormone", because during the stage of infatuation the brain secretes large amounts of this substance. There is a feeling of wanting to be with the person in question, and when it is achieved, oxytocin is secreted again.

That is why it is also said that it is "the hormone of monogamy or fidelity." The higher the levels of oxytocin, the greater the desire to be with that person. Although not everything ends with falling in love, and it is that oxytocin also acts in other types of social relationships and allows us to feel empathy and social memory.

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3. Oxytocin in childbirth

Oxytocin plays a key role in childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, the pituitary gland releases oxytocin throughout the bloodstream, and its receptors are in the uterus and the mammary glands. At the end of pregnancy, oxytocin levels increase even more in these two organs, and at the beginning of labor they play a fundamental role.

Oxytocin is what causes the uterus to have contractions. As the process progresses, the brain literally floods with oxytocin to allow contractions to continue. Not only until the baby is expelled, but also afterwards so that the placenta also comes out. Likewise, the baby also releases oxytocin throughout this process.

For oxytocin to be released, it in turn depends on other hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, estrogens, prolactin, and endorphins. Others like adrenaline can completely inhibit the work of oxytocin. It is for this reason that the delivery should take place in an environment that is as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

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4. Oxytocin in lactation

Oxytocin is involved in the breastfeeding process. In addition to stimulating contractions in the uterus, oxytocin travels to the mammary glands, generating pulses that in turn stimulate prolactin, the hormone responsible for producing milk. Oxytocin generates contractions throughout the breast tissue to facilitate suctioning.

Moments before the end of labor, oxytocin already begins to stimulate the mammary glands, preparing to begin sucking once the baby is born. When mothers listen to their baby, smell him or hug him, they also generate large amounts of oxytocin. This helps keep your milk production going.

On the other hand, this release of oxytocin by the mother also affects the baby; he also produces this substance. For this reason, the moment of breastfeeding can bring great pleasure to both of you and allows the mother and child to establish and strengthen the bond.

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Some fun facts about oxytocin

The etymological origin of the word gives a sample of one of its main functions. The origin of the word oxytocin is Greek and comes from "oxys", which means "fast", and "tokos", which means "birth". Thus, a high release of oxytocin without factors that inhibit it allows a faster delivery.

Another interesting fact is that recent research has discovered that one of the probable causes of autism is the absence of this hormone. Oxytocin is involved in complex social processes such as empathy, trust and generosity, aspects that people with autism cannot process.

Oxytocin may also be related to human resilience and the ability to positively cope with crisis and tragedy. A person who throughout his life has presented high levels of oxytocin release also has greater resilience.

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Bibliographic references

• Gimpl, G. and Fahrenholz, F. (2001). The oxytocin receptor system: structure, function, and regulation. Physiological Reviews, 81 (2), 629-683.

• Hollander, E., Bartz, J., Chaplin, W. et al. (2007). Oxytocin increases retention of social cognition in autism. Biol Psychiatry, 61 (4), 498-503.

• Zak, P.J. (2010). Neurobiology of trust. Mind and Brain, 40, 12-17.