There’s been quite a bit of research about oxytocin recently and its important role in hormone optimization for women in perimenopause and menopause. Lately, I’ve been hearing more questions about oxytocin too, so I wanted to write a blog post to share with you the most common questions I get, and some great info for you to consider if you’re in this stage of life and searching for guidance.  

Q: I’ve heard that oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” might help women during perimenopause and menopause. Is this true? What does it actually do, and how could it benefit me?

A: That’s a wonderful question; one I’ve been hearing more often when I speak to providers who want to know how oxytocin may help their female patients. Oxytocin has been nicknamed the “love hormone” because of its well-known role in bonding, intimacy, and childbirth. But its benefits extend far beyond hugs and labor contractions. In fact, emerging research and clinical experience suggest that oxytocin may play a meaningful role in supporting women during perimenopause and menopause.

Let’s take a closer look.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced naturally in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It helps regulate social bonding, trust, empathy, and sexual satisfaction. It also has important physical effects, such as stimulating uterine contractions during labor and aiding in milk let-down during breastfeeding.

But oxytocin doesn’t disappear once childbearing years are over. It continues to influence our mood, stress response, sleep quality, and even metabolism throughout life.

What happens to oxytocin levels during menopause?

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, hormone production shifts significantly. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline, but oxytocin may also dwindle. Lower levels of oxytocin may contribute to some of the symptoms women commonly experience in midlife, such as:

• Decreased intimacy or sexual satisfaction
• Mood changes such as increased anxiety, irritability, or sadness
• Sleep disturbances
• Feelings of isolation or disconnection

While oxytocin isn’t the only hormone at play, it’s part of the larger hormonal symphony. When it’s out of tune, women may feel it in ways that aren’t always obvious.

What are the potential benefits of oxytocin for women in perimenopause and menopause?

Oxytocin (often compounded as a nasal spray, sublingual tablet, or oral tablet) may offer several potential benefits:

1. Improving mood and reducing stress. Oxytocin has calming effects on your nervous system. Studies show it can help lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which in turn supports emotional resilience. Many women describe feeling more grounded, connected, and content when using oxytocin.
   

2. Enhancing intimacy and sexual satisfaction. For women experiencing vaginal dryness, decreased libido, or difficulty reaching orgasm during menopause, oxytocin may help. It promotes relaxation, increases blood flow, and enhances feelings of closeness and bonding with a partner.

3. Fostering communication with romantic partners. Oxytocin is sometimes called the “anti-stress” or “social bonding” hormone for a reason. It fosters feelings of trust and connection, which can buffer the emotional challenges of midlife relationships. Consequently, oxytocin may also help enhance communication between romantic partners.  
   In one study, couples used intranasal oxytocin, then discussed a topic that typically led to an argument. With oxytocin, the partners had better communication and lower stress hormone (cortisol) levels while they discussed the challenging topic. This is great news for couples managing relationships during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause (midlife hormonal changes for men)!

4. Helping with sleep. Sleep disruptions are one of the most frustrating menopause symptoms, for many women. Oxytocin has been shown to support deeper, more restorative sleep by helping regulate the body’s stress response.

5. Supporting weight and metabolism. Early research suggests oxytocin may play a role in appetite regulation and fat metabolism. While more studies are needed, this is a promising area for women struggling with midlife weight changes.

How do I know if oxytocin may be a good option for me?

If you’re struggling with intimacy, sleep, mood, or feelings of disconnection during perimenopause or menopause, oxytocin may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Here are some good questions to ask at your next appointment:

• Could oxytocin help address my mood or intimacy concerns?
• How would oxytocin fit into my overall menopause/hormone therapy plan?
• What dosage form (nasal spray, sublingual tablet, or oral tablet) would work best for me?
• How will we monitor my progress and make adjustments if needed?

A few last things to keep in mind

Oxytocin is not a replacement for estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, but it can be an excellent complement to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), or even a standalone option for women who are not candidates for BHRT.

Remember, menopause is a natural life stage, but that doesn’t mean you should sit back and just endure its challenges. We have more tools than ever to support women’s health and well-being during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Oxytocin is just one of those valuable options. By replenishing this powerful “connection hormone,” you may just find renewed joy in relationships, less stress, improved sleep, and even better sexual satisfaction.