Longer anogenital distance is associated with higher testosterone levels in women: a cross‐sectional study. (7th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mira‐Escolano, MP; Mendiola, J; Mínguez‐Alarcón, L; Melgarejo, M; Cutillas‐Tolín, A; Roca, M; López‐Espín, JJ; Noguera‐Velasco, JA; Torres‐Cantero, AM
• Is Part Of: BJOG. Volume 121:Number 11(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1359
• Page End: 1364
• Publication Date: 2014-02-07
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12627
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-0328

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjo12627-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>Animal models have suggested that anogenital distance (AGD) at birth reflects androgen levels during <italic>in utero</italic> development and predicts adult AGD. A recent study showed an association between perineal length and androgen levels in men, suggesting that serum testosterone levels in adulthood will depend on factors involved during the fetal period. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between AGD measures and reproductive hormone levels in women.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>Cross‐sectional study conducted between February and November 2011.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Setting</title> <p>University‐affiliated fertility clinics.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Population</title> <p>100 young college students.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Physical and gynaecological examinations were conducted on university students. All participants provided a blood sample for determination of reproductive hormones and completed an epidemiological questionnaire on lifestyles and gynaecological history. We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between perineal length measurements [anus‐fourchette (AGD<sub>AF</sub>) and anus‐clitoris (AGD<sub>AC</sub>)] and reproductive hormone levels.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Main outcome measures</title> <p>Anogenital distance measurements and reproductive hormone levels.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0007" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In the multiple linear regression analyses, AGD<sub>AF</sub> was positively associated with serum testosterone levels. Serum testosterone increased 0.06 ng/ml (95%CI 0.01, 0.10; <italic>P </italic>= 0.02) for each 1‐cm increase in AGD<sub>AF</sub>. None of the measurements was associated with other reproductive hormones.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjo12627-sec-0008" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Anogenital distance may predict normal reproductive development in women, and may be a new tool of potential clinical interest to evaluate ovarian function. Our results suggest that serum testosterone levels in adulthood may depend on factors operating in the prenatal period.</p> </sec> </abstract>