Oxytocin
The bonding hormone — used for mood support, stress relief, and social well-being. Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid neuropeptide known as the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, it plays crucial roles in social bonding, trust, empathy, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Research explores its potential for anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and relationship enhancement.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Type: Neuropeptide(9 amino acids (cyclic))
- Medical Use: Pitocin(Labor induction)
- Research Form: Intranasal(10-40 IU spray)
- Half-Life: ~3-5 minutes(Rapid clearance)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Oxytocin Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
Neurohormone — Social Bonding / AnxiolyticTarget → GABAergic Modulation → Anxiety Reduction → Outcomes
Oxytocin Receptors (Brain, Uterus, Heart)
Oxytocin binds its own specific G-protein coupled receptor found in the brain (social behavior, trust, anxiety reduction), uterus (contractions), heart, and other tissues. The intranasal route is preferred for behavioral effects as it provides more direct CNS access.
Gq → IP3/DAG + GABAergic Modulation
Oxytocin receptor activation triggers Gq signaling, which in the brain modulates GABAergic and serotonergic circuits. This reduces amygdala reactivity (less fear/anxiety), enhances social cognition, and promotes bonding behaviors. Effects are highly context-dependent.
Social Cognition + Anxiety Reduction + Bonding
Enhanced social perception and trust. Reduced social anxiety. Promoted bonding and attachment behaviors. Medically used for labor induction (Pitocin) and postpartum hemorrhage. Research explores autism, anxiety disorders, and PTSD applications.
Subtle — Calmer Social Interactions + Reduced Anxiety
Effects are subtle and context-dependent — most noticeable in social situations. Reduced social anxiety, enhanced empathy and connection. Effects are temporary (1-2 hours intranasal). Not a dramatic or obvious effect for most people.
What Makes This Peptide Different
Oxytocin is a natural neurohormone your body already produces — the "love hormone" involved in bonding, trust, and social behavior. Exogenous administration (usually intranasal) is being researched for social anxiety, autism, and PTSD. Effects are uniquely context-dependent — the same dose can increase trust OR increase suspicion depending on the social situation.
Dosing Protocol
Sexual Health / MoodEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why intranasal? The blood-brain barrier limits systemic oxytocin from reaching the brain. Intranasal administration provides more direct CNS access for behavioral effects.
Why context matters: Oxytocin enhances the salience of social cues — in positive social contexts it increases trust and bonding; in threatening contexts it can increase vigilance. This is why research results vary widely.
Diagrams
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Oxytocin Pricing
We surface in-stock offers first and normalize by price per mg for quick comparisons.
10 mg / vial
In-stock offersOut of stock (2)
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Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
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Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
What is oxytocin and why is it called the 'love hormone'?
Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It's called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone" because it plays a central role in social bonding, trust, empathy, and romantic attachment. It's released during activities like hugging, sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
How is oxytocin administered for research purposes?
For behavioral and social effects, oxytocin is typically administered as a nasal spray (10-40 IU), which allows it to reach the brain more effectively. Injectable oxytocin (Pitocin) is used medically to induce labor and control postpartum bleeding but doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier well for behavioral effects.
What conditions is oxytocin being researched for?
Research is exploring oxytocin for autism spectrum disorders (social cognition), anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, schizophrenia (social deficits), and relationship/couples therapy. Results have been mixed, with effects often being context-dependent and varying between individuals.
Does oxytocin actually improve social bonding?
Research shows oxytocin can enhance trust, empathy, and social memory in certain contexts. However, effects are nuanced — oxytocin may increase in-group favoritism while potentially increasing out-group distrust. The "love hormone" label is an oversimplification; its effects depend heavily on context, relationship, and individual factors.
What are the side effects of oxytocin?
Intranasal oxytocin is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include nasal irritation, headache, and drowsiness. Injectable oxytocin (medical use) can cause uterine contractions, nausea, and cardiovascular effects. Long-term effects of regular intranasal use are not well-established, as most research involves acute dosing.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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