Oxytocin
Overview
A nine-amino acid cyclic neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin mediates uterine contractions during labor, milk ejection during lactation, and social bonding behaviors. It modulates the HPA stress axis, reduces cortisol, and has anxiolytic properties. Intranasal administration reaches the CNS through olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways.
Key Research Findings
FDA-approved (Pitocin) for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage. Clinical trials investigating efficacy in autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD show mixed but promising results. Intranasal oxytocin improved social cognition and reduced amygdala reactivity in clinical studies (Domes et al., Biological Psychiatry, 2007).
Intravenous, Intramuscular injection, Intranasal
FDA Approved
Interested in Oxytocin?
Find a verified provider experienced with Oxytocin protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.
Find a Oxytocin ProviderRelated Peptides
CJC-1295
In Clinical TrialsA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to albumin, extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 6-8 days. CJC-1295 stimulates pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary by binding to GHRH receptors while preserving the natural GH secretory pattern and negative feedback mechanisms.
Ipamorelin
In Clinical TrialsA highly selective growth hormone secretagogue that acts on ghrelin/GHS receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate GH release. Unlike other GH secretagogues, ipamorelin does not significantly affect ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin levels, making it one of the most specific GH-releasing peptides. It works synergistically with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295.
Sermorelin
FDA ApprovedA synthetic 29-amino acid analog of GHRH representing the shortest fully functional fragment of the native 44-amino acid hormone. Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary to produce and release growth hormone through the natural GHRH receptor pathway, preserving the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis. It maintains physiological pulsatile GH secretion patterns.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta)
FDA ApprovedA synthetic GHRH analog consisting of the 44-amino acid sequence of human GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus to improve stability. Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral adipose tissue reduction by stimulating lipolysis through GH-mediated pathways. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.