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Cohort study, 2006

Are specific genetic variations linked to PMDD?

No. This study found no significant association between eight common genetic variations in serotonin pathways and PMDD, suggesting these particular genetic variations are not major contributors to PMDD.

Moderate study design 53 women with clinically diagnosed PMDD (mean age 37.7 years) and 52 control women (mean age 36.2 years)

What they did

Researchers studied 53 women with PMDD (mean age 37.7 years) and 52 healthy control women (mean age 36.2 years). They tested them for eight genetic variations in genes that control serotonin, including genes for serotonin transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase, and monoamine oxidase A. They compared the frequency of genetic variants between the two groups.

What they found

None of the eight genetic variants showed any significant difference between women with PMDD and control women. No significant allelic distribution profiles were found in either group.

What it means for you

These particular serotonin-related genetic variations do not appear to play a major role in causing PMDD. This does not rule out other genes or other ways that biology might contribute to PMDD. Larger studies or studies of different genetic variants might find different results.

53

Women with PMDD

52

Control women

8

Genetic variations tested

About the study

Original title
Serotonin transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase, and monoamine oxidase A gene polymorphisms in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors
Magnay JL, Ismail KM, Chapman G et al.
Journal
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Year
2006
Study design
Cohort study
Participants
53
What was tested
None

Topics