Does the estrogen receptor gene polymorphism relate to undefined menopausal symptoms?

The present study examines the relationship between estrogen receptor (ER) gene polymorphism and undefined complaints to clarify the aging process of the genitospinal center. Pvu II and Xba I restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the estrogen receptor (ER) gene and its relationships to undefined symptoms was examined in 507 Japanese peri- and postmenopausal women who were classified in 3 groups by serum estradiol (E2) values; group A:E2>30 pg/ml; group B:E210-30 pg/ml; group C:E2<10 pg/ml. The percentage of women grouped A was significantly higher than that of group B in genotype Pp. Furthermore, the frequency of Ppxx in group A was significantly higher than that of group B or C. On the other hand, the frequency of ppxx in group A was significantly lower than that of group B (p=0.0042) or C (p=0.049). Neither FSH nor LH differed significantly between Ppxx and ppxx. On the other hand, the plasma estradiol level differed significantly between Ppxx and ppxx (p=0.0004). Moreover, a higher incidence of mental symptoms was observed in group A than in groups B or C (p<0.01). The present results suggest that ER gene polymorphism influences aging of the genitospinal center, and may explain in part the pathophysiology and cause of undefined perimenopausal complaints.