Association of Menstrual Cycle with Fronto-Striatal Connectivity and Delay Discounting.

ABSTRACT: The dorsal fronto-striatal circuit, particularly the pathway connecting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and caudate, constitutes a core neural system for cognitive control and goal-directed behavior. While ovarian hormone fluctuations are known to influence this circuit, their precise impact on its role in decision-making remains poorly understood. Here, we leveraged the natural hormonal variation in the menstrual cycle to investigate how estradiol and progesterone shape dlPFC-caudate functional connectivity during a delay-discounting task. We discovered a state-dependent reconfiguration, characterized by the emergence of more negative connectivity for delayed rewards (vs. immediate rewards) in the mid-luteal phase and the dissipation of this pattern in the late follicular phase

SUBMITTER: Yang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729421 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature