Digit ratio (2D:4D) and circulating testosterone, oestradiol, and progesterone levels across the menstrual cycle.


Type
Article
Change log
Authors
Klimek, Magdalena 
Jasienska, Grazyna 
Marcinkowska, Urszula M 
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is used by researchers as an indicator of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Two previous studies have examined associations between 2D:4D and circulating sex steroid concentrations across the menstrual cycle in adult females. One reported that digit ratio correlated positively with oestradiol levels, whereas the other found no such effect; neither observed significant associations with progesterone. AIMS: To examine associations between 2D:4D, as well as asymmetry (i.e. right minus left 2D:4D), and circulating sex steroids across the menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN: Correlational. SUBJECTS: 32 naturally cycling adult females from rural southern Poland. OUTCOME MEASURES: Salivary oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and testosterone to oestradiol ratio (T:O) measured during the follicular, peri-ovulatory, and luteal phases. Average levels across the cycle were also examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetry in digit ratio correlated positively with oestradiol at each phase, as well as with average levels across the cycle. Each association, other than that relating to average levels, remained statistically significant after a range of covariates had been controlled for. No other significant correlations were observed between digit ratio variables and circulating hormone levels. Our results might suggest that low exposure to androgens and/or high exposure to oestrogens during gestation is a predictor of high oestradiol levels in naturally cycling females of reproductive age. However, considering that it was asymmetry in digit ratio, and not either right or left 2D:4D, that was a significant predictor, it is also possible that these effects reflect more general associations between bilateral asymmetry and circulating oestradiol levels.

Description
Keywords
2D:4D, Digit ratio, Estradiol, Menstrual cycle, Progesterone, Testosterone, Adult, Estradiol, Female, Fingers, Humans, Menstrual Cycle, Progesterone, Testosterone
Journal Title
Early Hum Dev
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
0378-3782
1872-6232
Volume Title
117
Publisher
Elsevier BV