Abnormal ‘love hormone’ levels may be the cause of sex addiction in men

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WASHINGTON — Too much of a good thing may be the reason some men experience sex addiction. Researchers have found that abnormally high levels of the so-called “love hormone” oxytocin can cause men to develop hypersexual disorder.

The team says this discovery could lead to the development of a drug that blocks this hormone. Moreover, they found that cognitive behavioral therapy may also work in easing this addiction.

Oxytocin, the hormone which boosts bonding in all humans, is also thought to make sexual activity more rewarding.

“We discovered that men with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) had higher oxytocin levels compared with healthy men,” says lead author Dr. Andreas Chatzittofis from the University of Cyprus in a media release. “Cognitive behavioral therapy led to a reduction in both hypersexual behavior and oxytocin levels.”

An international team compared blood samples from 64 male sex addicts and 38 healthy peers. Results show the sex addict group had higher oxytocin levels, leading to 30 participants trying a cognitive behavioral therapy program. They saw a significant reduction in their oxytocin levels after the treatment.

“Oxytocin plays an important role in sex addiction and may be a potential drug target for future pharmacological treatment,” Dr. Chatzittofis explains.

Hypersexual disorder involves excessive, persistent sexual behaviors related to various mood states. Afflicted individuals act on impulse and have less self-control, leading them to compulsively seek out sex.

Sex addiction is an official mental illness

Oxytocin production takes place in the hypothalamus, and then secreted by the pituitary gland. The hormone plays a key role in sexual behavior, but abnormal amounts may lead to sex addiction, according to the team. Estimates show one in 10 men and one in 12 women may deal with sex addiction.

The new research now reveals differences in the genetic make-up of sex addicts plays a role in this condition. It can have adverse effects on their lives, from broken relationships to depression and anxiety.

In 2018, the World Health Organization declared compulsive sexual behavior a mental illness for the first time. Health officials controversially listed on the International Classification of Diseases list, which scientists use to study health problems, injuries, and causes of death.

Doctors define the disorder as a “persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior.”

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

South West News Service writer Mark Waghorn contributed to this report.

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