RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Oxytocin and Reward Processing in Women

This research wants to understand how a natural hormone called oxytocin affects how women respond to rewards, such as food. Oxytocin is known for its role in childbirth, but it also influences how our brains process good feelings and even our eating habits. The study will look at women with natural menstrual cycles and those using different types of hormonal birth control. We'll give participants either oxytocin or a dummy spray (placebo) through the nose, then use special brain scans (MRI) to see what happens in their brains when they do tasks that involve rewards. We'll also check their mood, eating behaviour, and hormone levels to get a full picture of oxytocin's effects.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

International Research Training Group 2804

Enrolment target

100

Start

16 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Menstrual Cycle Hormonal Contraception

What is this study about?

You might have heard of oxytocin as the hormone important for childbirth, but it does much more! It also plays a role in how our brains handle feelings of reward and even influences how we eat. Previous studies have mostly looked at oxytocin's effects in men, so this research is really important for understanding its role specifically in women. We know that oxytocin works differently in men and women, and it also interacts with sex hormones like oestrogen. This study aims to fill that gap in our knowledge.

We want to discover how a dose of oxytocin given as a nasal spray affects how women’s brains react to rewards. We'll compare this in women with a natural menstrual cycle versus women who are using different types of hormonal contraception, like the pill. Understanding these differences could help us learn more about how hormones influence brain function and overall wellbeing in women.

To find out, we'll use special brain scans called MRI, which allow us to see what parts of the brain are active. We'll also ask participants to do tasks that involve rewards, assess their mood, and look at their eating habits. We'll also take blood samples to check hormone levels. This will give us a comprehensive view of how oxytocin might be influencing various aspects of a woman's health.

Key takeaways

The study explores how the hormone oxytocin affects reward processing in women.
It compares women with natural cycles to those using hormonal birth control.
Participation involves nasal sprays, brain scans (MRI), questionnaires, and blood tests.
It's a 'double-blind' study, so you won't know if you get oxytocin or a dummy spray.
The research aims to understand how hormones influence brain function in women.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women aged between 18 and 40. You could be considered if you have a regular natural menstrual cycle or if you are currently taking hormonal birth control pills.

There are some things that would mean you couldn't take part. For example, if you smoke, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or thyroid issues. We also can't include people with certain mental health conditions or those taking specific medications like antidepressants.

Because we're using MRI scans, you also can't have any metal in your body that can't be removed, like some surgical implants or certain tattoos, and you shouldn't have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you have a regular natural menstrual cycle OR use hormonal birth control pills regularly?
Do you NOT smoke and are generally healthy (no major medical conditions or certain medications)?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no non-removable metal in your body, no claustrophobia)?
Are you NOT currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have been in the last year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll have three visits in total. The first visit, called the 'intake session', will check if you're suitable to take part, including ensuring you can safely have an MRI scan. During this visit, you'll also fill out some questionnaires about your personality, sleep, and eating habits, and complete some simple thinking tests.

After that, you'll have two more main study visits, scheduled about four weeks apart. In one of these visits, you'll receive a a nasal spray containing oxytocin, and in the other, you'll receive a dummy spray (a placebo) – you won't know which one you're getting, and neither will the researchers. Each of these visits will involve measuring your body fat and how much energy your body uses at rest. Then, after the nasal spray, you'll have an MRI scan. During the MRI, you'll do tasks that involve making decisions about rewards. We'll also check your mood, thirst, hunger, and you'll do a snack test during these visits. We'll also take blood samples to check your hormone and metabolic levels. The exact duration of each visit will be explained, but all these activities will take place during these two experimental sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the chance to contribute to important research that could improve our understanding of women's health. While there might not be direct benefits to you personally, your contribution will help us learn more about how hormones affect the brain. The nasal spray of oxytocin is generally considered safe with few side effects. However, there are potential risks associated with MRI scans, such as discomfort or claustrophobia, and you'll need to lie still for a period. There will also be some blood tests involved. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Tuebingen; Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy; Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology
Verified postcode
Tübingen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a natural hormone in your body that is known for its role in childbirth, but also affects mood, social connections, and how you respond to rewards.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a 'dummy' treatment, like a nasal spray that contains no active medicine. It helps us compare the effects of the actual medicine fairly.

Will I know if I'm getting oxytocin or a placebo?

No, this is a 'double-blind' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know whether you receive oxytocin or the placebo during your visits.

What does an MRI scan involve?

An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain. You'll lie still inside a scanner, and it can be a bit noisy.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll have three visits in total: an initial check-up and then two main study visits, each about four weeks apart.

How to find out more

Manfred Hallschmid, Professor

manfred.hallschmid@uni-tuebingen.de +49 7071 29 88925 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.