Ovarian Hormones

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Neuroendocrinology

Illustration of a woman lying on a stylized uterus with foliage, surrounded by medicine and health-related items like a pill blister pack, an hourglass, and pills.

How ovarian hormones and reproductive cycle shape neural circuits governing motivation and reward-seeking?

Ovarian hormones such as estradiol and progesterone play a crucial role in regulating neural function, yet their effects on motivation-related circuits remain vastly underexplored. Disruptions of the ovarian hormone circulation by disorders that affect the ovaries can also lead to changes in mood, motivation, eating habits, and overall metabolism.