Anatomical evidence for in utero androgen exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To determine whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have masculinized finger length patterns compared to women without PCOS.

Design

A case control study.

Setting

University teaching hospital and in vitro fertilization unit.

Patient(s)

Seventy women aged between 18 and 40 years with PCOS were compared to 70 women without PCOS.

Intervention(s)

Measurement of the second to fourth finger length ratio on the ventral surface of the left and right hand from the basal crease of the digit to the tip was made using Vernier calipers.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The second to fourth finger length ratio.

Result(s)

We found a significantly reduced ratio in the right hand of the women with PCOS compared to the controls. The geometric mean right finger length ratio in the PCOS group was 98.3% that of the controls (95% confidence interval, 99.3%–97.3%).

Conclusion(s)

Here we show a subtle difference in the finger length pattern of women with PCOS. This may constitute anatomical evidence of in utero androgen exposure in PCOS.

Key Words:  Polycystic ovarian syndrome , finger length ratio , fetal programming , in utero androgen exposure