title: 2D:4D finger length ratio and reproductive indices in a Chuvashian population.
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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Leonid
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kalichman
authors.forename: Valery
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Batsevich
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kobyliansky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche; D008593:Menopause; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012098:Reproduction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012426:Russia; D055815:Young Adult