The uterine-chemokine-brain axis: menstrual cycle-associated symptoms (MCAS) are in part mediated by CCL2, CCL5, CCL11, CXCL8 and CXCL10.

•We developed a novel case definition of menstrual-cycle associated symptoms (MCAS) and its major symptomatic domains.•MCAS is externally validated by increased levels of uterus-associated chemokines including CCL-2, CCL-5, CCL-11, CXCL8, and CXCL10.•These chemokines are regulated by sex hormones and modulate endometrium functions as well as brain neuro-immune responses.•Uterine-related chemokines may link the uterus with brain functions via a putative uterine-chemokine-brain axis.