Anogenital distance of women in relation to their mother%26apos;s gynaecological characteristics before or during pregnancy

作者：Mira Escolano Maria Pilar; Mendiola Jaime^*; Minguez Alarcon Lidia; Roca Manuela; Cutillas Tolin Ana; Lopez Espin Jose J; Torres Cantero Alberto M

来源：Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2014, 28(2): 209-215.

DOI：10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.026

• androgens
• anogenital distance
• irregular cycles
• prenatal exposure
• reproductive tract
• women

Animal models suggest that anogenital distance (AGD) at birth reflects androgen concentrations during in-utero development and predicts adult AGD. Several human observational studies show an association between menstrual cycle irregularities and a hyperandrogenic environment and that may result in a potential alteration of the female reproductive tract during in-utero development. This study examined associations between AGD of young women and their mother%26apos;s gynaecological characteristics before or during pregnancy. This is cross-sectional study of 100 college-age volunteers in southern Spain. Physical and gynaecological examinations were conducted on the young women and they and their mothers completed epidemiological questionnaires on lifestyles and gynaecological history. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between AGD measurements (anus-fourchette (AGD(AF)) and anus-clitoris (AGD(AC))) of women and their mother%26apos;s gynaecological characteristics. Longer AGD(AF) was associated with the presence of mother%26apos;s menstrual cycle irregularities before pregnancy (P = 0.03). Longer female AGD has been related to excess androgen exposure in utero in toxicological studies. The current findings may be consistent with studies in which an association between menstrual cycle irregularities and an hyperandrogenic environment has been reported, which therefore may result in a potential modification of the female offspring%26apos;s reproductive tract during in-utero development, including AGD.

• 出版日期2014-2