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Hormones and Behavior

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Hormones and Behavior
Lindsey Hensley
University of Phoenix
June 9, 2013
Nancy Russell
BEH/225

Hormones are materials in the human body that impact emotional and physical behavior. They are formed by the glands in the endocrine system. When needed, they are discharged into the bloodstream, which then gets to the cells of the imperative tissue and the cells react to it. The correlation between hormones and behavior is bi-directional, suggesting that hormones can change behavior, but the way we operate can also release hormones. Consequently, hormones are also often called biological carriers. The response to a hormone may not always be prompt, but every hormone does affect the human body in either or short or long terms if released. Two hormones that are being addressed in this essay are: Oxytocin and Melatonin, which both change the human behavior. In the hypothalamus the hormone oxytocin is produced. It is released directly into the bloodstream via the pituitary gland, or to others parts of the brain and spinal cord. The pituitary glands main function is to stimulate growth. Oxytocin is another important hormone released from the pituitary gland. Oxytocin is often termed the “love/trust hormone.” It is known to raise feelings of happiness. (Coon & Mitterer) It was first recognized in the 1990s, researchers realized that it was released during breastfeeding which caused certain emotional feelings in women. It was established that Oxytocin was consistent to sociable connection or love. Oxytocin was also held subject for stress minimization because the level of Oxytocin was seen to go increase when a person would hug or kiss their loved one whiling feeling calm. (Coon & Mitterer) Oxytocin can also be used clinically to stimulate contractions for the uterus during labor, used to restrict bleeding directly after delivery, and to encourage the flow of breast milk. Natural oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland which holds and produces oxytocin by the hypothalamus. Oxytocin is also good for mother-baby bonding because it allows a development of trust and a decrease of fear. The pineal gland was once thought about as a useless piece of evolution. The pineal gland lets out a hormone called Melatonin, in reaction to daily changes in light. Melatonin levels in the bloodstream rise at dusk, peak around midnight, and fall again as morning approaches. (Coon & Mitterer) As far as the brain is concerned, when Melatonin levels rise it’s bedtime. Melatonin is an impressive hormone, with important meaning for human functioning, especially for the blind or visually impaired individuals. If light delays melatonin production, then blind individuals lack a tool for balancing the melatonin levels in the blood. The pineal gland and melatonin also regulate the hormonal changes that guide in sexual readiness during adolescence. Melatonin levels are lower in adults but much higher in children age seven years and younger. Adolescent’s levels are high but not as high as those children seven years or younger. (Farr, 2000-2010) Melatonin acts to keeps a child’s body from going through sexual adulthood, since sex hormones such as luteotropin appear only after melatonin levels have declined. (Farr, 2000-2010) Learning about Oxytocin and Melatonin has brought new light on both of these hormones and how they work and affect the human behavior. Both play a big role in our behavior. From one helping women during childbirth and to one helping us regulate our sleep schedule. Learning about both of these hormones has taught me so much.

References
Farr, Gary. (2000-2010). Become Healthy Now. Retrieved from http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/bodyendocrine/737
Coon, & Mitterer. Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior with Concept Maps and Reviews (13th Ed.). Cengage Learning.

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