Oxytocin is NOT a ~*Love*~ hormone it is a BONDING hormone
and I am TIRED of seeing people use it as âscientific proof that ROMANTIC LOVE exists~*~*~*!)
Situations in which Oxytocin levels are high in individuals:Â
During breastfeeding and is an important hormone in getting mil out of the nipple
cervical dilation before child birth
perhaps associated with faster healing rates and lower inflammation (but this study is severely hetronormative and amatonormative and ONLY looks at oxytocin levels in individuals during the visiting of their opposite sex partners and did not look further ot other social interactions)
Oxytocinâs relation to sex and sexual response is STILL NOT CLEAR. though people with vaginas do seem to have increased levels after orgasm, it is far less clear if that is the case with people with penises.Â
Might be linked to smooth muscle contraction during orgasm (tested during masterbation)Â
Helps to reduce stress and anxiety and induces feeling of calmness YES IN THE PRESENCE OF A MATEÂ (though done through a self reporting questionnaire and you have to be hesitant about those things) but ALSO IN THE PRESENCE OF A BEST FRIENDÂ (keep in mind this study seems only to be done on cis men which is something that needs to be kept in mind).
TRUST is increased with oxytocin and People given oxytocin are more likely so share emotional stories to ANYONE.
importance in the initiation of maternal behavior but not maintenance.Â
I would talk about Oxytocin and itâs role in in-group bonding but uh....that is a whole can of worms that I REALLY donât want to get into. if you want to look at the research on that then please feel free to.Â
AND THE MOST AWESOME ONE! Oxytocin levels increased to significant levels in BOTH dogs and humans after petting (for 24 minutes)and is likely associated with bonding with your pet! and given that oxytocin does seem to decreases anxiety SO GO PET YOUR ANIMAL it good for you and for it!! Â
in conclusion STOP CALLING OXYTOCIN THE LOVE HORMONE! It is NOT! if you want to call it ANYTHING call it the BONDING hormone because it seems to play roles in all social interactions that involve the necessity to trust and interact with another human.
(and also allos STOP using it as âproof that romantic love existsâ because when you do that it is very very obvious you have no idea what you are talking about, likely have never read up on the subject, and are just going by some stupid romanticized view of the topic that you probably picked up the a âscience today!â news article.) Â