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hormone

Oxytocin

FDA: FDA-approved
Last updated · 2026-04-12

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus known as "the love hormone." It plays a key role in emotional bonding, social connection, anxiety relief, and intimacy support. FDA-approved for obstetric use (Pitocin), it is used off-label in peptide therapy for mood, social bonding, and sexual health. Neuropeptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. Promotes bedtime bonding and emotional security. Activates calm-rest-digest (parasympathetic) circuitry and social safety signals. Reduces amygdala response, modulating fear and anxiety. Increases emotional connection and physical response. Reduces the need for artificial stimulation. - Social bonding and trust building - Anxiety reduction and emotional regulation

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight —
Half-life —
CAS number 50-56-6
Route —
Where to buy Oxytocin →BioLongevity Labs · save 15% code VIALBASE
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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Intranasal oxytocin, social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders: A meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (random-effects model with meta-regression) 2018 Pooled 17 randomized controlled trials comprising 466 participants with neurodevelopmental disorders, searched through 25 July 2017
Systematic review and meta-analysis of reported adverse events of long-term intranasal oxytocin treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials — safety and adverse event profile 2018 Pooled 5 randomized controlled trials with 223 participants (123 oxytocin, 100 placebo) published before 1 January 2017
Intranasal Oxytocin for Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic review, random-effects meta-analysis, and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 2021 In the initial analysis of all 9 identified randomized clinical trials, intranasal oxytocin showed no significant effect on negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Intranasal Oxytocin for Obesity. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT03043053) — negative result on the primary endpoint 2024 NEGATIVE PRIMARY ENDPOINT: intranasal oxytocin 24 IU four times daily for 8 weeks did not reduce body weight versus placebo (0.20 vs. 0.26 kg change; P=0.934)

Stacks containing Oxytocin

Calm & Connection Sleep

DSIP + Oxytocin + Selank

Feminine Vitality & Libido

PT-141 + Oxytocin + Selank (optional)

Libido Lightning

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) + Oxytocin + DSIP

28-day resets featuring Oxytocin

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Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

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Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS FDA-approved

Regulatory status for Oxytocin may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus known as "the love hormone. " It plays a key role in emotional bonding, social connection, anxiety relief, and intimacy support.
How does Oxytocin work?
Neuropeptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. Promotes bedtime bonding and emotional security. Activates calm-rest-digest (parasympathetic) circuitry and social safety signals.
How is Oxytocin dosed?
Intranasal: 5-20 IU 1-2x/day (most common); 10-50 IU depending on use case; SubQ: 5-20 IU as needed; Pre-intimacy: 10-20 IU intranasal; Pre-social: 10 IU intranasal before stressful meetings; Route: Intranasal (primary), SubQ. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is Oxytocin FDA-approved?
Oxytocin is FDA-approved. FDA-approved for obstetric use (Pitocin); Off-label for mood, social bonding, and intimacy support; Available via prescription in intranasal and injectable forms.

References

  1. Keech B, Crowe S, Hocking DR. Intranasal oxytocin, social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders: A meta-analysis.. Psychoneuroendocrinology (2018). PMID: 29032324
  2. Cai Q, Feng L, Yap KZ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of reported adverse events of long-term intranasal oxytocin treatment for autism spectrum disorder.. Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences (2018). PMID: 29232031
  3. Sabe M, Zhao N, Crippa A, et al.. Intranasal Oxytocin for Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (2021). PMID: 33890987
  4. Plessow F, Kerem L, Wronski ML, et al.. Intranasal Oxytocin for Obesity.. NEJM evidence (2024). PMID: 38815173