Maternal Hormone Levels and Cryptorchidism
Author Information
Author(s): L. Bernstein, M.C. Pike, R.H. Depue, R.K. Ross, J.W. Moore, B.E. Henderson
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Higher maternal levels of oestrogen in early pregnancy may play a role in the aetiology of cryptorchidism.
Conclusion
Mothers of cryptorchid sons had significantly higher levels of bioavailable estradiol during early pregnancy compared to mothers of normal offspring.
Supporting Evidence
- Mothers of cryptorchid sons had 16% more bioavailable estradiol than controls.
- Significantly greater percentages of non-protein bound and albumin-bound estradiol were found in cases.
- Levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and testosterone did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Takeaway
Moms who had higher hormone levels early in pregnancy were more likely to have boys with undescended testicles.
Methodology
A case-control study comparing hormone levels in mothers of cryptorchid sons to mothers of normal sons.
Limitations
The study only included a small sample size of 25 cases and controls.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily white women from the US Collaborative Perinatal Study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.010
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website