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Androgen effects on women's gendered behaviour
J R Udry1, N M Morris, J Kovenock
1Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Prenatal androgen exposure during the second trimester, combined with adult androgens, influences adult women's gendered behavior. This hormonal theory explains significant individual differences in women's behavior.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
Background:
- The hormonal theory of sex-dimorphic behavior is primarily studied in males.
- Its applicability to adult women's behavior requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hormonal theory of sex-dimorphic behavior in adult women.
- To examine the relationship between prenatal and adult androgen exposure and gendered behavior.
Main Methods:
- Recruited a sample of 27-30-year-old white women.
- Assessed prenatal androgen exposure (second trimester).
- Measured adult androgen levels and gendered behavior.
Main Results:
- Second-trimester prenatal androgen exposure, interacting with adult androgens, significantly masculinized women's behavior.
- These hormonal factors explained a substantial portion of within-sex variance in adult gendered behavior.
Conclusions:
- The hormonal theory of sex-dimorphic behavior is applicable to adult women.
- Both prenatal and adult androgen exposure play crucial roles in shaping women's gendered behavior.