---
title: Are there genes that increase the risk of PMDD? | Niyora
description: Genetic variations in the ESR1 gene (which codes for estrogen receptor alpha) appear linked to PMDD mood symptoms, suggesting genetic factors contribute to wh
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/genes-linked-to-mood-symptoms-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2007/
---

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- Are there genes that increase the risk of PMDD?

Case-control study, 2007

# Are there genes that increase the risk of PMDD?

Genetic variations in the ESR1 gene (which codes for estrogen receptor alpha) appear linked to PMDD mood symptoms, suggesting genetic factors contribute to who develops the condition. This was found in a study of women with PMDD and unaffected controls.

 Moderate study design

About 91 women with PMDD and control subjects (study abstract incomplete)

## What they did

Case-control genetic study analyzing three genes (ESR1, ESR2, and COMT) in women with PMDD and control women. Researchers looked for common genetic variations and tested if they appeared more often in women with PMDD.

## What they found

Specific genetic variations in the ESR1 gene were linked to PMDD. The study helps explain why PMDD runs in families and why different women respond differently to the condition. The underlying cause appears to involve how the brain handles estrogen, not abnormal hormone levels.

## What it means for you

PMDD has a genetic component related to estrogen sensitivity in the brain. However, the study is small and was not completed (abstract cuts off), so results need to be confirmed in larger studies.

5-8%

Of women affected by PMDD

91

Women with PMDD studied

3

Genes tested (ESR1, ESR2, COMT)

## About the study

Original title Genes Linked to Mood Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Jun Yan Journal Psychiatric News Year 2007 Study design Case-control study Participants 56 What was tested Genetic analysis and comparison (no treatment tested) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1176/pn.42.16.0015](https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.42.16.0015)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2008

What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?

Study, 2026

What treatments work for PMDD?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Case report, 2023

Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?

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