Survey study, 2020

Is a gene that controls how the body responds to estrogen linked to PMS?

Possibly. A particular version of the estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) was more common in women with severe PMS, and it was linked to a bigger rise in estradiol before their period, but the study was small.

Early or limited evidence 50 women with premenstrual syndrome and 20 women without it.

What they did

Researchers compared 50 women with PMS to 20 women without it. They measured estradiol (an estrogen hormone) in the blood at two points in the menstrual cycle and tested which version of the ESR1 gene each woman had.

What they found

Estradiol levels were similar between women with and without PMS overall, but women with PMS had a bigger rise in estradiol in the luteal (premenstrual) phase. The GG version of the gene was most common in women with severe PMS (p=0.06, borderline). Women with severe PMS who carried the G version had 50.00% higher luteal estradiol than those with the AA version (p=0.02); this difference was not seen in healthy women.

What it means for you

This suggests a possible genetic marker linking estrogen receptor type to how much estradiol rises before a period in women with severe PMS. The study is small and only shows an association, not proof of cause, so it should not be used to predict or diagnose PMS yet.

Women with PMS

50.00%

Higher luteal estradiol in G-allele carriers with severe PMS

0.06

p-value for GG genotype in severe PMS

About the study

Original title: ESTRADIOL BLOOD LEVEL AND ESR1 GENE POLYMORPHISM IN WOMEN WITH PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Authors: Pakharenko LV, Vdovichenko YP, Kurtash NY et al.
Journal: Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)
Year: 2020
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 50
What was tested: None (observational: blood hormone measurement and gene testing).
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.36740/wlek202012105

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