Identifying Oxytocin Deficiency in Adults With Pituitary Disease

Description

This is an open-label, pilot study, to characterize oxytocin response to a single dose of oral Estrogen-progestin in patients with arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy controls. The association between oxytocin levels and measures of psychopathology (i.e., anxiety and depression) and quality of life across groups will be examined. We hypothesize that: 1. Salivary and blood oxytocin response to Estrogen-progestin will be lower in arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy control. 2. Lower salivary and blood oxytocin levels will be associated with more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social emotional difficulties as well as lower quality of life.

Conditions

Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency, Oxytocin Deficiency

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This is an open-label, pilot study, to characterize oxytocin response to a single dose of oral Estrogen-progestin in patients with arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy controls. The association between oxytocin levels and measures of psychopathology (i.e., anxiety and depression) and quality of life across groups will be examined. We hypothesize that: 1. Salivary and blood oxytocin response to Estrogen-progestin will be lower in arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy control. 2. Lower salivary and blood oxytocin levels will be associated with more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social emotional difficulties as well as lower quality of life.

Characterizing Oxytocin Response to Oral Estrogen Administration in Adults With Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency

Identifying Oxytocin Deficiency in Adults With Pituitary Disease

Condition
Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Boston

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * AVD Group:
  • * Healthy Control Group Adults 16-65 years old
  • * History of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, breast/endometrial cancer, stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or peripheral artery disease
  • * Pregnancy or breastfeeding within last 8 weeks
  • * Any significant illness or condition that the investigator determines could interfere with study participation, data collection, or safety

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Elizabeth Austen Lawson,

Elizabeth A Lawson, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Record Dates

2026-06