Lab study, 2012
Do stress and anger affect neurotransmitter levels in female monkeys with PMS-like symptoms?
Yes. Female monkeys under social stress that developed PMS-like symptoms showed increased levels of three neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) during the luteal phase. A herbal medicine treatment returned these levels to normal.
What they did
Applied social stress to 24 female monkeys. Selected 9 low-status monkeys showing anger responses. Divided them into three groups: anger-only, stress-induced PMS model, and PMS model treated with Jingqianshu Granule (a herbal medicine). Measured blood neurotransmitter levels in follicular and luteal phases.
What they found
The PMS model group and anger-only group both showed increased depression scores. Compared to controls, both groups had increased monoamine neurotransmitter levels (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin). The treated PMS group's neurotransmitter levels returned to normal after treatment.
What it means for you
Stress and emotional suppression may affect neurotransmitter levels associated with PMS symptoms. However, this was a monkey study, so we cannot be sure the same applies to women. The herbal medicine worked in this model but would need human testing.
24
Female monkeys in total
9
Low-status monkeys selected for stress and PMS model
3
Neurotransmitters measured
About the study
- Original title
- [Analysis on content of serum monoamine neurotransmitters in macaques with anger-in-induced premenstrual syndrome and liver-qi depression syndrome]
- Authors
- Wei S, Hou JL, Chao YB et al.
- Journal
- Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao = Journal of Chinese integrative medicine
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Lab study
- What was tested
- Social stress and herbal medicine (Jingqianshu Granule) treatment
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3736/jcim20120814
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2025
Can a plant-based supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
Cohort study, 2025
How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it?
Review, 2015
What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?
Systematic review, 2014
Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms?
Randomised trial, 1998
Is intermittent citalopram during the luteal phase more effective than continuous dosing?
Randomised trial, 1995
Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria?