---
title: Is Toxoplasma infection linked to PMDD? | Niyora
description: Possibly. Among 151 women with PMDD, 6.6 percent had evidence of Toxoplasma infection. Total symptom count did not differ between infected and uninfected wome
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/toxoplasma-gondii-infection-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-cross-2016/
---

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- Is Toxoplasma infection linked to PMDD?

Survey study, 2016

# Is Toxoplasma infection linked to PMDD?

Possibly. Among 151 women with PMDD, 6.6 percent had evidence of Toxoplasma infection. Total symptom count did not differ between infected and uninfected women. However, infected women were less likely to report difficulty concentrating and more likely to feel out of control or overwhelmed.

 Early or limited evidence

151 women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Researchers studied 151 women with PMDD. They tested blood samples for Toxoplasma antibodies using specialized tests. In infected women, they also looked for Toxoplasma DNA. They compared PMDD symptoms between infected and uninfected women using questionnaires.

## What they found

6.6 percent of the 151 women had evidence of Toxoplasma infection (antibodies). Of the 10 infected women, 40 percent had signs of active infection and 10 percent had detectable DNA. The average total number of symptoms was similar in both groups (25.8 in infected women versus 29.22 in uninfected). However, infected women were less likely to report difficulty concentrating and more likely to feel out of control or overwhelmed.

## What it means for you

This first study of Toxoplasma and PMDD suggests a possible link to specific mood symptoms but not overall symptom counts. The infected group was very small (10 women), and this is only one study. Much larger and further research is needed before any connection can be confirmed.

6.6%

Women with Toxoplasma antibodies

40%

Of infected women with current infection

10%

Of infected women with detectable DNA

## About the study

Original title Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sanchez-Anguiano LF, Hernandez-Tinoco J et al. Journal Journal of clinical medicine research Year 2016 Study design Survey study Participants 151 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2699w](https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2699w)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)

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