Oxytocin is a hormone produced within the pituitary gland in the brain. It acts on organs in the body including the breast, uterus and testes. Oxytocin controls key aspects of the reproductive system including childbirth and lactation (production of milk). It also affects some aspects of human behaviour including sexual arousal, recognition and mother-child bonding.
During childbirth oxytocin stimulates the muscles of the uterus to contract and also increases production of prostaglandins (a type of fatty acid) which increase the contractions further. During breastfeeding oxytocin promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipples. Oxytocin also plays a role in the production of testosterone by the testes and the movement of sperm.
Oxytocin is sometimes given to induce labour if it has not started naturally or it can be used to strengthen contractions to aid childbirth. It is sometimes given to speed up delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding. It may also be used to aid help women produce milk during breastfeeding.
Oxytocin has also been shown to be important in some aspects of human behaviours including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety and mother–infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle chemical'.
Oxytocin is sold under a variety of brand names, each of which may come in different strengths and be administered in different ways.
Please note: some brands of oxytocin are not licensed for use in the UK or are restricted in how and where they may be used. For example, the administration of oxytocin via a nasal inhaler is not currently licensed within the UK.
The dosage of oxytocin to use will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the body weight of the patient, the brand of oxytocin being used and the treatment mechanism.
There is currently no agreement on the correct dosage of oxytocin to use for autistic people.
In the studies we identified, the dosages of oxytocin varied from 16 IU (international unit) to 48 IU per day. In some studies, the oxytocin was only administered once, in some studies it was administered daily for up to three months.