The importance of translationally evaluating steroid hormone contributions to substance use

Clinically, women appear to be more susceptible to certain aspects of substance use disorders (SUDs). The steroid hormones 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) have been linked to women-specific drug behaviors. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies investigating how cycling ovarian hormones affect nicotine-, cocaine-, and opioid-related behaviors. We also highlight gaps in the literature regarding how synthetic steroid hormone use may influence drug-related behaviors. In addition, we explore how E2 and Pg are known to interact in brain reward pathways and provide evidence of how these interactions may influence drug-related behaviors. The synthesis of this review demonstrates the critical need to study women-specific factors that may influence aspects of SUDs, which may play important roles in addiction processes in a sex-specific fashion. It is important to understand factors that impact women's health and may be key to moving the field forward toward more efficacious and individualized treatment strategies.

Automated summary

Clinically, women may have a higher susceptibility to certain aspects of substance use disorders, and this may be influenced by the steroid hormones 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg). This review examines the effects of cycling ovarian hormones on nicotine, cocaine, and opioid-related behaviors, and also explores the potential influence of synthetic steroid hormone use. It further investigates the interactions of E2 and Pg in brain reward pathways and their impact on drug-related behaviors, emphasizing the importance of studying women-specific factors in addiction research.