---
title: Does stopping progesterone cause depression-like behavior? | Niyora
description: Yes. Stopping progesterone caused depression-like behavior in rats that was reduced by amitriptyline but not by fluoxetine or duloxetine.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/a-rodent-model-of-premenstrual-dysphoria-progesterone-withdrawal-induces-2012/
---

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- Does stopping progesterone cause depression-like behavior?

Study, 2012

# Does stopping progesterone cause depression-like behavior?

Yes. Stopping progesterone caused depression-like behavior in rats that was reduced by amitriptyline but not by fluoxetine or duloxetine.

 Early or limited evidence

Laboratory rats

## What they did

Researchers gave rats progesterone then stopped it using different methods. They measured depression-like behavior by watching how long rats stayed still in water, tested social behavior, and measured interest in sweet drinks. They also tested how three antidepressant medications affected the behavior during progesterone withdrawal.

## What they found

Stopping progesterone consistently caused depression-like behavior across different withdrawal methods. Rats also showed reduced interest in social contact and sweet drinks without changes in overall activity. Serotonin levels in the brain did not change. Amitriptyline reduced the depression-like behavior, but fluoxetine and duloxetine did not. Depleting tryptophan did not increase the depression.

## What it means for you

This animal model suggests progesterone changes might cause depression in PMDD. Amitriptyline worked but not other antidepressants, suggesting different treatment approaches. However, this is animal research, not human. Serotonin levels didn't change, suggesting a different mechanism than typical depression.

## About the study

Original title A rodent model of premenstrual dysphoria: progesterone withdrawal induces depression-like behavior that is differentially sensitive to classes of antidepressants Authors Li Y, Pehrson AL, Budac DP et al. Journal Behavioural brain research Year 2012 Study design Study What was tested Progesterone withdrawal Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2012.06.034](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2012.06.034)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)

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