Contributions of androgen and estrogen to fetal programming of ovarian dysfunction
2006
How Hormones Affect Ovarian Development in Female Fetuses
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): David H Abbott, Vasantha Padmanabhan, Daniel A Dumesic
Hypothesis
What is the impact of androgen and estrogen levels during fetal development on adult ovarian function?
Conclusion
Fetal exposure to the right levels of estrogen is crucial for normal ovarian development, while excess or deficiency of either hormone can lead to reproductive issues.
Supporting Evidence
- Fetal androgen excess can lead to conditions similar to polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood.
- Estrogen is essential for the normal development of ovarian follicles and oocytes.
- Deficiencies in estrogen during fetal development can result in abnormal ovarian function later in life.
Takeaway
If baby girls don't get the right amount of hormones while they're growing in their mom's belly, it can cause problems with their ovaries when they grow up.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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