---
title: Does isolation stress during the luteal phase cause depression-like symptoms in female monkeys?
description: Yes, female monkeys isolated during their luteal phase developed depression-like symptoms in the following cycles. A traditional Chinese herbal medicine reduc
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/isolating-with-physical-restraint-low-status-female-monkeys-during-luteal-phase-2007/
---

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- Does isolation stress during the luteal phase cause depression-like symptoms in female monkeys?

Study, 2007

# Does isolation stress during the luteal phase cause depression-like symptoms in female monkeys?

Yes, female monkeys isolated during their luteal phase developed depression-like symptoms in the following cycles. A traditional Chinese herbal medicine reduced these symptoms and normalized hormone and chemical levels.

 Early or limited evidence

Low-ranking female rhesus monkeys (a species closely related to humans)

## What they did

Researchers isolated low-ranking female rhesus monkeys in a cage during their luteal phase for two consecutive menstrual cycles. They measured hormone and neurotransmitter levels throughout their cycles and tested whether a traditional Chinese medicine called Jingqianshu granule could reduce depression-like symptoms.

## What they found

After two cycles of isolation, monkeys showed depression-like symptoms during the premenstrual phase in three following cycles. Their neurotransmitter levels (serotonin-like, noradrenaline, and adrenaline) were significantly higher than in monkeys without depression. Progesterone and prolactin hormone levels increased and showed changed patterns. The herbal medicine reduced depression-like symptoms and lowered both hormone and neurotransmitter levels to more normal amounts.

## What it means for you

This monkey study shows that stress during the luteal phase may contribute to depression patterns similar to premenstrual depression in humans. The hormonal and chemical changes in monkeys were similar to those seen in women with premenstrual depression. The main limitation is that this is animal research, not human research, so the results may not directly apply to people.

2

consecutive cycles of isolation stress

3

consecutive cycles with depression-like symptoms

28

day menstrual cycle (same as humans)

## About the study

Original title Isolating with physical restraint low status female monkeys during luteal phase might make an appropriate premenstrual depression syndrome model Authors Qiao M, Zhao Q, Zhang H et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2007 Study design Study What was tested Testing Jingqianshu granule, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual depression Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2006.12.011](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2006.12.011)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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