Affection in the Time of Covid

Many of us have been in lock-down and self-quarantined for well over a month now and sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight! I get it. This has been an unbelievably difficult time for nearly everyone (I don’t know anyone who is just coasting through all of this) and can require lots of mental gymnastics just to get through the day. 

We are now a couple of months into this pandemic and many people, especially those who are single or live far from close family or friends, may not have even been touched by another person this entire time. I certainly know people for whom this is the situation and I’m sure you do too.

This in and of itself is a heartbreaking realization and one that can have profound effects on us as a whole. As you could probably guess, human touch and interaction are CRITICAL for our psyche, mood, quality of life, and health. Our primordial need for connection is as basic as air, water, and food. Without it, our mental health can suffer leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicidality. 

There is almost no substance more responsible for sociability, friendliness, creating connection, and pair-bonding than oxytocin. 

Oxytocin, also known as the “hug hormone” or the “love hormone”, acts in the brain but has many physical actions throughout the rest of the body as well. In both sexes, it has profound psychosocial effects such as stimulating sociability, bonding, and friendliness. This is the primary hormone responsible for attachment between lovers and sexual partners. Oxytocin can also make people more warmhearted and trusting. It has also been shown to improve our mood and reduce anxiety, especially socially related anxiety.

Physical effects of oxytocin:

• Lowers blood pressure (vasodilatory effect)

• Increases wound healing

• Increases production of anabolic hormones (think testosterone and IGF-1)

• Stimulates sex drive 

• Decreases time to orgasm 

• Reduces muscle pain

• Prevents ischemia (through vasodilation of coronary arteries of the heart)

Some women may be intimately familiar with this hormone (sold under the brand name Pitocin) which is used to increase uterine contractions and induce labor. In women, it also stimulates breastfeeding, improves orgasms, increases vaginal lubrication, and may even have a protective effect against breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. 

In men, oxytocin has been known to increase penile sensitivity, increase lubrication of the glans, improve ejaculation, and stimulate sperm release. 

At this point you’re probably thinking is can we use oxytocin to help people right now dealing with social isolation? Well, maybe. Oxytocin has been researched and explored as therapeutic options for autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, relationship difficulties, weight loss, pain, and addiction. 

My own experience as a healthcare provider is that oxytocin therapy is very safe and can be helpful for certain individuals who are dealing with social isolation and also have other issues going on that likely make them oxytocin deficient to some degree. We do know that touch and hugs can boost our own oxytocin production and without that contact, many people may be feeling the effects of an oxytocin deficiency.

Ways to naturally boost oxytocin:

• More social contact

• Being touched and hugged

• Massage

• Sexual contact

• Regular exercise

• Singing, music, reading

All of this to say that oxytocin is a pretty amazing hormone responsible for the many pleasures and wonders of what it means to be human. So go hug the ones you’re in lockdown with (consensual of course), spend time with those you love most, blast some music and dance in your living room, play your dog, or finish that book you’ve been putting off.

Click the link below to schedule a complimentary discovery session or an appointment at our office located in Rancho Mirage, CA. Whether it's melatonin related or other hormone issues that you’re dealing with, I would love to help!

PMID: 9924739, 28867943, 3782434, 15219651, 9949283, 3654918, 25956252, 15089975, 10829090, 14967939, 1733715

Important note: In no way, shape, or form am I insinuating that oxytocin therapy can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. I am simply stating that it may have the potential to be a useful tool for helping individuals who are struggling with the social isolation that many are facing at this time due to the ongoing pandemic. As always, you should consult your healthcare provider before initiating any treatment, including but not limited to oxytocin therapy.