Understanding oxytocin in human physiology and pathophysiology: A path towards therapeutics.

•Oxytocin is a multifaceted hypothalamic-pituitary hormone involved in energy homeostasis, mental health, and bone metabolism.•Oxytocin deficiency in energy deficit states and in hypopituitarism is associated with worse mental health and bone health.•Oxytocin modulates appetitive neurocircuitry, improves impulse control, and reduces food intake in humans.•Defining the oxytocin system in human physiology and pathophysiology could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.