Stress hormones are associated with the neuronal correlates of instructed fear conditioning

► The influence of stress hormones on instructed fear conditioning was investigated. ► Possible modulations due to sex hormone availability were explored. ► Cortisol levels were positively correlated with differential amygdala activation. ► Associations were found in men and women taking oral contraceptives. ► Cortisol-related subcortical activation might subserve the adequate storage of fear.