Children of Mothers with PCOS Have Increased Risk for Autism

Also, in unadjusted analyses, women with PCOS had an increased risk for autism, and people with autism had a higher risk for PCOS.

Both male and female patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have elevated androgen levels, and ASD rates are higher in males than females (Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:1154).These findings have led to research into fetal androgenic effects and ASD risk. The hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has similarly led to questions about ASD risks in offspring of women with PCOS, PCOS risk in women with ASD, and ASD risk in women with PCOS. To study these issues, researchers used U.K. general practitioner records, which essentially capture the U.K. population, to perform a series of investigations.

In one study, the risk for ASD in adjusted analyses was significantly raised in first-born offspring of 8588 mothers with PCOS…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Children of Mothers with PCOS Have Increased Risk for Autism

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Reviewing Author