Hormones in Autism Spectrum Disorder & the Role of Essential Oils

Kartikay Dhar
21 hours ago
3 min read

Tejasvani Knowledge Desk

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetics, environment, and—importantly—hormonal regulation. Two hormones and neurotransmitters repeatedly highlighted in autism research are oxytocin and serotonin, both of which affect social behavior, mood, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. Several studies now explore how essential oils may support these hormonal pathways.

1. Oxytocin Dysregulation in Autism

Research over the decades shows that many children with autism have lower endogenous oxytocin levels, which may contribute to social difficulties.

Antonio Hardan, MD (Stanford University), 2017:“Although the effect of oxytocin was modest, the results are exciting because no other medications now exist to treat any of the core features of autism.”This opened doors to more research combining natural interventions, including essential oils.
Modahl et al., 1998: Children with autism have lower plasma oxytocin levels than neurotypical children.
Moerkerke et al., 2021 (Meta-analysis):Lower oxytocin is consistently seen in children with ASD, especially in early years.

How Oxytocin Affects Social Behavior

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus, specifically in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. It influences:

Social bonding
Trust
Eye contact
Emotional recognition
Social motivation

Studies show that oxytocin:

Reduces activity in the amygdala, the fear and anxiety center (Wójciak et al., 2012).
Strengthens prefrontal cortex connectivity, improving social information processing (Andari et al., 2016; Gordon et al., 2016).
Reduces stress response by increasing GABA and reducing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation (Huber et al., 2005).

2. The Amygdala, Anxiety & Autism

The amygdala plays a central role in emotional regulation and social behavior. In ASD:

Dysfunction in the amygdala is linked to anxiety, social withdrawal, irritability, and aggression.
It affects facial processing, eye gaze, and emotional memory.

Oxytocin reduces over-activation of the amygdala, helping lower:

Social anxiety
Fear response
Sensory defensiveness
Emotional dysregulation

3. Serotonin Abnormalities & Autism

Serotonin (5-HT) is another major player in ASD.Abnormal serotonin signaling is linked to:

Repetitive/stereotyped behaviors
Sensory processing issues
Anxiety or irritability
Mood imbalance
Obsessive-compulsive–like tendencies

Tryptophan (TRP) – The precursor of serotonin

Low TRP levels → low serotonin production
This disrupts mitochondrial function, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity (Rossignol & Frye, 2012).

Increasing TRP intake has been shown to:

Reduce repetitive behaviors
Improve mood
Support social interaction (Daly et al., 2014)

Studies also show that:

TPH2 gene expression, essential for serotonin synthesis, is reduced in ASD brains (Boccuto et al., 2013).
Mice lacking TPH2 show autism-like behavior such as social deficits and compulsive patterns (Schwartz, 2014).

4. Serotonin, Sensory Processing & Multisensory Integration

ASD patients often display sensory issues—now recognised as a core diagnostic criterion.

Research shows:

Serotonin influences development of visual, auditory, and tactile pathways.
Serotonin transporter (SERT) dysfunction affects multisensory integration—how the brain merges input from different senses (Gogolla et al., 2014).
Improving SERT function improves sensory perception and prefrontal cortex development (Schauder et al., 2015).

5. Where Essential Oils Come In

Multiple studies have explored the neurochemical effects of essential oils, particularly on serotonin and stress pathways.

Lavender, Sage & Indian Sandalwood Oil

Essential oils can influence the serotonergic system by:

Increasing serotonin availability
Modulating stress response
Promoting relaxation
Supporting sensory regulation

Jasni Dolah et al., 2023:Presented clear evidence of essential oils benefiting individuals with autism—helping with emotional balance, sensory regulation, and anxiety.

Why Indian Sandalwood Is Superior

While several countries produce sandalwood, Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is:

Richer in alpha-santalol
More neuroactive
Traditionally used for calming the nervous system
Scientifically studied for emotional regulation

Conclusion

Hormonal dysregulation—particularly oxytocin and serotonin—plays a foundational role in autism spectrum disorders. Studies show:

Oxytocin supplementation supports social communication and reduces anxiety.
Serotonin balance influences repetitive behaviors, sensory processing, and mood.

Essential oils—especially lavender, sage, and Indian sandalwood—can naturally support these hormonal pathways by: