We know the joy of a tail wagging when we walk through the door, or the steady rumble of a cat's purr nestled against us on the couch. But beyond the emotional warmth, the time we spend with animals can actually change our physiology for the better. For women navigating the hormonal fluctuations and emotional shifts of menopause, these relationships may offer more than just comfort — they might be biological nourishment.
Oxytocin, the Bonding Hormone
When we pet a dog or cuddle a cat, our brains release oxytocin, which is often called the “bonding hormone” or “love hormone.” Oxytocin is linked to feelings of trust, calm, and emotional bonding. Research shows that interactions with animals can significantly increase oxytocin levels in humans, which in turn lowers cortisol (our primary stress hormone) and helps balance the nervous system (Handlin et al., 2011).
For menopausal women, this is huge. Why? Cortisol tends to stay elevated more easily due to hormonal changes, contributing to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even weight gain. Oxytocin can directly counteract those stress effects, offering a naturally calming, regulating effect on the body.
Nervous System Regulation and the Vagus Nerve
Have you ever noticed how your breathing slows and your whole body softens when you’re lying with a dog resting on your chest? That’s vagus nerve activation in action. The vagus nerve is a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, our body’s “rest and digest” mode.
Gentle touch, slow breathing, and emotional safety all stimulate this nerve, and studies show that interacting with animals enhances vagal tone (Beetz et al., 2012). Higher vagal tone is associated with better emotional resilience, improved digestion, heart rate variability (a marker of stress resilience), and even reduced inflammation, some of the very things that go haywire during menopause.
Unique Insight: Mirror Neurons and Co-regulation
One of the lesser-discussed but fascinating aspects of human-animal bonding is how animals help us co-regulate emotionally. Our brains contain mirror neurons, which are special cells that allow us to attune to the emotions and body language of others. It’s how we feel calm in the presence of a grounded person, or anxious around someone tightly wound.
Spending time with a relaxed animal (especially dogs, who can enter parasympathetic states easily) can trigger those same mirror neuron responses in us. Their slow breathing, soft gaze, and relaxed demeanor cue our own nervous systems to follow. It’s one of the most accessible and consistent forms of co-regulation out there.
Heart Health and Beyond
Regular interaction with animals has also been shown to lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, reduce LDL cholesterol, and even boost immune markers. According to the American Heart Association, pet owners have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and live longer (Levine et al., 2013).
And as we age and hormone levels shift, maintaining cardiovascular and immune health becomes even more essential. If there’s a furry way to support that, why not lean in?
So, What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or just considering fostering or volunteering with a local shelter, spending intentional time with animals may be one of the most heart-centered and healing self-care practices you can offer yourself. Especially during menopause, when emotional sensitivity is high and stress regulation can feel like a losing battle, animals remind us how to slow down, soften, and reconnect with the present moment.
And let’s be honest—sometimes they’re just way better listeners than people.
References
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234
Handlin, L., Hydbring-Sandberg, E., Nilsson, A., Ejdebäck, M., Jansson, A., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2011). Short-term interaction between dogs and their owners: Effects on oxytocin, cortisol, insulin and heart rate—An exploratory study. Anthrozoös, 24(3), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303711X13045914865385
Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2013). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 127(23), 2353–2363. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829205e4