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Odense, Denmark – New research presented at the first Joint Congress of the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) reveals that a mother’s testosterone levels during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on her child’s physical development-affecting boys and girls in different ways by the age of seven.
Key Findings: Boys Less Active, Girls Less Strong
The study, conducted by researchers from Odense University Hospital and the University of Southern Denmark, analyzed data from 695 pregnant women (with and without polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS) and tracked the physical activity and muscle strength of their children at age 7. The findings were striking:
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Boys whose mothers had PCOS or higher levels of testosterone during the third trimester were less physically active on weekends compared to boys whose mothers did not have these conditions. This reduced activity was not linked to birth weight or maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.
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Girls whose mothers had higher testosterone levels during pregnancy exhibited lower grip strength at age 7, but their overall physical activity was not affected.
The Science Behind the Findings
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is crucial for fetal development and is thought to influence neurodevelopment and muscle strength later in life. While testosterone levels rise during pregnancy for all women, they are even higher in women with PCOS-a condition that affects up to 13% of women of reproductive age.
Lead author Dr. Camilla Viola Palm highlighted the novelty of the research: “We are the first to objectively assess this association, using an accelerometer to measure movements and activity over seven days, and to investigate boys and girls separately.”
Implications for Long-Term Health
Dr. Palm emphasized the potential long-term health risks: “A reduction of physical activity outside weekdays, where you have more free choice of non-activity, may increase the risk of future obesity and cardiovascular disease in these boys.” She also noted that there is limited data on boys regarding PCOS-related metabolic and cardiovascular risks, as PCOS is typically considered a female condition.
The research team plans to continue following the children in the Odense Child Cohort to see if these patterns persist into adolescence and to investigate potential links to obesity, blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary research findings presented at a scientific congress and published by News-Medical.net. The results have not yet undergone peer review. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance regarding medical conditions or concerns.
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