Oxytocin

About Oxytocin: 

• It is also known as the ‘love hormone’, is a hormone secreted by the pituitary glands of mammals during sex, childbirth, lactation or social bonding.
• However, it can also be chemically manufactured and is sold by pharma companies for use during childbirth. It is administered either as an injection or a nasal solution.
• The drug was banned by the Central government in April 2018, saying that it was being misused on milch cattle to increase yield, which not only affects the health of the cattle but also humans who consumed the milk.
• Why is it vital?
  • Oxytocin helps contract the uterus and induce delivery, control bleeding, and promote the release of breast milk.
  • Its use is especially crucial to prevent new mothers from excessively bleeding after giving birth—a common cause of maternal deaths.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.

Q1:What is Pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing. It is referred to as the body’s ‘master gland’ because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.

Source: Banned Oxytocin still used in milk supplied in Delhi: HC takes note

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