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.
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
Topics
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