Oxytocin aka ‘the love drug’, is a hormone secreted in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. In the brain, it acts as a chemical messenger and has an important role in many human behaviors including recognition, trust, emotional bonding and romantic attachment. Oxytocin is released during intercourse, by both men and women, which leads to the belief that it is involved in sexual bonding. It also has a stress-buffering effect which inhibits stress-induced HPA activity and decreases cortisol levels.