Oxytocin
Research profile · How we handle evidence
A peptide hormone involved in social bonding, stress regulation, and reproductive physiology. It is often described in the media as the "love hormone".
Evidence Score
High confidence
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
As needed
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Safety Tier
Limited data
Overview
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone linked to social behavior, bonding, and aspects of stress regulation. In humans, intranasal dosing is studied mainly for how it may affect social attention, trust-related signals, and emotional processing in specific contexts. The effects in research are mixed and can be subtle, so it is not a switch that creates instant warmth toward everyone. Timing and context seem to matter, and some studies suggest the hormone can change how social cues are interpreted (including potentially shifting both positive and negative social memory recall).
Mechanism of Action
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone linked to social behavior, bonding, and aspects of stress regulation. In humans, intranasal dosing is studied mainly for how it may affect social attention, trust-related signals, and emotional processing in specific contexts. The effects in research are mixed and can be subtle, so it is not a switch that creates instant warmth toward everyone. Timing and context seem to matter, and some studies suggest the hormone can change how social cues are interpreted (including potentially shifting both positive and negative social memory recall).
pH & Mixing
Peptides reconstituted at very different pH levels can destabilize when combined in the same syringe, which lowers how much of the peptide your body actually absorbs. If you're unsure whether two peptides are close enough in pH, reconstitute and inject them separately.
A dedicated compatibility check between two specific peptides is coming to the Compare tool. This section covers this peptide's pH only.
Benefits
- Social bonding
- Trust enhancement
- Anxiety reduction
- Relationship support
- Maternal behaviors
Side Effects
- Mild headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Emotional sensitivity
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- History of uterine contractions
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
Oxytocin
Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- CYIQNCPLG-NH2 (disulfide bridge Cys1-Cys6)
- Cyclization
- Disulfide-bridged
- Molecular Weight
- 1,007 Da
- Chemical Formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- CAS Number
- N/A
- Reconstituted pH
- 3.0-5.0
- InChIKey
- XNOPRXBHLZRZKH-DSZYJQQASA-N
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
- Kisspeptin
- PT-141
Administration
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Research Status
Well-studied hormone with established uses
Approval Status
Approved
Sports Legal
Permitted
References
No references listed.
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.