OXYTOCIN

 

Low libido and inability to experience the full satisfaction of intimacy or orgasm affects women of all ages as well as aging men, Dr. Faler understands the frustration potentially surrounding this issue, and provides supplements and enhancing stimulants to help you achieve maximum sexual fulfillment. Get a free ten Minute consult with Philip Faler, ND for more information and start taking control of your sexual health and wellbeing.

 

Oxytocin – The Love Hormone

 

Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone”, had been proven in studies to play a large role in promoting enduring friendships, marriages and relationships. Collective data has shown oxytocin to reduce anxiety levels in users, in turn helping to facilitate social contact between people(1).

 

It has been suggested that stress can restrain the production of oxytocin(2). With the ever stressful and overwhelming circumstances life can throw at you on a daily basis, not to mention the emotional effects and lack of energy brought on by limited daylight in the winter, a prescription for compounded oxytocin could be beneficial to help restore your natural oxytocin levels and re-ignite your natural sensitivity and desire towards affection.

 

Oxytocin is naturally released in the brain in response to hugs, kisses and other forms of caress or touching. Oxytocin’s role in sexual response is primarily to facilitate attraction and touch sensation, secondarily increasing further upon touch and spiking at the point of orgasm(3). An orgasm can typically produce a spike in oxytocin more than two times the normal level, leading to the calm, satisfied postcoital afterglow and desire for cuddling and higher level bonding.

 

As one ages, he or she may notice a decrease in many physical and emotional feelings. These emotions may include passion, love, and sexual drive. This is often related to a decline in our naturally occurring hormones. We mostly hear about hormones such as testosterone in men and estrogen and progesterone in women.

 

Many people may associate Oxytocin with pregnancy. This association is correct, as it is released by the pituitary gland when a woman gives birth and breast feeds. However, this hormone is multifunctional in that it boosts testosterone, a key element in sex drive for both woman and men. Testosterone also affects bone density, muscle mass, and sleep cycles – all of which make an effect on your youthfulness and energy.

 

In addition to being known at the “love” hormone, Oxytocin is also referred to as the “touch” hormone. This is due to the fact that it is secreted when you touch someone or receive touch. It is also released during an orgasm. However, if a woman’s level of estrogen is low, just touching may not be enough. Since estrogen levels directly affect oxytocin release, it might be more of a challenge to inspire a women’s sexual interest. If that is the case, Oxytocin is an efficient way to a successful outcome.

 

Oxytocin can also help other aspects of intimacy. When the hormone is released, it gives you a bit of a brain fog, similar to being in a dreamy state of mind, thus, interfering with one’s short term memory. This is one reason why touching and having sexual contact can help solve an argument. It also can increase bonding (like the mother and child bond during breastfeeding).

 

Supplementing with Oxytocin for both men and women can benefit not only your love life, but your health as well. Oxytocin is also known to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. When one has high levels of cortisol, it can negatively affect all of the sex hormones. Stress is a hugely related to raising cortisol levels. Oxytocin has been associated with lowering anxiety.

 

References:

 

• Heger M. The trust hormone: oxytocin may make you more trusting, but is that a good thing?. 2008 Apr; www.scienceline.org accessed Sep 2008

• Flechas JD. Alternative treatment of fibromyalgia using an oxytocin-hormonal-nutrient protocol to increase nitric oxide. 2000 Apr. www.helpmythyroid.com

• Gutierrez MA, Stimmel Gl. Management of and Counseling for Psychotropic Drug-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. www.medscape.com accessed Sep 2008.

• Dr. J. Kaminetsky, New York Univ. College of Medicine; Univ. of Chicago College of Medicine; J Berman, M.D., I. Goldstein, M.D., Boston Univ. School of Medicine, Dept. of Urology/Continence.