title: The Mahabharata and reproductive endocrinology.
abstract: This communication approaches the Mahabharata through the prism of reproductive endocrinology. Descriptions of episodes related to reproduction are listed here, to provide fodder for the endocrinologically minded brain. The cases described here are perhaps, the first documented observations of fetal orgasm, pseudocyesis and assisted reproductive technology, including assisted insemination by donor, induction of ovulation, and in vitro fertilization as well as precocious growth and intersex. We do not presume to offer a definite explanation for these interesting episodes from the Mahabharata. We do, however, hope to stimulate interest in ancient Indian literature, and encourage a literary "forensic endocrine" analysis of events relevant to our specialty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Bharti
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kalra
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Excel Hospitals, Guwahati, Assam, India.
authors.forename: Manash P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Baruah
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalra
keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Mahabharata; endocrinology