Pituitary dysfunction is a condition that can cause a variety of problems, including hormone imbalances. Oxytocin is a hormone that is involved in many different processes in the body, and it has been shown to be beneficial for patients with pituitary dysfunction. In this article, Dr. Theodore Friedman will discuss the potential benefits of oxytocin for patients with pituitary dysfunction.
The pituitary secretes several hormones; most of which are tested for and possibly replaced if a patient has pituitary dysfunction.
Oxytocin is a very interesting hormone and may have a physiologic role besides its role in labor and delivery. There is some literature that shows that oxytocin is involved in bonding, especially in females but possibly also in males. It may also help control pain, help with intimacy and achieving orgasm and also help with issues of trust. It may also help with energy and confidence and abdominal pain and other symptoms of GI discomfort. It may help with preventing social withdrawal. Its levels in patients with pituitary dysfunction and whether it would be beneficial for the patient to have oxytocin replaced if their levels are low, has not been assessed.
Dr. Friedman is instructing his patients to have a 24-hour urine oxytocin level done at Meridian Valley labs. If that is below the range, he will then prescribe oxytocin nasal spray from Bellevue Compounding Pharmacy for three months and repeat the questionnaire and the 24-hour urine measurement of oxytocin at that time.