Can estrogen boost the 'Love Hormone' in a rare condition?
NCT ID NCT06460948
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether a single dose of oral estrogen-progestin can raise oxytocin levels in people with arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVD), a rare condition that also causes low oxytocin. Researchers compared 28 adults—some with AVD and some healthy—to see if oxytocin responses differ and if lower oxytocin relates to anxiety, depression, or quality of life. The goal is to better understand the link between hormones and emotional health in AVD.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Estrogen-progestin (norethindrone acetate-ethinyl estradiol)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help understand oxytocin deficiency in AVD and point toward future treatments for related anxiety, depression, or social difficulties.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study with only 28 participants. Results may not apply to broader populations, and the single-dose design limits conclusions about long-term effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ARGININE VASOPRESSIN DEFICIENCY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- New test could make diagnosis of thirst disorders easier for patients
- Hormone pill could unlock diagnosis of rare oxytocin deficiency in teens
- Can a diabetes drug reveal hidden hormone deficiencies?
- Sugar alcohol infusion may help diagnose thirst disorders
- Brain injury linked to poor sleep: new study seeks answers
- Can a 'Love Hormone' spray boost sexual health in diabetes insipidus?