Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain, which plays an important role in facilitating childbirth and breastfeeding, but can also be found in pharmacies, in the form of capsules, liquid or spray, as in the case of Syntocinon, for example, only be used according to medical advice.
It is also known as the love hormone because of its role for mood enhancement, social interaction, decreased anxiety, and increased bonding between partners. In man, this hormone is able to decrease aggression, making it more lovable, generous and social, although its performance is often blocked by the action of testosterone. Learn more about the effects of oxytocin in man.
Thus, the main functions of oxytocin in the body are:
1. Facilitate childbirth
Due to its stimulation to the contraction of the uterus, rhythmically, the oxytocin naturally produced by the body helps labor. However, in the form of a medication, it is used when it is necessary to induce labor in pregnant women whose labor did not take place in the prescribed time, such as those over 41 weeks' gestation or when it is very time consuming.
It should only be used with the indication of the obstetrician and can not be used on other occasions by pregnant women due to the risk of on board or premature delivery.
2. Assisting breastfeeding
Oxytocin is produced naturally by the woman's body due to the sucking stimulation of the baby during breastfeeding. Synthetic hormone sold in pharmacies can be used 2 to 5 minutes before each feeding or before the milk is withdrawn with the pump, if the woman has difficulties in breastfeeding or if she is a foster mother, helping breastfeeding and the connection between mother and son.
3. Improve social relations
Oxytocin plays a role in improving social interaction, in the perception of emotional expressions and sensitivity, therefore, this hormone seems to have positive effects to help in the treatment of patients with autism and schizophrenia, in cases indicated by the psychiatrist.
4. Help fight depression and anxiety
This hormone can adjust the expression of emotions, reduce the sensation of stress, and improve mood and conviviality with people, and may in some cases help the treatment of people with depression, intense anxiety and social phobia. In these cases, the use of oxytocin should also be indicated by the psychiatrist.
5. Increase Pleasure in Close Contact
Oxytocin is believed to play a role in improving libido and sexual performance, acting in conjunction with testosterone in man, and progesterone in women to improve pleasure and interest in intimate contact, vaginal lubrication and the reach of orgasm.
Physical contact, not only sexual, but also through hugs and caresses are ways to increase oxytocin without the need for medication. See other ways to increase oxytocin naturally.
