Common uses 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.

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.

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.