What is oxytocin?

The organism is capable of generating powerful hormones that produce well-being and they are also useful tools for the prevention and cure of ailments. All this is a consequence of different interactions between the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.

The emotionsthe feelings and the thoughts they create impulses that guide these circuits toward well-being and health, or toward pain and illness.

The oxytocin and the endorphins secreted by the brain they are substances much more powerful than some of the most well-known drugs. The discovery of its decisive role is a milestone in the history of medicine and the subject of research in psychoneuroimmunology, which tries to elucidate the mechanisms involved in these processes.

Oxytocin hormone or neurotransmitter?

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide Made up of a chain of nine amino acids that plays a vital role in health and well-being, even before birth. It is generated in the hypothalamus, and from there it is conducted by a protein to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland through nerve fibers. From the pituitary it is released into the bloodstream to reach the different target organs.

The oxytocin it can behave as a hormone or as a neurotransmitter that influences the activity of the vegetative nervous system. It also intervenes in several physiological processes, activates behaviors at a mechanical level in certain organs and influences different brain areas.

oxytocin in childbirth

The word oxytocin, which derives from the Greek oxys (fast and tokos (childbirth), was coined more than a century ago by the neurophysiologist Henry Hallet Dale after observing that a substance extracted from the human brain was capable of causing uterine contractions in pregnant cats. But until 1953 its chemical formula was not discovered.

Since then it is known its role in triggering and sustaining labor contractions, as well as in the dilation of the cervix. By the synthesis of this hormone vincent du vigneaud received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1955 and since then highly purified synthetic oxytocin has been used in obstetrics.

It is sometimes called “the hormone of love”since its function as a creator of links in humans and other mammals has been discovered, and with a fundamental role in the sensualitythe affectivity and the sexuality.

response states of the body

The human body has two essential response patterns, each of which is governed by hormones and biochemical transmitters that defines and distinguishes them. Both response mechanisms are important for survival and life, and what differentiates them is the time they occupy us.

1. Ready for action

One of them occurs when the brain perceives a danger or threat and sets in motion what is called the “fight or flight” reaction (attack or flight).

This triggers an alarm function that produces different bodily reactions, such as increased blood pressurethe intensification of cellular metabolism or a greater flow of blood to the muscles of the extremities that enable action.

This chain reaction is mediated by the sympathetic vegetative nervous system and hormones from the adrenal cortex: adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol. It is a state of contraction. The energy is focused on the attack or flight, with which the body remains on high alert. It is a circumstantial reaction to a real stimulus limited in time.

2. State of placidity

The other response mechanism is that of calm, relaxation, and placid states.. In this case it is mediated by different hormones (oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) and is modulated through the parasympathetic vegetative nervous system. It should constitute the base, the way of being and feeling in daily life.

This state, which could be called positive biological responsecan be induced and enhanced by conscious breathing, messages from the cerebral cortex, etc.

These responses can be identified by looking at the saliva state.

The alarm stateis accompanied by dry mouth and thick and bitter saliva.The state of placidityby the wet mouth and a transparent saliva.

It is not by chance, therefore, that extreme stress is associated with a dry throat, while the expression “drooling” is associated with states of great admiration and relaxation.

empathy and emotions

An important part of this type of reaction is the role played by the relationship and the affections. oxytocin has the ability to produce empathygives us the opportunity to recognize the emotions of others and respond affectively.

It is secreted simply by eye contact between two people. It is of vital importance at the time of childbirth, because in addition to producing the contractions that dilate the cervix and make the baby progress for birthstarts the creation of the bond or imprint between the mother and the baby.

Oxytocin is the chemical mediator that produces and sustains the maternal behavior in women and paternal in man.

spontaneous release

There are three circumstances in a woman’s sexual life that result in a release of oxytocin of similar levels: orgasm, childbirth and lactation.

This hormone is secreted by the body of each woman to its measureThat is why synthetic oxytocin with its higher doses produces in some cases violent contractions of the uterus (spasms) and intense pain.

It is important to know that oxytocin is also secreted by nipple stimulationa strategy that can be used when labor slows down or blocks.

In my experience assisting home births over the years, I have had the opportunity to see how a blocked dilation resumed when the little sister began to breastfeed.

oxytocin in lactation

Oxytocin is essential for lactation. It is released in both the mother and the baby when she breastfeeds. In this act a “love hang” is produced mediated by oxytocin and endorphins, which pass from the mother’s bloodstream to breast milk, and from this to the baby. All this causes the baby to release these same hormones.

The South African doctor Nills Bergman, enthusiastic about birth research, stressed in Madrid the role of oxytocin in the production and maintenance of the maternal-infant bond. So it has to do with he learning the ability to love. We learn to love through the model of maternal love.

What happens when we produce little oxytocin?

Oxytocin too influences the growth of children and babies, because it stimulates the growth hormone (STH) that is released in the pituitary gland. It is not surprising that cases of short stature are related to early separation from the mother.

It has recently been discovered that people with autism have low oxytocin levels and their behavior patterns improve with an injection of it.

It also favors the development of pleasant affective and sexual bonds. There is a peak of oxytocin release and important endorphins at the moment of orgasm.

1. Effects on the body

oxytocin lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces muscle tension, improves healing and increases the pain threshold. He also participates in the nutrient absorption by the stomach and intestines and inhibits the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex (ACTH and cortisol).

2. Effects on the mood

There are situations mediated by oxytocin that generate states of serenity and bliss:

Massage: relaxation and touch (contact) produce in our body the activation of the system of placidity, calm…sensual contacts: caresses, hugs and pampering are comforting.pleasurable sexual activity: rosy cheeks, gentle smile…Contact with water: comforting hot baths, relaxing marine thalassotherapy.The effect of a good meal: “It makes my mouth water”.Eat chocolate increases oxytocin and serotonin, hence its antidepressant properties.humorous situations: laughter, jokes in company.healthy exercise: walking, running outdoors.Contact with nature, animals and also plants.

3. Effects on our social life

Oxytocin is the hormone of sociability and trust. Oxytocin is secreted in various situations of social life: a pleasant meal, a conversation, during a massage…

We have the ability to modulate emotional responses, to send us positive messages from the cerebral cortex. All this constitutes a great opportunity to influence this complex system and obtain satisfactory answers that increase well-being and health.