A oxitocina é um hormônio vital produzido na região do hipotálamo, no cérebro, e liberado na corrente sanguínea pela glândula pituitária, situada na base do cérebro.. Devido à sua ligação na promoção de sentimentos românticos e sexuais, a oxitocina é combinada com a dopamina, serotonina e endorfinas, como um dos quatro “hormônios da felicidade”.
A oxitocina é responsável por funções importantes durante a gravidez - facilitando a contração do útero no momento do parto, as well as in the lactation phase – supporting the passage of milk via the ducts in the breasts and its subsequent discharge from the nipples. Though these roles only pertain to women, oxytocin is also synthesized in the systems of men, preserving the transport of sperm and production of the key male reproductive hormone – testosterone. Além disso, oxytocin influences how humans shape their close romantic relationships including intimate sexual bonding and trust, thereby also being commonly called the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical”.
Oxytocin acts on many organs in the human body including the breasts, uterus in females, the testes and vas deferens in males, as well as the brain. It is involved in many crucial operations, como:
1.Promoting the contraction of the smooth muscle lining of the uterus during childbirth in pregnancy
2.Preserving uterine contractions and lowering the risk of bleeding in the postpartum phase i.e. the period following pregnancy and childbirth
3.Enhancing contraction of myoepithelial cells in the breasts, which release milk from the alveoli into the ducts in the nipples in the lactation period
4.Stimulating the production of testosterone – the male reproductive hormone, for sexual wellness in men
5.Activating the contraction of the vas deferens – the ducts in the testes and the prostate gland in males, to emit sperm during sexual activities and intercourse
6.Augmenting the contraction of the uterus and vagina in females, to aid in the transport of sperm into the fallopian tubes during intercourse
7.Promover comportamentos saudáveis, vínculo social, relacionamentos íntimos de amor, afiliações românticas, confiança e conexões parentais
8.Melhorar o humor e atenuar emoções negativas, depressão e ansiedade
