---
title: Could genes explain why some women have severe PMS? | Niyora
description: Possibly. A genetic variant was more common in women without severe PMS, suggesting it may protect against severe symptoms, but this pilot study was very smal
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/srd5a1-genotype-frequency-differences-in-women-with-mild-versus-severe-2012/
---

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- Could genes explain why some women have severe PMS?

Case-control study, 2012

# Could genes explain why some women have severe PMS?

Possibly. A genetic variant was more common in women without severe PMS, suggesting it may protect against severe symptoms, but this pilot study was very small.

 Early or limited evidence

19 Caucasian women ages 18-25: 10 with severe PMS and 9 without

## What they did

19 young Caucasian women (10 with severe PMS, 9 controls) provided saliva samples for DNA testing of gene variants related to stress response.

## What they found

10% of women with severe PMS had the C/C genotype for the SRD5A1 gene variant, compared to 44% of women without severe symptoms. This suggests the C/C genotype may protect against developing severe PMS.

## What it means for you

This small pilot study suggests genetics might partly explain why some women have worse PMS. However, the sample is too small to draw firm conclusions. A much larger study is needed to confirm whether this gene variant truly protects against severe PMS.

10%

severe PMS cases with C/C genotype

44%

controls with C/C genotype

19

total women studied

## About the study

Original title SRD5A1 genotype frequency differences in women with mild versus severe premenstrual symptoms Authors Adams M, McCrone S Journal Issues in mental health nursing Year 2012 Study design Case-control study Participants 19 What was tested DNA testing for gene variants affecting stress response Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2011.625514](https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2011.625514)

## Topics

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

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