--- title: Can blood markers that predict depression after childbirth also predict PMDD? description: A blood marker linked to depression after childbirth also showed promise in identifying women with PMDD, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/epigenetic-biomarkers-of-postpartum-depression-identify-premenstrual-dysphoric-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Can blood markers that predict depression after childbirth also predict PMDD? Study, 2025 # Can blood markers that predict depression after childbirth also predict PMDD? A blood marker linked to depression after childbirth also showed promise in identifying women with PMDD, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Moderate study design 55 women with and without PMDD, and 128 post-menopausal women ## What they did Researchers tested a blood cell marker at two specific sites in women's DNA (TTC9B and HP1BP3). They tested it in 55 women: 10 with PMDD and 18 without PMDD. They also tested the same marker in 128 post-menopausal women, with 80 having depression and 48 without depression. They measured the marker during different phases of the menstrual cycle. ## What they found In women with PMDD, the blood marker showed better ability to identify who had PMDD during the luteal phase (second half of cycle) compared to the follicular phase. The marker also showed promise in post-menopausal women with depression. The marker was linked to hormone levels in the progesterone pathway, suggesting it tracks how women's bodies process certain hormones related to the menstrual cycle. ## What it means for you A blood test marker might eventually help identify women with PMDD or depression connected to hormone changes. This is early research with relatively small groups tested. Much larger studies would be needed before this could be used clinically to diagnose PMDD. 55 women with and without PMDD in study 10 women with PMDD 128 post-menopausal women tested ## About the study Original title EPIGENETIC BIOMARKERS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IDENTIFY PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD) AND POST-MENOPAUSAL DEPRESSION (PMD) Authors Zachary A. Kaminsky, Liisa V. Hantsoo, Jennifer L. Payne Journal The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology Year 2025 Study design Study What was tested Testing of a blood cell marker Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyae059.372](https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyae059.372) ## Topics [Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/) 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 Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Review, 2012 Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause? Review, 2002 What are the reproductive-related mood disorders and how are they connected? Non-randomised trial, 2014 Does hormone therapy help women with depression linked to periods and menopause? Survey study, 2006 Does the menstrual cycle affect how severe OCD symptoms are? Systematic review, 2021 Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗