Science has shown us women spending time together balances their hormones. When we are with women who make us feel safe, relaxed, with whom we can talk openly and share laughs, our bodies release a rush of oxytocin. This bonding hormone is a natural buffer against stress and promotes well-being.
When our lives are stressful our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can throw important hormones completely out of sync. Research shows when women turn to their female friends it triggers a “tend and befriend response” spiking oxytocin. Oxytocin directly suppresses and reduces cortisol.
And it gets more interesting. “The female sex hormone estrogen enhances and amplifies the calming effects of oxytocin. When a woman spends time with friends, her naturally higher estrogen levels essentially open up more cellular pathways for oxytocin to lock into. This creates a powerful, compounding feedback loop that actively drives down cortisol and soothes her nervous system. (APA)”
Then there is serotonin which also increases during meaningful conversations. Serotonin stabilizes mood, improves sleep, and increases feelings of happiness. When times in a woman’s cycle estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, serotonin is especially beneficial.
Additionally gathering in safe spaces with other women lowers blood pressure, regulates heart rate, and protects the immune system, overall improving long term mental health.
If you are introverted and/or highly sensitive and are looking for ways to make safe friendships please feel free to reach out. Some initial ideas - yoga classes, sport meet ups, apps specific to friendship matching, and other interest groups. It is helpful to identify the qualities in your friendship you are looking for and how you want to feel (calm, nourished, happy) after spending time with them to be able to identify and cultivate the right relationships for you.