Shared genetic influences on depression and menopause symptoms
Joeri J Meijsen1,2, Hanyang Shen1, Mytilee Vemuri1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Psychological Medicine
|December 6, 2021
Summary
This study found shared genetic influences between menopause symptoms and depression. The TACR3 gene was linked to hot flashes and may play a role in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
- Women's Health
Background:
- Women have higher rates of depression and PTSD than men.
- Estrogen influences sex differences in psychiatric disorders and menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
- Estrogen therapy is used to manage menopause symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shared genetic influences between menopause symptoms and psychiatric disorders.
- To conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of estrogen medication use as a proxy for menopause symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 232,993 women in the UK Biobank, aged 39-71.
- GWAS of estrogen medication use (excluding hormonal contraceptives) and trans-ancestry meta-analyses.
- Genetic correlation and association analyses with depression and PTSD.
Main Results:
- A locus in the TACR3 gene was associated with estrogen medication use and hot flashes.
- Shared genetic influences were found between menopause symptoms and depression (rg = 0.231, p = 2.8 × 10⁻⁵).
- Women using estrogen medications reported higher psychiatric symptom scores.
Conclusions:
- Menopause symptoms share a complex genetic etiology with depression.
- The TACR3 gene has clinical relevance for treating hot flashes.
- Neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists show potential for hot flash treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
796
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
796
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
182
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
182
01:28Menopause
1.8K
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
1.8K
01:18Depression: Overview
424
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
424
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
802
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
802
01:30Bipolar Disorder
164
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
164