What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a natural hormone of nine amino acids, made in the brain’s hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It is best known for its roles in childbirth and breastfeeding.
A lab-made version, Pitocin, is a prescription medicine used in hospitals.
What does oxytocin do?
Oxytocin makes the womb contract during labor and helps release milk during breastfeeding. It is also released during touch and sex and acts in the brain on trust, bonding and stress, which is why it is called the “love hormone”.
What is oxytocin used for medically?
Pitocin is FDA-approved to start or strengthen labor contractions and to control bleeding after childbirth. It is given only in hospitals, by IV drip or injection, with close monitoring of the mother and baby.
Do oxytocin nasal sprays work?
Not reliably. A large 2021 trial in children and teens with autism found oxytocin nasal spray didn’t improve social skills, and studies on anxiety, relationships and weight have mixed results.
Nasal sprays are sold online for mood, bonding and libido, but they aren’t approved for those uses.
Oxytocin side effects and risks
In hospital use, too much oxytocin can cause overly strong contractions that stress the baby, and very high amounts can cause water retention and low sodium. Nasal sprays bought online may not contain what the label says.
Is oxytocin legal?
Oxytocin is a prescription drug in the US, approved only for hospital use in childbirth. Oxytocin products sold online for other uses are not approved.