Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It plays a role in childbirth and lactation by causing muscles to contract in the uterus (womb) and the mammary glands in the breast. Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin's role in various behaviors, including orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, trust, love, and maternal behaviors.