Premium
2D:4D finger length ratio and reproductive indices in a Chuvashian population
Author(s) -
Kalichman Leonid,
Batsevich Valery,
Kobyliansky Eugene
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.22420
Subject(s) - menarche , digit ratio , medicine , population , physiology , gynecology , demography , biology , testosterone (patch) , endocrinology , environmental health , sociology
Objective to evaluate the association between 2D:4D finger length ratios (representing the prenatal environment, i.e., early androgen exposure) and reproductive indices, such as age at menarche, menopausal age, and length of reproductive period. Methods Retrospective data on age at menarche and menopausal age as well as x‐rays of both hands were obtained from 674 Chuvashian women aged 18–70 years (mean 46.32 ± 15.42). Finger and metacarpal length ratios as well as visual classification of finger ratio types, were estimated from the x‐rays. Results and Conclusions We found that a low 2D:4D ratio (radiologically evaluated), a masculine 2D:4D ratio type (visually evaluated), and a putative bioassay for prenatal androgen exposure, were associated with a later menarche and a shorter reproductive period. No association was found with menopausal age. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:617–621, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.