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Survey study, 2014

Is a gene called COMT a risk factor for PMS?

No, not directly. A gene called COMT does not appear to be linked to PMS overall, though women with joint pain may have a connection to a specific type of this gene.

Early or limited evidence 53 women with PMS aged 18 to 46 and 53 healthy women

What they did

Compared blood samples from 53 women with PMS and 53 healthy women, looking for differences in a gene called COMT.

What they found

There was no significant difference in the COMT gene between women with PMS and healthy women overall. However, women who reported joint pain as a PMS symptom were more likely to carry a particular version of the COMT gene called Met/Met.

What it means for you

The COMT gene does not seem to cause PMS, though it might relate to joint pain. The study was small, so conclusions are limited and more research is needed.

53

women in each group

p=0.61

COMT difference between PMS and control groups

p=0.04

COMT Met/Met variant and joint pain

About the study

Original title
Is catechol-o-methyltransferase gene polymorphism a risk factor in the development of premenstrual syndrome?
Authors
Deveci EO, Incebiyik A, Selek S et al.
Journal
Clinical and experimental reproductive medicine
Year
2014
Study design
Survey study
Participants
53
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics