qPCR-determined mRNA expression of progesterone receptor (PGR) (A) was diminished in OVX compared to E2 replaced females, regardless of diet condition (p<0.01). There were, however, decreases in PGC1α(PPARGC1A) (B, p=0.03), HTR1A (C, p=0.03) and HTR5A (D, p=0.01) mRNA expression in response to HFD despite an absence of obvious changes in body weight and body composition. The decreased expression of 5HTR1A, 5HTR5A, and PPARGC1A are independent of any detectable effect of ovariectomy.