---
title: Do certain genes affect whether you get PMDD? | Niyora
description: No. This study found no link between two genes (DRD3 and CNR1) and PMDD risk.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/lack-of-association-of-drd3-and-cnr1-polymorphisms-with-premenstrual-dysphoric-2015/
---

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- Do certain genes affect whether you get PMDD?

Case-control study, 2015

# Do certain genes affect whether you get PMDD?

No. This study found no link between two genes (DRD3 and CNR1) and PMDD risk.

 Early or limited evidence

51 women with PMDD and 51 healthy women, Iran

## What they did

Researchers compared gene patterns in 51 women with PMDD and 51 healthy women without it. PMDD was confirmed with daily symptom ratings, monthly assessment forms and psychiatric interviews. They tested two genes, DRD3 and CNR1, using a lab genotyping method.

## What they found

The pattern of DRD3 and CNR1 gene variants was the same in the 51 women with PMDD and the 51 healthy controls. There was no difference between the groups.

## What it means for you

These two genes do not seem to be major causes of PMDD. The study was small and looked at only two genes, so it cannot rule out other genetic causes.

51

Women with PMDD

51

Healthy controls

## About the study

Original title Lack of association of DRD3 and CNR1 polymorphisms with premenstrual dysphoric disorders Authors Yıldız M, Vural M, Erdal ME et al. Journal Iranian journal of reproductive medicine Year 2015 Study design Case-control study What was tested Genetic testing of DRD3 and CNR1 gene variants (no treatment tested) Open access Yes Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26131011/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26131011/) Original abstract

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder characterized with physical and affective symptoms during the luteal phase of susceptible women. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of Dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) polymorphism, and Cannabinoid receptor Type 1 (CNR1) polymorphism with PMDD. Materials and methods: Fifty one participants with documented PMDD according to the DSM IV criteria and 51 healthy controls were included in this cross sectional study. Symptom severity was measured with daily self-rating, monthly premenstrual assessment forms and psychiatric interviews. The genotyping of DRD3 receptor and Cannabinoid type 1 receptors were performed using Taqmanfluorogenic assay method. Results: Distribution of DRD3 and CNR1 polymorphism was not different between patients and controls. Conclusion: These findings do not support a major role of DRD3, and CNR1 polymorphisms in contributing to susceptibility to premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[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/)

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## Related studies

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Systematic review, 2026

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Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Systematic review, 2025

Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation?

Cohort study, 2025

Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth?

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