Dopamine plays a central role in motivation, reward, learning, and goal pursuit — and in women, it’s deeply influenced by hormones. In this Goalchella episode, we break down the science of the dopamine system and how fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle shape motivation, focus, mood, and behavior.

We explore sex differences in the dopamine system, why many women feel more driven during certain phases of their cycle, and what research shows about estrogen’s powerful role as a neuromodulator. We also touch on how dopamine function changes during perimenopause and menopause, and why lifetime estrogen exposure may be protective for cognition and brain health as we age.

This episode also tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: hormonal birth control. We discuss how hormonal contraceptives influence dopamine, reward sensitivity, learning, and mood — why they aren’t inherently “good” or “bad” — and how individual differences determine each woman’s experience. You’ll learn what signs may indicate dopamine dysregulation, how to recognize patterns across your cycle, and practical steps to advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider.

If you’ve ever wondered why your motivation, focus, or reward-seeking behaviors feel cyclical, this conversation will help you understand your brain — and work with it, not against it.

Links/Research Articles:

endoscreen.org

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091302222000668?via%3Dihub

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-67755-001

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2022-66870-001

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11698485/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10372431/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11908942/

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