Oxytocin
Symbol Ox · MW 1007 Da
Nonapeptide hormone involved in bonding, lactation and social behavior.
- Discovered
- 1906
- Half-life
- 5 minutes
- Approval
- Approved injectable; nasal varies
Reported effects
- Bonding signaling
- Social cognition
- Endocrine role
Overview
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone involved in labor, lactation, bonding, social behavior, and emotional regulation. In medical settings, oxytocin is best known for its role in childbirth and postpartum care. It is also studied for its effects on trust, attachment, stress response, and social connection. While it is often called the bonding hormone, that label is oversimplified because oxytocin's effects depend heavily on context, dose, and individual biology. As a hormone peptide, oxytocin serves as an important neuroendocrine signaling molecule involved in reproductive function, emotional behavior, and social interaction.
How it's taken
- Typical Administration
- Injectable / Nasal
- Typical Dosage
- Injectable medical dosing is indication-specific; intranasal research commonly uses 10–40 IU
- Typical Frequency
- As needed, once daily, or protocol-specific depending on use
Research sources
Source links included from peer-reviewed literature and trusted medical journal records for this peptide.
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For educational purposes only. Many peptides shown are research compounds and not approved for human use in all jurisdictions.