It is one of the hormones secreted by the pituitary glands in the body and is of great importance not only physiologically but also psychologically. This hormone, also known as the 'love hormone' in society, has the ability to affect behavior, especially in women, and can manifest itself with very strong effects. The pituitary gland's secretion of the oxytocin hormone less than it should leads to dozens of different problems. It can also cause problems with the joy of life. Being in a depressed mood, experiencing anxiety problems, not being able to fall asleep, and constantly waking up are just a few of these problems.
What Does Oxytocin (Love Hormone) Do?
The answer to the question of why oxytocin hormone is popularly called love hormone actually partially explains what this hormone does. The most basic source of emotions such as love, loyalty, happiness, affection and hope is actually this hormone. Some studies have found promising results in the treatment of psychological disorders, once again revealing the importance of this hormone. Although its effects on mood are talked about more, it should be known that this hormone also offers extremely important physiological benefits.
In general, we can explain the question of what the oxytocin hormone does in a small list. :
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This hormone, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is also effective in regulating blood circulation.
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It balances the mood and regulates behavior in different emotional states. It is also important in regulating the body.
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It helps to experience positive emotions.
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It has anti-inflammatory properties and this feature speeds up the healing of wounds in the body. It also increases.
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It reduces stress by lowering the cortisol level.
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It increases the pain threshold.
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Enables socialization, prevents falling into an introverted mood.
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Increases sexual arousal.
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Establishing empathy. It makes it easier.
Oxytocin Hormone During Pregnancy
During Pregnancy The oxytocin hormone can make its importance more evident. For example, this hormone is the reason why women can withstand the severe pain they experience during childbirth. Because it can increase the pain threshold and thus make it easier to endure birth pains. It is the effects of this hormone on the body that enable the establishment of a bond between the expectant mother and the baby during pregnancy. We can even say that the hormone is one of the determining factors at the point of reproduction. Because this hormone, which is also secreted during sexual intercourse, facilitates fertilization. In this way, it increases the possibility of pregnancy.
Research has revealed the effect of the oxytocin hormone on the onset of labor pains. The hormone in question helps the uterus contract at the time of birth. We can state that it is a hormone that plays a role in the milk passing through the milk ducts and reaching the nipple after birth, during the breastfeeding period.
How to Increase the Oxytocin Hormone?
First of all,oxytocin hormone can be taken externally as a supplement. However, consuming foods containing this hormone is also one of the ways to increase the hormone level. We should point out that some vital factors can also increase hormone levels. We can give the following examples of factors that increase oxytocin:
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Socializing and communicating with people can cause this hormone to increase. Especially chatting causes the hormone level to increase.
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Doing good deeds is also one of the ways to increase oxytocin.
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Sexual intercourse and orgasm are among the ways to increase oxytocin. It enables the hormone in question to be secreted more in the body.
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Activities that the person enjoys are also included in this list. Exercises such as brisk walks, yoga or meditation are also ways to increase the hormone.
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One of the ways to increase oxytocin is to have a pet.
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Falling in love is also on this list. It has been proven by various studies that falling in love increases the hormone in question.
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One of the elements on the list is daydreaming. Dreaming that will make the person happy or remembering good memories It also increases the level of oxytocin hormone in the body.
What are the foods that contain oxytocin?
In general, foods containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and D contain oxytocin hormone. It is possible to state that the level has increased. Those who want to increase this hormone in their body through nutrition can choose to consume certain foods regularly. We can list these foods as follows:
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Eggs
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Milk and dairy products
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All green leafy vegetables
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Dried nuts
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Olives
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Paprika
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Wheat, rice, rye and oats
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Avocado, apple, banana, strawberry and pomegranate
The answer to this question, which is especially wondered by those who have problems getting pregnant, must be 'yes'. Because the nerve impulses reaching the hypothalomus are transmitted to the uterus thanks to the oxytocin hormone. This neural stimulation causes contraction in the uterus, and the arrival of male reproductive cells to the uterus accelerates. Sperm cells reach female reproductive cells more easily.
We should note that the acids in the uterus eliminate the activity of sperm cells. However, since the oxytocin hormone accelerates this transition, the possibility of damage to sperm cells decreases. In this way, the possibility of becoming pregnant becomes stronger, but of course we cannot say that oxytocin alone ensures pregnancy or that the possibility of pregnancy is completely eliminated if this hormone is missing in the body.
What are the Side Effects of the Oxytocin Hormone?
All hormones in the body must be in a certain balance. Just as hormones that are less than the ideal level can cause some problems, too much can cause various problems. Therefore, when the oxytocin hormone is taken too much or is secreted too much in the body, it is inevitable that some side effects will occur. We can list the most common side effects as follows:
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Excessive contraction of the uterus
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Edema in the body
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Decrease in blood pressure
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Skin rash
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Palpitation
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Headache
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Some visual disturbances
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Increased bleeding after birth
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Allergic reaction of the body
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Nausea, vomiting
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Some speech disorders
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Weakness
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Memory problems
These side effects usually occur when the level of oxytocin hormone secreted by the body increases. We can say that it does not occur when hormones are taken as external support. If you take oxytocin externally as a supplement for any reason, you should definitely inform your doctor if these side effects occur.
How to Correct Oxytocin Hormone Deficiency?
Oxytocin hormone in the body
If the pain does not start even though it is time to give birth, this hormone can be given to the body intravenously. This ensures that labor begins. Supplements produced in tablet form are generally used by people suffering from depression or similar psychological problems. Before using supplements, a test must be done and the deficiency of oxytocin in the body must be determined. Therefore, you should not attempt to use supplemental hormones without consulting your doctor.
Oxytocin controls many processes in the body and also helps nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other. Your brain The hormone is stimulated in women during birth, during breastfeeding and during sex. Oxytocin is released into the body. , the body responds by releasing more of the hormone. For example, during labor, contractions of the uterus cause oxytocin to be released into the blood. This causes more contractions, which causes more oxytocin to be released. What is the Role of Oxytocin? Oxytocin helps the uterus contract during labor. Sometimes artificial oxytocin is given to induce (start) or speed up labor. It is also sometimes used to help deliver the placenta or to help the uterus contract after birth to prevent heavy bleeding. When women are breastfeeding, oxytocin helps the milk come down. It has a role in making testosterone in men and helping sperm move. Oxytocin is also important in helping people form relationships. It allows people to get to know each other, feel trust and empathy, and helps mothers bond with their babies. It also makes people feel sexually aroused. What Happens If There Is Too Much Or Too Little Oxytocin? If there is too much or too little amount ofoxytocin in the body It is not clear what it is. Too much oxytocincan lead to benign prostatic hypertrophy in men, urination in the prostate gland It is thought to be a common condition that makes breastfeeding difficult. Too little oxytocin may affect a woman's ability to release milk for breastfeeding. Low oxytocin levels have also been associated with autism spectrum disorders and depression. It can be used to treat social phobia, depression, and anger problems. Read: 0