---
title: How much do genes versus environment contribute to PMS symptoms?
description: Genes accounted for 44% of PMS symptom differences. Genes for PMS overlap with genes for neuroticism and depression but 39% of PMS genetic variance is indepen
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/genetic-and-environmental-influences-on-premenstrual-symptoms-in-an-australian-2002/
---

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- How much do genes versus environment contribute to PMS symptoms?

Cohort study, 2002

# How much do genes versus environment contribute to PMS symptoms?

Genes accounted for 44% of PMS symptom differences. Genes for PMS overlap with genes for neuroticism and depression but 39% of PMS genetic variance is independent of these traits.

 Moderate study design

720 female twin pairs (454 identical, 266 fraternal) from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Twin Register

## What they did

Twin study of 720 female pairs (454 identical twins, 266 fraternal twins) from Australia. Women reported on 17 PMS symptoms in the previous 12 months, answered questions about neuroticism, and provided interview data about lifetime depression. Researchers used statistical models to estimate genetic and environmental contributions.

## What they found

Most common symptoms were breast tenderness and bloating/weight gain, followed by emotional symptoms. 24% of women met rough criteria for severe PMS with functional impairment. Genetic factors explained 44% of PMS symptom variation, with genes for PMS being 62% correlated with neuroticism and 70% with lifetime depression history. However, 39% of PMS genetic variance was independent of these factors.

## What it means for you

PMS has a substantial genetic component, but environment matters too. Personality traits like neuroticism share some genetic basis with PMS but do not fully explain PMS genetics, suggesting distinct genetic factors for PMS. The study used retrospective symptom reporting, which may affect accuracy.

720

Twin pairs studied

44%

Genetic contribution to PMS

24%

Women with severe PMS and impairment

## About the study

Original title Genetic and environmental influences on premenstrual symptoms in an Australian twin sample Authors Treloar SA, Heath AC, Martin NG Journal Psychological medicine Year 2002 Study design Cohort study What was tested None - genetic and environmental modeling study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1017/s0033291701004901](https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291701004901)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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