---
title: Do stress and anger affect neurotransmitter levels in female monkeys with PMS-like symptoms?
description: Yes. Female monkeys under social stress that developed PMS-like symptoms showed increased levels of three neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, and ser
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/analysis-on-content-of-serum-monoamine-neurotransmitters-in-macaques-with-anger-2012/
---

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- Do stress and anger affect neurotransmitter levels in female monkeys with PMS-like symptoms?

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.

 Early or limited evidence

24 female monkeys (macaques)

## 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](https://doi.org/10.3736/jcim20120814)

## 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/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

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