Oxytocin uses

Written by: Neel Patel PharmD. Candidate, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Class of 2020 Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. Sometimes known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” oxytocin promotes feelings of devotion, trust, and bonding and is released through physical touches, such as hugs, and also linked to the intensity of orgasms during sexual activity. A • Fostering pro-relationship mindsets and behaviors • Enhancing the processing of bonding cues • Facilitating improved communication • Empathy • Trust • Fidelity For females, it is the neuropeptide responsible for inducing labor contractions in pregnant women and also the “let down reflex,” which stimulates the production of milk during breastfeeding. Oxytocin is synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary where it can be released when needed. Figure 1: Chapter 16- Nutritional Aspects of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Vicky Pehling • Suckling stimulates nerves in the nipple and areola that travel to the hypothalamus • In response, the hypothalamus stimulates the posterior pituitary to release oxytocin and anterior pituitary to release prolactin • Oxytocin stimulates lobules in the breast to let down (release) milk from storage. Prolactin stimulates additional milk production Oxytocin Uses In Childbirth In general, oxytocin should not be used to start labor unless there are specific medic...