Contraceptive Hormone and Reward Measurement (CHARM Study)

Hypothesis: The principal investigator hypothesizes that treatment with oral contraceptives, specifically a combination of a synthetic estrogen and progestin, in adult females will result in deficits in reward processing. Specific Aims: 1. Subjective ratings of mood and hedonic function. Based on previous evidence, the principal investigator hypothesizes that H1a) treatment with a hormonal oral contraceptive will result in decreased self-reports of sexual function and interest/enjoyment in non-sexual pleasurable activities as measured by the Sexual Function Questionnaire and Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale, respectively. 2. Neural activity in reward processing areas during an incentive delay task. Via functional magnetic resonance imaging, neural activity will be measured during both the anticipation and receipt of a pleasurable image (erotica, pleasant images of the outdoors, and "cute" animals). Activation of nucleus accumbens and ventromedial pre-frontal cortex is positively associated with feelings of anticipation and pleasure, respectively (10). The principal investigator hypothesizes that H2) treatment with a hormonal oral contraceptive will result in decreased activity in these regions, consistent with decreased reward anticipation and responsiveness.