What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone which is made of amino acids. It is produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland. Naturally oxytocin plays an important role in the human body, especially in women during pregnancy and lactation.
During pregnancy, specifically during labor, oxytocin is responsible for the contractions of the womb. Hence why oxytocin is often used in the hospital to aid woman with labor. Following childbirth, when the mother starts breastfeeding, oxytocin is released to stimulate lactation allowing milk to be released. Once the mother stops breast-feeding, oxytocin production also stops, this is known as the positive feedback mechanism, meaning that oxytocin is released only when there is a trigger. The release of oxytocin also deepens the bond between mother and child which is crucial.
Oxytocin is often known as the “love” hormone because it is released when one engages in any sort of physical or sexual contact. The release of oxytocin during sexual intercourse allows the couple to relax, and have a stronger bond.
Unfortunately, sometimes couples are not able to release enough oxytocin, thus not allowing them to fully be engaged in the intimacy comfortably and experience satiety. In men, naturally oxytocin does not play a large role however, it does aid in reproduction, as well as production of testosterone.
Currently, new research and clinical evidence has revealed the ever-expanding possibilities for oxytocin replacement. It is not only used during labor but it can help enhance positive feelings and social skills while also allegedly alleviating serious cognitive, psychiatric and behavioral conditions. For example, oxytocin therapy is being used to treat autism, schizophrenia, obesity, addiction, erectile dysfunction, orgasm disorders, and as an emotional “bonding” enhancer.
Oxytocin controls some human behaviors and social interactions
Benefits of Oxytocin
Well-being
Oxytocin induces a general sense of well-being including calmness, improved social interactions, increased trust, and reduced fear as well as endocrine and physiological changes. Long-term benefits also include blood pressure reduction.
Sexual Dysfunction
Oxytocin can also be used for sexual dysfunction. Based on studies, long-term intranasal oxytocin improved sexual function and symptoms of depression in women over time. Oxytocin increased the intensity of orgasm, and contentment after sexual intercourse more so in men than women. Men additionally indicated higher levels of sexual satiety after sexual intercourse with the use of oxytocin. Women felt more relaxed and while others had better abilities to share sexual desires & empathize.
Emotional/Social Bonding
Having a strong bond between your partner, family, and/or peers is important. Lacking such bond, could effect your overall well-being. A study showed that at the end of the 2-week trial, both treatment groups (oxytocin, placebo) reported to experience an increase in social responsiveness and quality of life and ability to bond with peers. The two week oxytocin treatment also resulted in reductions in attachment avoidance and increases in reports of attachment toward peers.
Cognitive, Psychiatric and Behavioral Conditions
Oxytocin has a positive influences on socialization, due to this, oxytocin has been indicated for the management of various cognitive disorders such as autism, social anxiety, and schizophrenia. Further studies have established that oxytocin can help children with autism. A five-week treatment with intranasal oxytocin among young children with autism showed improvement in social, emotional and behavioral issues. Other studies have shown improvement in depression, PTSD, anxiety, as well as appetite control and weight loss.
Formulations
Oxytocin is available in different formulations: Nasal spray, topical gel, vaginal cream, troche, intravenous and intramuscular solution. Intravenous solution is mainly used in the hospital setting for labor and delivery. Nasal spray, topical gel and troches can be used for the various conditions and are compounded in selected pharmacies. From the different formulations available, studies have shown that nasal spray delivery works within seconds and lasts about an hour. Brain concentration of oxytocin after nasal application was much higher than that after intravenous application. Thus, intranasal administration is most preferred by physicians and may be most effective because its directly absorbed into the body.
Common Oxytocin dosing
- Troche 40-80 IU for Pain
- Nasal spray 24 units in one nostril twice a day and 30 minutes before making love
- Topical gel 50 – 100 IU/g with VersaBase for Autism
Dose and formulations are patient specific based on evaluation. Schedule an appointment at ENOVEX Pharmacy today for a consultation.
Lack of OXYTOCIN can present as aggression, little to no pleasure during sexual intercourse, stress, social detachment, anxiety, and/or depression.
Is Oxytocin Safe?
Since oxytocin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body, additional use of it will not pose any harm. Side effects may include headache, nausea and vomiting. High and low oxytocin levels are possible, but research has not yet found any implications of these conditions.
Long term use is not recommended in men due to enlargement of the prostate gland. On the contrary a lack of oxytocin can prevent the milk letdown reflex and make breastfeeding difficult for women. Thus when a sufficient amount of oxytocin is used it not harmful but rather beneficial and safe.
Important Considerations
When using oxytocin it is important to have normal thyroid function since oxytocin is regulated by thyroid as well as estrogen hormones. It is also important to maintain adequate intake of magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Oxytocin requires magnesium because it is a natural and powerful co-factor in boosting oxytocin. Oxytocin receptor does not have a zinc finger but zinc plays a critical role in conformation of the oxytocin binding protein. Studies show that zinc creates a structure, and shape, that allows oxytocin to bind and without zinc you do not get the benefit of oxytocin signaling. Finally, Vitamin C is needed in order for oxytocin to be activated. One will get the maximum benefit of oxytocin when used with magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C.
Contraindications
Oxytocin aggravates Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) thus should not be used in patients with BPH as well as patients with prostate cancer. Oxytocin should also be avoided in patients with uterine cancer, manic episodes and patients on naltrexone therapy. Talk to your pharmacist or physician before starting oxytocin to make sure it is right and safe for you.
Where can I get Oxytocin?
If you are looking to treat one of the endless list of conditions with the essential use of oxytocin, look no further than ENOVEX pharmacy – a compounding pharmacy located centrally in metropolitan Los Angeles in Glendale. Enovex pharmacy has proven itself in the Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Burbank and the greater Los Angeles community for numerous years in providing various individualized, compounded medications. Our state-of-the-art pharmacy is equipped with the latest medical technologies. Enovex strives to meet the best practices of the pharmacy industry, and adheres to the highest standards for safety and quality within the profession.
We test for stability, accuracy, and effectiveness before our products reach you. To look more closely at the use of Oxytocin compounded in ENOVEX pharmacy, schedule an appointment or visit us today!
818.696.2501
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