title: Hypothesis: high levels of maternal adrenal androgens are a major cause of miscarriage and other forms of reproductive suboptimality.
abstract: A cause is proposed for several forms of reproductive suboptimality (viz foetal loss, preterm birth and low birth weight). The point is illustrated here in the case of miscarriage. I suggest that all these forms of reproductive suboptimality are partially caused by high levels of stress-related maternal adrenal androgens. The argument is supported by both experimental and epidemiological data.
authors.affiliation: The Galton Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK. Electronic address: w.james@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000097:blood*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000097:blood*; D012098:Reproduction; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens
keywords: Low birth weight; Maternal stress; Preterm birth; Reproductive advantage; Sex ratio