'Male hormones' in womb linked to autism

ConclusionThis study found that the levels of four sex hormones and cortisol were slightly higher in the amniotic fluid of boys who developed ASD, compared to those who didn’t. However, this does not necessarily mean it is the cause of ASD. The study accounted for some confounding factors, and the average levels were higher, but many of the boys who developed ASD had normal or low levels. This means that other factors must play a role in the development of the condition. Although it was a well-designed study, limitations reported by its authors include analysing samples that were over 10 years old, which may have changed over time, despite being frozen at -20°C.There are no immediate implications for these findings; this is just one part in the long process of figuring out the cause of ASD. It is still believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The study’s authors were at great pains to stress that using drugs to target sex hormones would be unjustified. Aside from related ethical issues, it is unclear whether such an approach would be safe or effective.Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Boys who develop autism 'exposed to higher levels of hormone in the womb'. The Daily Telegraph, June 3 2014Autism linked to 'male hormones'. BBC News, June 3 2014Autistic boys exposed to higher levels of hormones in womb, study finds. The Guardian, June...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Mental health Pregnancy/child Source Type: news