Oxytocin: The Love Hormone and its Role in our Relationships

While several factors contribute to the intricacies of human relationships, there is one very important biochemical factor that must not be overlooked. Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Research done on this hormone suggests that oxytocin is largely responsible for the development of human bonding behavior and the positive loving emotions that we feel in our relationships. Oxytocin may also be responsible for our tendency as humans to desire and establish long-term monogamous relationships.


The “Love Hormone”

Of all mammals only three percent have a tendency toward monogamy. In the animal kingdom, the prairie vole and its cousin, the montane vole, have been studied for their monogamous versus polygamous nature. It seems that these small mice like species are the same in most respects but interestingly, the oxytocin hormone is substantially higher in the prairie vole. Oxytocin has been linked, not only to the prairie vole’s monogamous nature, but to its social behavior such as grooming, defending its nest and the fact that both father and mother care for the young.

What Does Oxytocin Do?

Oxytocin is best known for its functions related to childbirth and the establishment of a mother/child bond. In addition to stimulating the uterus at childbirth, oxytocin promotes the “let down” reflex associated with breastfeeding. In fact, it induces such sensitivity in women that the cry of a baby, even if it is not their own, can cause lactating mothers to release milk. Additionally this hormone invokes maternal behavior and emotions characteristic of nurturing mothers.

Many facets of romantic relationships are affected and, to an extent, determined by oxytocin levels. Engagement in both foreplay and sexual intercourse elevate oxytocin activity which, in turn, often produces an intense emotional feeling of connectedness and attachment. Oxytocin is an essential element for these types of long-term relationship building functions.

Childbirth and romantic interludes are not the only way to increase oxytocin levels. Simply holding hands, nurturing a child or elderly person, or grooming a pet will also raise the level of this powerful hormone. In fact, oxytocin may be one of the reasons that people get physical health benefits from healing processes like massage or psychological benefits from support groups.

Oxytocin seems to be a common ingredient in monogamous relationships as well as the hormone that establishes other emotional connections. From prairie voles to humans, hormones have always played a large part in everything from social to sexual behavior. In humans, oxytocin functions as the natural “love hormone” that has many far-reaching health benefits.