Unlocking Female Biology: Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Your Health
Hey there, friends! Today, we're diving deep into some fascinating science. But don't worry, I'm here to make it all relatable and easy to understand. (If you'd rather listen, check out the episode Unlocking Female Biology: Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Your Health on Freely Feminine podcast here)
We're going to chat about how our bodies work, especially as females, and why it's so different from men. You see, modern society was set up around the hormonal function and structure of male biology, not female biology. So, it's high time we start crafting a life that aligns with our own hormones and the chemicals that work best in our bodies.
Let's talk about dopamine and oxytocin – those feel-good chemicals that play huge roles in our lives. I'll break things down for you, so if this topic has ever felt overwhelming, don't sweat it. We're going to define some terms and make it all make sense together.
Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. I don't have formal training.
I've done a lot of research and studying on my own, diving into various publications and dissecting the latest research. My insights come from a mix of sources like German New Medicine, basic female biology, and articles from PubMed, among others. But remember, when someone shares information and research, it's often a compilation of tons of data, studies, and papers.
I'm here to streamline all that for you, so you get the most important bits without the overwhelm. If I were to share every single study, paper, and article that led me to these insights, we'd be here for years! Instead, I'm giving you the highlights – the valuable nuggets that you can explore further if you wish.
So, what does this mean for you? It means you have the power to take all this information and dig deeper if you want. Think of it like this: I've curated a playlist of the best songs, but if you want to explore the whole album, go for it!
So to begin, I want you to understand how your body works as a woman, why it’s so different from a man’s, and how modern society is more tailored to male biology.
First let's break down some key players in our hormonal orchestra: dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine is like the go-getter hormone – it drives motivation and reward. Oxytocin, on the other hand, is all about bonding and connection. Both play crucial roles, but they operate differently in female bodies compared to male bodies.
Oxytocin is like the queen of hormones for women—it regulates our hormone levels and physiological responses.
Dopamine, on the other hand, is the reward chemical that’s heavily involved in motivation and pleasure, especially in our fast-paced, social media-driven world.
Here’s the catch: high levels of dopamine can actually suppress oxytocin.
This matters because our society is built around activities that boost dopamine—like scrolling through Instagram, achieving goals, and competing—things that are more aligned with male biology.
Women need oxytocin for healthy bodies and happiness. It’s the bonding hormone released during cuddling, nurturing, and even after giving birth. Our bodies rely on it for so many processes, from stress response to brain chemistry. But in our dopamine-driven world, we’re not getting enough oxytocin, which can lead to health and mental wellness issues.
For men, dopamine and testosterone create a positive feedback loop, encouraging behaviors like competition and achievement.
But for women, it's estrogen and oxytocin that work together to support us. This means a lifestyle that constantly triggers a dopamine response and suppresses oxytocin can lead women lead women down a less-than-desirable path for both their mental and physical well-being.
We need to prioritize activities that boost oxytocin, like spending time with friends, nurturing others, and engaging in creative pursuits. Since COVID, many women have struggled with the lack of social bonding and physical contact, which has impacted our mental health.
Understanding the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis is also crucial. This axis governs our menstrual cycle and hormone production and if it’s disrupted, it can lead to issues like PCOS, infertility, and other health problems.
Here are some fascinating tidbits on how to increase that beautiful oxytocin in your body:
Girl, get that O! During sex, both men and women release oxytocin and dopamine. For women, an orgasm floods the brain with oxytocin, calming the nervous system and counteracting high dopamine levels. This is why prioritizing pleasure is so important for women’s health.
Is it any wonder the homestead life has taken off as a way for women to counteract the high dopamine structure of our culture? Activities like gardening, painting, or even petting animals release oxytocin and help regulate our nervous system. So, do what brings you joy! For all the nervous system hacks out there, the best one is to just follow what brings you pleasure - we don't need to overcomplicate it.
How about that red tent? Historically, women gathered together during their menstrual cycles, enhancing their cognitive empathy and making collective decisions. This bonding helped regulate their HPO axis and give them a flood of Oxytocin (which is also a natural pain reducer- interesting that we get that hormone when we gather together during our bleed...). In our modern world, we need to reclaim these connections and honor our natural cycles.
The Gentle Business: Our society often undervalues rest and overemphasizes productivity, which can throw our bodies out of whack. By understanding and respecting our female biology, we can create a work culture that honors our natural rhythms, brings us pleasure, and still helps us make an impact and create financial security without destroying our health (click to learn more about the Gentle Business Jumpstart)
Science is starting to catch up with what women have always known about our bodies. While it may never fully understand the complexity of female biology, it’s validating to see research confirming our experiences.
I hope this gave you something to munch on and that you let yourself indulge in pleasure a little more today.
Until next time,
xx Beth
Interested in learning more about feminine-focused living, cycle syncing, or Gentle Business? Let’s connect through a free 30-minute clarity call!
