Women generally release significantly more oxytocin than men.
Understanding Oxytocin Levels
Research consistently shows higher plasma oxytocin levels in women compared to men. One study found significantly higher oxytocin levels (pg/ml, mean ± SD) in women (4.53 ± 1.18) than in men (1.53 ± 1.19, p ˂ 0.001). [^1] This difference is observed across various studies and is considered a reliable finding. [^2, ^3] While both sexes produce and utilize oxytocin, the baseline levels and responses to stimuli differ.
[^1]: Sex-Related Differences in Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Humans - PMC (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6446474/)
[^2]: Various sources including Medical News Today, Cleveland Clinic, and Healthline corroborate this finding.
[^3]: Additional research indicates variations in oxytocin responses in social contexts, suggesting further complexity to this hormonal difference. [^4, ^5]
Oxytocin's Role in Men and Women
While women generally have higher baseline oxytocin levels, both sexes benefit from its effects. In women, oxytocin plays crucial roles in labor, breastfeeding, and social bonding. [^6] In men, it's involved in sperm motility and social interaction, although the effects may differ in their expression. [^7, ^8]
[^4]: 'Love hormone' oxytocin: Difference in social perception between ... (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130731093257.htm)
[^5]: Oxytocin biases men but not women to restore social connections ... (https://www.nature.com/articles/srep40589)
[^6]: Oxytocin: What It Is, Function & Effects (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22618-oxytocin) and Love Hormone: What Is Oxytocin and What Are Its Effects? (https://www.healthline.com/health/love-hormone)
[^7]: Oxytocin: The love hormone? (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795)
[^8]: Couples Creating Art or Playing Board Games Release 'Love ... (https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2019/couples-creating-art-or-playing-board-games-release-love-hormone-men-who-paint)
Conclusion
The evidence clearly indicates that women release more oxytocin than men.
