Ovarian hormones, hormonal contraceptives and reward processing

Research on ovarian hormones reveals an increasingly important role in brain function. This includes reward processing, the umbrella phrase for functions that promote motivation for, response to, and learning about rewards. This paper seeks to provide a concise overview of how ovarian hormones influence reward function, with a specific focus surrounding the ovarian hormone derivatives found in hormonal contraception. Despite the complexity of findings, the research suggests a general pattern in which estradiol may promote multiple reward functions and progesterone often appears to play an inhibitory role. Allopregnanolone's effects on reward functions appear to be concentration dependent and follow an inverted-U. Limited research on hormonal contraception suggests that these agents may interfere with reward neurobiology, potentially contributing to deficits in sexual desire and positive mood, though some individuals may be more susceptible than others. Effects of ovarian hormones and their derivatives on reward processing have multiple clinical implications. These are discussed as it relates to hormonal therapy in menopause, avoiding side effects with hormonal contraception, and ongoing research on the use of progesterone in substance use disorders.