Trial and error: The effect of omega-3 fatty acids and ovarian hormones on anxiety in female rats

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in females than males, in part due to the change in ovarian hormones during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Estradiol and progesterone (E+P) peak in the luteal phase before dropping rapidly in the late luteal phase. This drop is associated with increased anxiety, and E+P may decrease anxiety. It is important to find a way to counteract the negative symptoms associated with ovarian hormone changes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been found to decrease anxiety-like behavior in male rats, but the effects on anxiety-like behavior in females are unknown. To determine the effect of omegas and E+P on anxiety-like behavior in female rats, we observed two trials of the elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark box after omega-3 fatty acid and E+P treatments. There was a decrease in time spent and crosses in the open arm of the EPM and the light side of the light-dark box across trials and no effect of omega-3 fatty acids or E+P. Further research into the potential interaction of omega-3 fatty acids and E+P is needed.