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Maternal plasma androgens in early human pregnancy
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|August 1, 1980
Summary
Maternal testosterone, androstenedione, and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone levels increase during pregnancy. Fetal sex influences testosterone levels early in gestation, with higher levels observed in pregnancies with male fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Steroid hormone metabolism
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant hormonal shifts.
- Maternal androgen levels during early gestation are not fully understood.
- Potential influence of fetal sex on maternal hormone profiles warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure maternal plasma concentrations of key androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone) during early pregnancy.
- To investigate potential differences in these hormone levels based on fetal sex.
- To observe hormonal changes in specific pregnancy conditions like twin pregnancies and threatened abortions.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design involving 15 pregnant women.
- Twice-weekly blood sampling from 4 to 16 weeks gestation.
- Quantification of plasma testosterone, androstenedione, and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone levels.
Main Results:
- All three measured androgen levels were elevated compared to non-pregnant states.
- Significant differences in maternal testosterone levels were observed between male and female fetuses at 4-5 and 7-8 weeks gestation.
- Elevated androstenedione and testosterone levels were noted in a twin pregnancy; falling steroid levels preceded abortion in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Maternal androgen levels rise significantly in early pregnancy.
- Fetal sex appears to influence maternal testosterone levels during the first trimester.
- Hormonal profiles in specific pregnancy complications and during progestogen treatment require further study.