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Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. [4] Present in animals since early stages of evolution, in humans it plays roles in behavior that include social bonding, love, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
Emotional closeness can be an especially strong predictor of sexual motivation in females and insufficient oxytocin release may subsequently diminish sexual arousal and motivation in females. High levels of vasopressin can lead to decreases in sexual motivation for females. [13]
There is no adequate direct test for ADH levels, but ADH deficiency can be confirmed indirectly; oxytocin levels are not routinely measured. [ 1 ] Generally, the finding of a combination of a low pituitary hormone together with a low hormone from the effector gland is indicative of hypopituitarism. [ 14 ]
During human parturition, the quantifiable level of blood plasma oxytocin rises: it becomes twice as much during the initial phase of dilation and continues to increase until the second stage of labor. [36] Oxytocin furthermore induces uterine contractions in mothers following childbirth which helps in the prevention of bleeding. [37]
Oxytocin is a neurochemical sometimes referred to as the love hormone, while cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. When oxytocin levels are up and cortisol levels are down, stress melts away.
Despite being tricky to measure, [11] measuring oxytocin can help build a clinical picture of reproductive health in the above mechanisms. hCG has a vital role in early pregnancy. [12] Higher levels of hCG is a good indication for the survival and viability of the embryo. [12] β-hCG can be monitored to test for an ectopic pregnancy. [13]
Oxytocin levels in human females are associated with the degree of physical affection and bonding. Feldman (2010) found that mothers who displayed “high affectionate contact” had increased oxytocin levels post interaction, but not mothers who displayed “low affectionate contact. [22] ”
Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus to start labor , increase the speed of labor , and to stop bleeding following delivery . [ 6 ]