Oxytocin

Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" or "social bonding peptide." In a research context, it is used to study its effects on social anxiety, emotional regulation, libido, and even muscle recovery.

Because Oxytocin has a very short half-life (it leaves the system quickly), the protocol is much more focused on timing than long-term accumulation.
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1. Reconstitution & Dosage
Oxytocin usually comes in 2mg or 5mg vials. It is measured in International Units (IU) in clinical settings, but for peptide research, we typically use micrograms (mcg).

• Reconstitution: Add 2ml of Bacteriostatic Water to a 5mg vial.
• The Concentration: This creates 2.5mg (2,500mcg) per 1ml.
• Syringe Measurement: On a standard U-100 insulin syringe:
o 4 units (0.04ml) = 100mcg
o 8 units (0.08ml) = 200mcg

Common Research Dosages:
• Low/Starting Dose: 50mcg – 100mcg.
• Standard Dose: 200mcg – 400mcg.
• Note: Start low. Some users are highly sensitive to the "emotional" shift.
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2. The Cycle (Duration & Timing)
Oxytocin is rarely used on a "cycle" like testosterone or growth hormone. It is typically used as needed (PRN) or in short bursts.

Goal Frequency Timing
Social Anxiety/Bonding As needed 30–60 minutes before social events.
Libido/Intimacy As needed 30–60 minutes prior to activity.
Mood/General Wellness Once daily Morning or evening (varies by user).
Recovery Support Daily (short term) Post-workout or before bed.

Pro Tip: Do not use Oxytocin 24/7. Overuse can lead to "receptor downregulation," meaning your brain becomes less sensitive to its own natural oxytocin. A "5 days on / 2 days off" or "as needed" approach is best.
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3. Administration Methods
• Subcutaneous (SubQ): The most reliable for consistent blood levels.
• Intranasal: Very popular for Oxytocin because it has a more direct path to the brain (crossing the blood-brain barrier). If using a nasal spray, the math for "mcg per spray" is vital.
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4. Storage & Stability
• Fridge is Mandatory: Oxytocin is incredibly unstable at room temperature. It must be kept in the refrigerator at all times after mixing.
• Fragility: It is a sensitive peptide. Do not shake the vial.
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5. Potential Side Effects
• The "Warm" Feeling: A temporary sense of warmth or mild flushing.
• Emotional Sensitivity: Some users report feeling "overly emotional" or sensitive to social cues.
• Mild Nausea: Occasionally occurs if the dose is too high.
• Uterine Contractions: (Relevant for women) Oxytocin is used medically to induce labor; women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should never use it without strict medical supervision.
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The "Social Stack"
Researchers sometimes stack Oxytocin with Selank:
• Selank: Lowers the "background noise" of anxiety.
• Oxytocin: Increases the "pro-social" drive and connection.