Oxytocin is known as “the love hormone”, because both men and women release it during sex and other forms of physical intimacy; hugging, kissing, cuddling. It’s that feeling you get when you see your girl or boyfriend after being apart all day, and all you want to do is give each other a long hug and kiss. You can’t keep your hands off each other. 

Oxytocin is released when we bond socially too. Ladies, think of when you get on the phone with a good girlfriend, and share what’s going on in your lives, and afterwards you feel lighter, happier, and more empathetic. This tenderness you feel is the effect of oxytocin. People with low levels of oxytocin have lower levels of empathy. 

While there is a lot of overlap in the systems of the male and female bodies, there are distinct differences to be aware of in navigating your relationships.

HOW OXYTOCIN AFFECTS MEN IN RELATIONSHIPS

Gentlemen, think about when you’ve hooked up with a woman you’re only interested in for sex. Imagine, you’re laid up in bed with her afterwards and she can’t keep her hands off you…but all you can think of is how to get her to go home. This post-sex feeling is due to a lack of oxytocin.

Now, think about when you’ve been in a committed relationship with a woman you love: you feel cuddly, loving, and emotionally attached to your girl during and after sex. This is because when a man decides to commit to a woman he has feelings for, his testosterone levels drop enough to feel the effects of oxytocin.

It’s is also the reason why men are less attracted to other women when in a committed relationship; because they’re constantly getting that drip of oxytocin. This explains why some men in committed relationships where they aren’t having sex, start to find other women more attractive.

HOW OXYTOCIN AFFECTS MEN (continued)

A study followed a tribe of men in Bolivia while they were out hunting for food. As expected, during the hunt, the men’s testosterone levels increased. When they got back from hunting, and began sharing the meat with their family and friends, their oxytocin levels rose. 

What’s interesting about this is, the hormones a man’s body produces when he hunts and provides for his family is the same as when he has sex with a woman he is in love with. The reward for both is the feeling that comes from oxytocin.

HOW OXYTOCIN AFFECTS WOMEN IN RELATIONSHIPS

Ladies, oxytocin is the hormone that makes you feel loopy and googoo eyed after having sex with a man you like. It’s also why once you’ve smashed, you like him more, and feel attached and affectionate. It’s in this haze, that you feel the most vulnerable. It’s like all your logic goes out the door. You’d do practically anything for him, and you think he’s the smartest/funniest/most handsome/insert word here guy in the world. 

Gentlemen, understand that females are more sensitive to oxytocin than males, your lady is experiencing a flood of hormones after sex. This is why a woman might become “too attached” or “crazy” after sex. 

A woman’s body deals with oxytocin in ways unique to her: it creates the bond of a mother and her child..there is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love.Oxytocin is a powerful hormone; like a drug. The hormone plays a key function in childbirth, breastfeeding, and bonding the baby to their mom and vice versa.

Hormones drive everything we do.