What is oxytocin?

By (invitra staff).
Last Update: 02/26/2021

Oxytocin is a hormone generated in the hypothalamus and goes to the pituitary gland. This molecule can behave as a hormone, but also as a neurotransmitter.

Oxytocin is responsible for triggering labor and dilating the cervix by causing uterine contractions. In addition, oxytocin is also involved during lactation, as it is the hormone that causes the secretion of milk by the breasts.

However, these are not the only functions of oxytocin. This hormone is essential for sexual and organ arousal in women, but also in men. Oxytocin levels increase during sexual intercourse and especially after orgasm.

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Author

 Romina Packan
Romina Packan
inviTRA Staff
Editor and translator for the English and German edition of inviTRA. More information about Romina Packan

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