Oxytocin
A peptide hormone studied for bonding, mood, and social behavior.
Overview
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone famous for its role in bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Beyond that, it is studied for social behavior, mood, anxiety, and even libido and penile erection. Intranasal and injectable research forms are common in self-experimentation communities.
Dosing
Nasal
- Starting dose
- 12 IU
- Common dose
- 12–24 IU
- Frequency
- As needed (1–2× daily)
- Notes
- Research studies commonly use 24 IU intranasal.
Injection
- Starting dose
- 5 IU
- Common dose
- 5–10 IU
- Frequency
- As needed (medical protocol)
- Notes
- Parenteral use is prescription-only; not for casual use.
Reported research/reference doses for educational purposes only. Always verify against primary literature and applicable regulations. Not medical advice.
How it works
Oxytocin binds oxytocin receptors in the brain and periphery, modulating social bonding, trust, anxiety, and smooth-muscle contraction. It influences dopamine and serotonergic systems and can affect erectile function and ejaculation through central and peripheral pathways.
Common research uses
- Social bonding and trust research
- Anxiety and mood studies
- Libido and sexual function research
- Parenteral oxytocin pharmacology (approved uses)
Considerations
Prescription medication in medical settings. Effects are context-dependent and dosing for research is not standardized. Nasal forms are widely available but quality varies. Research use only.