Journal article

The relationship between maternal and umbilical cord androgen levels and polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence: A prospective cohort study

M Hickey, DM Sloboda, HC Atkinson, DA Doherty, S Franks, RJ Norman, JP Newnham, R Hart

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism | ENDOCRINE SOC | Published : 2009

Abstract

Context: The prenatal antecedents of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not known, but prenatal androgen exposure is thought to contribute. This has not previously been investigated in large prospective studies of normal human pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to establish the prospective relationship between early life androgen exposure and PCOS in adolescence. Design and Setting: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the general community. Patients or Other Participants:Atotal of 2900 pregnant women were recruited at 18 wk gestation. Prenatal androgen exposure was measured from maternal blood samples (at 18 and 34-36 wk) and umbilical cord blood. Timed (d 2-5 menstrual..

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University of Melbourne Researchers