Survey study, 2005
Does a genetic variant in the estrogen receptor gene affect premenstrual and menopausal symptoms?
Yes. Women with the SS genotype had 7.6-fold increased risk of premenstrual symptoms, 7-fold increased risk of hot flashes, and 13-fold increased risk of psychological symptoms compared to other genotypes.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 51 postmenopausal Japanese women. Researchers interviewed them about premenstrual and menopausal symptoms and tested their DNA for a specific genetic variant in the estrogen receptor-beta gene.
What they found
Women with the SS genotype had a 7.0-fold increased risk of hot flashes (p<0.05), a 13.0-fold increased risk of psychological symptoms (p<0.01), and a 7.6-fold increased risk of premenstrual symptoms (p=0.01) compared to the SL genotype. The EL genotype was also associated with increased risk of hot flashes, depression, and premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual symptom scores were significantly related to menopausal symptom scores.
What it means for you
A genetic variant may influence how severe premenstrual and menopausal symptoms are. This is a very small study in one ethnic group, so findings may not apply to all women.
51
postmenopausal Japanese women
7.6-fold
increased risk of PMS with SS genotype
13.0-fold
increased risk of psychological symptoms with SS genotype
About the study
- Original title
- Association of cytosine-adenine repeat polymorphism of the estrogen receptor-beta gene with menopausal symptoms
- Authors
- Takeo C, Negishi E, Nakajima A et al.
- Journal
- Gender medicine
- Year
- 2005
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Genetic testing for estrogen receptor variant
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s1550-8579(05)80016-6
Topics
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