Hurricanes are associated with low pressure systems, and with freakishly low barometric pressure as the storm passes over. (The extremely low barometric pressure of H. Katrina broke the anaroid barometer in my home in Metairie La, as the storm went through!)
Low barometric pressure causes the release of the hormone Oxytocin, by the brain, in the human body. Oxytocin affects women more than men. It causes smooth muscle contraction of the milk ducts of lactating women causing milk "let down". It also causes contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus, causing pregnant woman at or near term to go into Labor leading to imminent child birth. This is why, as you see in the old movies, the Doc has to go out into the storm to deliver a baby. There is an actual physiological reason for this old canard! Another burden on EMS and evacuation shelters. The OB/GYN will give a shot of Oxytocin to induce labor. In the "old days", an IV drip of grain (ETOH) alcohol was used to prevent the onset of labor, because of its effect on smooth muscle.
Also, Oxytocin is now considered to be the "Romance or Love Hormone" as it is felt to give women a warm and fuzzy feeling (This was written up in Cosmopolitan Magazine and in Medical News Today - 4 Sept 2017). Oxytocin release is increased by hugging and orgasm, and it is associated with the feeling of euphoria one feels while falling in love and with bonding.
So, yes, an approaching storm or hurricane, with its associated low pressure system can affect the way you feel, especially if you are a women. Oxytocin likely has similar effects in men, but you know how most of us are, in that we just generally ignore those kinds of feelings (maybe).
This may also be another explanation for the increased traffic seen by Labor & Delivery units 9 months after a hurricane. Aside from nothing better to do, or seeking emotional shelter from the storm...and there you are, back at increased oxytocin release!
Maria is still fresh in memories and I noticed a big concern about aftermath.
