Oral Estradiol Valerate and Ethinylestradiol as a Stimulation Test for Possible Oxytocin Deficiency in Patients with Vasopressin Deficiency and Healthy Control Subjects

This study investigates whether the intake of estrogen (Estradiol Valerate or Ethinylestradiol) increases the oxytocin level in the blood. Oxytocin is a hormone associated with emotional regulation and water balance in the body. A deficiency of oxytocin could lead to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people with a hormone deficiency known as AVP deficiency.

Study Objective:
To examine whether the intake of estrogen (Estradiol Valerate or Ethinylestradiol) increases the oxytocin level in healthy individuals but not in patients with AVP deficiency. This could be a new test for diagnosing oxytocin deficiency.

Study Procedure:
Part 1 (healthy adults):
Double-blind, randomized study
Participants will take either 6mg of Estradiol Valerate (Progynova®) or 30mcg of Ethinylestradiol (Elyfem®) on two study days.

Part 2 (patients with AVP deficiency):
Open study without blinding
Participants will take either 6mg of Estradiol Valerate or 30mcg of Ethinylestradiol, whichever caused a greater increase in oxytocin in healthy subjects.

Expectation:
It is expected that estrogen will increase the oxytocin level in healthy adults but not in individuals with AVP deficiency.

Part 1 (healthy adults):
Intake of 6mg of Estradiol Valerate (Progynova®) and 30mcg of Ethinylestradiol (Elyfem®) with at least a one-week interval (double-blind crossover).

Part 2 (patients with AVP deficiency):
Open study without blinding
Intake of either 6mg of Estradiol Valerate or 30mcg of Ethinylestradiol, whichever caused a greater increase in oxytocin in healthy subjects.

Vasopressin deficiency (formerly diabetes insipidus)