---
title: Do women with premenstrual dysphoria have different serotonin genes than others?
description: Women with premenstrual dysphoria have fewer serotonin transporter proteins on their blood cells than controls, but genetic differences in the serotonin trans
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/serotonin-transporter-gene-polymorphisms-and-platelet-3h-paroxetine-binding-in-2003/
---

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- Do women with premenstrual dysphoria have different serotonin genes than others?

Non-randomised trial, 2003

# Do women with premenstrual dysphoria have different serotonin genes than others?

Women with premenstrual dysphoria have fewer serotonin transporter proteins on their blood cells than controls, but genetic differences in the serotonin transporter gene do not explain this.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with premenstrual dysphoria and healthy controls (exact sample size not stated)

## What they did

Researchers compared the number of platelet serotonin transporters between women with premenstrual dysphoria and women without it. They also examined three genetic variants in the serotonin transporter gene in both groups.

## What they found

The density of serotonin transporters was significantly lower in women with premenstrual dysphoria than in controls. Patients and controls did not differ in frequency of any of the three genetic variants studied. However, one genetic variant (the short deletion type) was associated with higher transporter density.

## What it means for you

Low serotonin transporters may contribute to premenstrual dysphoria, but genetic variants do not explain why this occurs. Main limitations: sample size is not clearly stated, and this is a comparison without randomization.

3

genetic variants examined

## About the study

Original title Serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and platelet [3H] paroxetine binding in premenstrual dysphoria Authors Melke J, Westberg L, Landén M et al. Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2003 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested None (genetic comparison) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(02)00033-1](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(02)00033-1)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Athletes and sport](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-athletes/)

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