Furthermore researching my topic concerning Oxytocin in the human system brought out quite a few interesting bits of information. First and foremost, there are many purposes/functions this mammalian hormone (also known as the love hormone) contributes, but the most notable of all is the hormones ability to prepare a female for labor, stimulating the "milk let down" in the mother allowing the baby to feed, creating a very strong bong between mother and child. Once the child is born, the oxytocin hormone is released encouraging the mother to take care of its child and stimulating the maternal instincts. The hormone also plays a role in sexual arousal and orgasms in non-pregnant/lactating females and in males as well. There has been research proving that the release of oxytocin in the pituitary gland plays a big part in our social life, including the bonds we chose to make with our loved ones. Oxytocin is a chemical which most of all humans are addicted to unconsciously. Lower levels of oxytocin in the human system may lead to depression and even suicide. But spikes in oxytocin have been found in people who seem confident with their lives and loved ones. These spikes can occur during sexual peaks or even during the encounter of two people who have had intimate relationships. Oxytocin evokes feelings of contentment, reductions in anxiety, and feelings of calmness and security around the mate. This hormone increases trust between human beings and decreases in fear have also been noted. One study confirmed that there was a positive correlation between oxytocin levels and an anxiety scale measuring the adult romantic attachment. Oxytocin seems to be one of the few possible short-term cures for autism. Surprisingly when oxytocin is administered nasally to an autistic child, the child shows signs of normal social behavior and comprehension of their surroundings. Very interesting I thought, something I will have to look up more about. There is a lot more research to conduct, but as for now my flu-like sickness is catching up to me!
Diigo contains my references.
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