Can Oxytocin Decrease Pain? A Comprehensive Look at the Evidence
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4 min read
According to a 2023 systematic review, endogenous oxytocin levels are often lower in people with chronic pain conditions compared to healthy controls, highlighting a potential link between this neurohormone and pain regulation. This has fueled scientific interest in whether administered, or exogenous, oxytocin can decrease pain, with research exploring its potential as a novel analgesic, including as an alternative to opioids.