Oxytocin

How it works

Contracts the myometrium, the uterine muscle, to drive labor and stop bleeding after birth. Online it's also sold as a love spray.

What it's made of

9 amino acids, the human hormone as is: a ring of 6 closed by a sulfur bridge and a tail of 3. It is made synthetically so it does not carry vasopressin with it.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Inducing or strengthening labor when there is a medical reason, and controlling bleeding after childbirth. The FDA warns: not for inducing labor for convenience.