Is oxytocin a key hormone for gene regulation and physiological function in postmenopausal women; an inquest into possible mechanisms.

ABSTRACT

Oxytocin (OT) is a pituitary hormone and acts on the oxytocin receptor which are expressed in the brain, heart, kidney and blood vessels. OT has been implicated in its role in social bonding, and oxytocin's role in the parasympathetic nervous system includes the control of memory and learning processes and of various types of behaviour such as feeding, locomotion, as well as maternal and sexual behaviour. Oxytocin is also suggested to participate in the control of cardiovascular functions, thermoregulation, and pain threshold and fluid balance. Inefficient thermoregulation leads to hot flashes, and is associated with memory loss is a common symptom of menopause. Several studies suggest that the use of oxytocin and additional substances that amplify its effects can be used for treating weight changes, mood swings, hot flushes, somatic discomfort, dry and ulcerous mucous membranes, fissures, and bone loss during pre-menopause, menopause itself and post menopause. This review suggests its possible role in gene regulation and physiological function in post menopausal women and the possible mechanisms.