Menopause removes the break fluid for depression, GABA, after progesterone declines

What is it about?

Menopause leads to decrease in circulating progesterone levels, an effect that has been associated with increased anxiety and depression. Using an animal model for menopause, we found that progesterone reverts the depressive-like phenotype, and that these effects are mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA.

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Photo by BBH Singapore on Unsplash

Photo by BBH Singapore on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We define how surgical menopause induces a depression-like phenotype in female rats by decreasing circulating progesterone. Two significant findings are that: a) replacing progesterone alleviates these effects, suggesting that this hormone is involved in the behavioral effects of menopause; and b) GABA is the effector in that pathway. GABA thus acts as the brake fluid in the progesterone braking system for depression and anxiety.