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.
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
Topics
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