Oxytocin supplement for childbirth, depression and autism

Most of us know oxytocin as the love or cuddle hormone. The substance helps you to better deal with emotional and social situations and plays an important role in childbirth. Oxytocin would therefore be a possible treatment for mental and developmental disorders, such as depression and autism.

Also read: What are hormones and what do they do?

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. The main function of oxytocin is to facilitate childbirth. Like endorphins or serotonin, oxytocin is a type of hormone in your body that promotes positive feelings. We also produce it when we are in love and excited. That is why it was nicknamed the 'love hormone' and 'cuddle hormone'.

Also read: Nasal spray with 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin against shyness

Oxytocin during childbirth

Oxytocin stimulates both the contraction of the uterine muscles and the production of prostaglandins, substances that also stimulate uterine contractions. Women who experience slow labor are sometimes given oxytocin to speed up the process.

Once the baby is born, oxytocin helps move milk from the breast to the nipple and promotes bonding between mother and baby. Mothers with higher levels of oxytocin exhibit more affectionate parenting behaviors, such as checking on the baby more frequently and being more likely to touch or speak affectionately to him or her.

Also read: Finally proven: your brain does change when you become a mother

Oxytocin nasal spray as a supplement

Studies from 2017 and 2021 showed that oxytocin – administered to participants in spray form – can help treat autism and other developmental disorders. The same goes for mental health conditions that impair social interaction. People with autism were reported to exhibit fewer repetitive behaviors and have less difficulty forming social relationships.

The substance is also being studied as a possible treatment for (postnatal) depression. Oxytocin is said to stimulate feelings of trust and calm. In general, oxytocin provides more emotional stability. There are also studies into oxytocin as a possible treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.

Oxytocin supplement side effects

The effects of an oxytocin spray can vary from person to person. Research shows that side effects can occur such as:

• Anaphylactic reactions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Hypersensitive uterine response
• Aggression

For this reason, oxytocin should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor.

Also read: What is anaphylactic shock?

Sources: