---
title: Is PMDD caused by genes? | Niyora
description: Probably not much. There is limited evidence that genes cause PMDD, though some genes may play a role. The evidence is stronger for postpartum depression.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/reproductive-affective-disorders-a-review-of-the-genetic-evidence-for-2017/
---

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- Is PMDD caused by genes?

Interview study, 2017

# Is PMDD caused by genes?

Probably not much. There is limited evidence that genes cause PMDD, though some genes may play a role. The evidence is stronger for postpartum depression.

 Early or limited evidence

Literature review of prior genetic studies (no new subjects studied)

## What they did

Literature review of genetic studies on PMDD and postpartum depression from the past 10 years. The authors examined familial studies, genome-wide linkage and association studies, and candidate gene studies.

## What they found

Limited evidence for a genetic basis for PMDD, with both familial and candidate gene studies showing negative or conflicting results. The most commonly studied genes include SERT, COMT, MAOA, BDNF, and ESR1 and 2. Evidence was stronger for postpartum depression when it started soon after delivery, including associations with estrogen-related genes and epigenetic biomarkers.

## What it means for you

Genes probably play only a small role in PMDD, and we need larger studies to be sure. The evidence for postpartum depression is stronger. These findings suggest that other factors besides genes may be more important for PMDD.

5

main genes studied (SERT, COMT, MAOA, BDNF, ESR1/2)

10 years

time period of reviewed studies

## About the study

Original title Reproductive Affective Disorders: a Review of the Genetic Evidence for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Postpartum Depression Authors McEvoy K, Osborne LM, Nanavati J et al. Journal Current psychiatry reports Year 2017 Study design Interview study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0852-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0852-0)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Review, 2026

Do PMDD, postpartum depression and perimenopausal depression have the same genetic causes?

Systematic review, 2022

Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?

Review, 2019

How do brain changes during reproductive transitions cause depression in women?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Case-control study, 2004

Do menstrual characteristics and pregnancy history predict depression risk?

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