Oxytocín je životne dôležitý hormón, ktorý sa tvorí v oblasti hypotalamu v mozgu a uvoľňuje sa do krvného obehu hypofýzou umiestnenou v spodnej časti mozgu.. Vďaka svojmu spojeniu pri podpore romantických a sexuálnych pocitov, oxytocín sa spája s dopamínom, serotonínu a endorfínov, ako jeden zo štyroch „hormónov šťastia“.
Oxytocín je zodpovedný za dôležité funkcie počas tehotenstva - uľahčenie kontrakcie maternice v čase pôrodu, ako aj vo fáze laktácie – podpora prechodu mlieka cez kanáliky v prsníkoch a jeho následné vypúšťanie z bradaviek. Aj keď tieto úlohy sa týkajú iba žien, oxytocín je tiež syntetizovaný v systémoch mužov, preserving the transport of sperm and production of the key male reproductive hormone – testosterone. Ďalej, 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, ako napr:
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.Fostering healthy behaviours, social bonding, close relationships of love, romantic affiliations, trust and parental connections
8.Improving mood and mitigating negative emotions, depression and anxiety
