--- title: Is genetic predisposition to immune cell changes linked to premenstrual disorders and their severity? description: Possibly. A genetic tendency toward higher white blood cell counts showed a weak association with worse physical PMS symptoms, especially in women whose sympt url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-of-genetic-predisposition-to-immune-related-biomarkers-with-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Is genetic predisposition to immune cell changes linked to premenstrual disorders and their severity? Cohort study, 2026 # Is genetic predisposition to immune cell changes linked to premenstrual disorders and their severity? Possibly. A genetic tendency toward higher white blood cell counts showed a weak association with worse physical PMS symptoms, especially in women whose symptoms started at their first period (p=0.008). However, the connection was not consistent across all markers and needs to be repeated. Moderate study design 1,730 Chinese college students, 424 (24.5%) with probable premenstrual disorders ## What they did Cross-sectional study of 1,730 Chinese college students. Genetic risk scores were calculated for seven immune markers (white blood cells, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein). Premenstrual disorders and symptom severity were assessed using a modified Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences. ## What they found Overall, 424 participants (24.5%) met criteria for probable premenstrual disorders: 379 (21.9%) with PMS and 45 (2.6%) with PMDD. Genetic risk for white blood cells showed a weak association with diagnosis (p=0.062) but was associated with worse physical symptom severity (p=0.047). The association was stronger in women whose symptoms began at menarche (p=0.008). ## What it means for you An inherited tendency toward higher white blood cell counts may explain why some women experience more physical PMS symptoms, possibly through inflammation. However, this was a cross-sectional study in Chinese college students, so findings may not apply to other populations. Results need to be repeated before we can be confident. 1,730 students studied 24.5% with probable premenstrual disorders 2.6% with PMDD ## About the study Original title Association of genetic predisposition to immune-related biomarkers with premenstrual disorders and symptom severity Authors Yijie Luo, Jiantong Sun, Min Chen et al. Journal BMC Psychiatry Year 2026 Study design Cohort study Participants 1,730 What was tested None - genetic association study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-08443-w](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-08443-w) Original abstract Abstract Background Premenstrual disorders (PMD), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are burdensome conditions with unclear mechanisms. While inflammation is implicated, biomarker research is challenged by inconsistent findings and cyclical fluctuations. This study utilized polygenic risk scores (PRS) to investigate the association between lifelong genetic predisposition to altered immune-related cell counts and PMD risk and symptom severity. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1,730 Chinese college students from the Care of Premenstrual Emotion cohort. PRS were calculated for seven immune biomarkers: white blood cell (WBC), basophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, and C-reactive protein. Probable PMD cases and symptom severity (total, physical, affective) were assessed using a modified Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences. Generalized estimating equations estimated risk ratios (RR) and β-coefficients, adjusting for confounders. Results Overall, 424 (24.5%) participants met probable PMD criteria, including 379 (21.9%) with PMS and 45 (2.6%) with PMDD. The PRS for WBC showed a suggestive, non-significant association with diagnosis (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00–1.18; P = 0.062). No other immune PRS showed significant associations. A higher PRS for WBC was associated with physical symptom severity (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.00–0.10; P = 0.047). This association was stronger in women with symptom onset at menarche (β = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.15–0.78; P = 0.008). The highest quintile of PRS for WBC exhibited greater severity across all domains versus the lowest, suggesting a possible graded pattern. Item-level analyses suggested signals for limb swelling, increased appetite, and food cravings. Conclusions The PRS for WBC may be associated with premenstrual symptom severity, specifically physical domains. These findings suggest that inflammatory liability may contribute to the physical symptom burden of PMD, but replication in prospectively phenotyped cohorts with detailed gynecologic and medical comorbidity data is needed. Trial registration Not applicable. 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/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Cohort study, 2026 Are eating behaviors linked to how severe a woman's PMS symptoms are? Systematic review, 2025 How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling? Lab study, 2026 Do core stability exercises help women with PMDD? Survey study, 2026 How common is PMDD among college women and what increases the risk? Review, 2026 How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗