Value of digit ratio 2D:4D, a biomarker of prenatal hormone exposure, is stable across the menstrual cycle

Early Human Development
Magdalena KlimekGrazyna Jasienska

Abstract

Digit ratio (2D:4D) is used as a marker of prenatal hormone exposure and, consequently, as a predictor of many characteristics throughout a woman's lifespan. A previous study has suggested that values of 2D:4D vary across menstrual cycles and further questioned the reliability of a single measurement of 2D:4D among cycling women, while another study failed to confirm these results. However, these studies estimated the timing of cycle phases based on a date of menstruation reported by participants and also had small sample sizes. For our study, we evaluated potential changes in 2D:4D values across a menstrual cycle in a group of women among whom the phases of the menstrual cycle were determined by hormonal (luteinizing hormone based) ovulation tests. We studied 32 naturally cycling women aged 22-37 from rural Poland. Lengths of second and fourth digits were measured based on scans of both hands taken three times (i.e. in the follicular phase, peri-ovulatory phase and luteal phase of the cycle) for each participant. No differences in 2D:4D value across the menstrual cycle were detected either when right-hand, left-hand, and mean 2D:4D for both hands were analysed, nor when difference in the 2D:4D value between hands (Dleft-right)...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 8, 2020·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·U M Marcinkowska, I J Holzleitner
Apr 20, 2018·The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research·Martyna Zurawiecka, Iwona Wronka
Nov 10, 2020·American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council·Karolina MiłkowskaGrazyna Jasienska

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