oxytocin

n. A hormone, produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which stimulates contractions of the uterus and delivery of milk from the mammary glands. Oxytocin levels in the blood are tripled in both males and females during orgasmic pleasure. It has been suggested that increases in oxytocin levels are associated with social attachment, pair bonding, and even improvements in spatial memory. Oxytocin, commonly called “the love hormone,” is associated with caregiving and pair bonding in both humans and other mammals. – VS