Do Rats Go Through Menopause?
WouterThe question “do rats go through menopause?” is one that puzzles scientists. The answer is a resounding “no.” There is no evidence that male rats undergo menopause, and mice do not exhibit the same physiology as women do during the menopause stage. However, it is possible to observe the signs of menopause in female rats.
Menopause in women is characterized by the end of periods that last between 12 and 21 months. Some women may experience perimenopause during their twenties, but most women experience it after the age of forty. This period is marked by alterations in the menstrual cycle, and sudden increases or decreases in estrogen. The hormone may also affect a woman’s aggressiveness, sexual behavior, and learning and memory. And in male rats, perimenopause has been linked to a rise in testosterone levels. This testosterone release may be related to the hormone’s function in the brain.
Researchers have used animal models of menopause to study how women age and how they respond to therapeutic interventions. These studies have built an extensive body of knowledge about reproductive senescence in mammalian species. While animal models cannot replicate the exact physiologic processes in humans, they can be used to identify clinical gaps, evaluate the efficacy of hormone therapy, and discover therapeutic targets.
Rats undergo pseudo-estrus cycles, which are similar to the same physiological processes experienced by women. The female will become active during these periods, and her body temperature will rise. She will become more receptive to mating. The male will respond to the pheromones and increase its levels of testosterone.
