Why Do Some Women Get PMDD and Others Don't? The Genetics Behind It

If two women have identical hormone levels but completely different experiences of their cycle, what's actually different between them? In this episode, Dr Georgina Standen goes back a step further than hormones themselves, into the genetics and cell biology behind why some brains are wired to be more hormone-sensitive than others.In this episode:The classic hormone-suppression study that proved PMDD isn't about hormone levels at allWhat twin studies tell us about how much of PMDD is inheritedThe specific genes researchers keep finding — ESR1, a serotonin receptor gene, and GABRB2The cellular research showing PMDD cells respond differently to hormones at a genetic level, right down to a mismatch between gene instructions and the protein actually producedWhy understanding the mechanism explains why treatment isn't one-size-fits-allSirona Health Podcast is hosted by Dr Georgina Standen, GP and founder of Sirona Health (sironahealth.co.uk), a specialist women's health practice covering menopause, PMS/PMDD and teen health. Book a consultation at sironahealth.co.uk.This podcast is for general information only and doesn't replace individual medical advice — please speak to your GP or a specialist about your own symptoms. If you're struggling, please reach out for support.