Connection, Women, and Oxytocin: Why They Are Linked and Why It Matters

Connection is a fundamental human need, and women have a unique relationship with it. The hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," is profoundly boosted when women connect with each other.

Understanding the link between emotional and physical connection, women, and oxytocin, is incredibly important for our wellbeing.

But first, what is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland in the brain. It's renowned for its role in facilitating social bonding, maternal behaviours, and even sexual pleasure. It's most famous for its influence on childbirth and lactation.

However, oxytocin is not limited to these functions; it also plays a pivotal role in forming and maintaining social connections and relationships.

Women and Oxytocin

Women tend to have higher baseline levels of oxytocin than men. This hormonal difference may partly explain why women are often seen as more empathetic, nurturing, and inclined towards forming close relationships with each other.

Curiously, oxytocin levels tend to be higher during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, possibly contributing to increased social bonding during that time.

The Magic of Female Friendships

One of the most remarkable aspects of the link between women, oxytocin, and connection is the role that female friendships play in boosting this vital hormone:

1.    Shared Experiences: Women often connect through shared experiences, both joyful and challenging. These shared moments, whether it's supporting each other through life's ups and downs or celebrating milestones, trigger oxytocin release.

2.    Emotional Support: Female friendships offer a safe space for emotional expression. Sharing feelings, being heard, and offering empathy all contribute to an oxytocin boost, promoting a sense of connection and wellbeing.

3.    Laughter and Fun: Spending time with friends, laughing, and having fun increases oxytocin levels. The joy of bonding with other women can have a profound impact on mental and emotional health.

4.    Acts of Kindness: Acts of kindness within female friendships stimulate oxytocin release. Offering a helping hand, providing comfort, or simply being there for a friend can enhance feelings of connection and empathy.

5.    Long-Term Bonds: Female friendships often create lasting, deep bonds. These enduring connections continually stimulate oxytocin, maintaining a sense of support and belonging.

Why It Matters

Understanding the powerful link between women, connection, and oxytocin has far-reaching implications for our wellbeing and society as a whole:

1.    Mental Health: Strong female friendships can significantly impact mental health by providing emotional support, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

2.    Empowerment: Female friendships offer a sense of empowerment. Women who feel supported by their friends are more likely to pursue their goals and navigate life's challenges with confidence.

3.    Stress Reduction: Strong female friendships help women cope with stress and adversity. The oxytocin boost from these connections reduces the activity of the body's stress response system.

4.    Longevity: Studies have shown that women with strong social connections tend to live longer, healthier lives. Female friendships contribute to this by offering emotional and social support.

So, how do you go about creating greater connections? Try these…

1.    Join Women’s Groups: Engage in activities or join clubs that align with your interests and values, like my Women’s Wellbeing Collective on Facebook.

2.    Open and Honest Communication: Foster connections through open and honest communication. Share your thoughts, experiences, and feelings with other women.

3.    Support and Empower: Be a source of support and empowerment for other women. Celebrate each other's successes and provide a helping hand during challenging times. Building each other up strengthens connections.

If you love the thought of bonding with other women who have gone alcohol-free and are rediscovering themselves and how they want to live their lives with more vibrancy, join my final Rediscovering Me program for 2023! All the details are here.