Reproductive
Pituitary gland (hypothalamus)
Oxytocin
The "bonding" hormone involved in birth, breastfeeding and connection.
What it does
- Causes contractions in labour and milk let-down
- Supports bonding, trust and social connection
Too much
- Mainly used as a medicine to induce labour
Too little
- Low levels may reduce feelings of connection
Keeping it balanced: Positive social contact and touch naturally release oxytocin.
Sources & references
Think a hormone may be out of balance?
The symptoms of hormonal excess and deficiency are non-specific — tiredness, weight change, low mood and poor sleep have many everyday causes. No hormone problem can be self-diagnosed from a symptom list.
Diagnosis needs blood tests interpreted alongside your history, sometimes repeated at set times of day because many hormones vary hour to hour. Speak to a GP if symptoms are persistent; seek urgent care for severe symptoms such as confusion, fainting, chest pain or extreme thirst with frequent urination.
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