THE ROLE OF THE OXYTOCIN SYSTEM IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY DYSFUNCTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5847Keywords:
Oxytocin, Oxytocin Deficiency, Hypopituitarism, Hypothalamic–Pituitary Dysfunction, Hypothalamic DamageAbstract
Oxytocin (OXT), a hypothalamic nonapeptide stored in the posterior pituitary, has emerged as a multifaceted regulator extending far beyond its classical roles in parturition and lactation. In this narrative review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of the OXT system in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (HPD). We explore evidence of OXT’s clinical importance while highlighting specific symptoms of oxytocin deficiency (OXT-D), diagnostic limitations, and potential therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed to identify relevant studies. Increasing evidence highlights OXT’s significant involvement in the modulation of neuropsychiatric processes, including social behavior, emotional regulation, stress responsiveness, and psychological well-being. In parallel, this hormone plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis, as well as solely peripheral physiological functions, including bone remodeling and obstetric and reproductive functions. Its dual central and peripheral actions underscore its integrative role in maintaining systemic homeostasis. While OXT-D is increasingly recognized following HPD, its assessment is limited by a lack of reliable diagnostic testing. Furthermore, although initial small-scale studies on OXT therapy show promise, the current body of evidence remains insufficient to fully support its transition into routine clinical practice. In this review, we highlight the need for further large, well-designed studies to confirm these preliminary findings and establish their clinical relevance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maja Podolak, Aleksandra Serafin , Karolina Baran , Aleksandra Suchołbiak, Irmina Grygutis, Urszula Jarzęcka, Michał Karandys, Aleksandra Denkiewicz, Marta Maria Hajduk
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