2D:4D finger length ratio and reproductive indices in a Chuvashian population

Leonid Kalichman, Valery Batsevich, Eugene Kobyliansky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)617-621
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Anthropology
  • Genetics

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