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Autism can be triggered by several factors. Among them are family medical history, gender, and other disorders. However, did you know that the hormonal balance of pregnant women can also play a role in the development of autism? Check out the link below.
Autism and estrogen
Estrogens are a group of hormones that are chemically similar in structure. Included in the group of estrogen hormones are estradiol, estriol, and estrone. These hormones are responsible for the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics. The ovaries (ovaries), fat cells, and adrenal glands are responsible for producing these hormones.
Many studies have revealed that too high estrogen levels in the mother's body during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism in the unborn baby. In addition, if a woman becomes pregnant again within three months of giving birth, her child is likely to develop autism.
Experts also believe that the higher the lifetime exposure to estrogen, the higher the levels of the circulating hormone estrogen. Therefore, if you get your first period early, your child is at increased risk of developing autism.
However, at a reasonable level, estrogen in the body is actually good for fetal brain development. This hormone supports the intertwining of various tissues and cells in the brain so that the brain works more effectively. Therefore, it is very important to keep the hormone levels of pregnant women stable and reasonable.
Autism and progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone term that is produced mainly by the ovaries. This hormone can also be formed in the placenta during pregnancy. Men also have a small amount of this class of hormones released by the adrenal glands.
Medications such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also provide you with progesterone. In women, progesterone increases with the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, progesterone stimulates the uterine wall to thicken. The reason is, an egg that has been fertilized by a sperm cell must stick to the uterine wall so that it can form a fetus.
After menopause, progesterone production in women decreases. In addition to menopause, progesterone can be reduced due to workload, exercise, and low-calorie diets. Well, you have to be careful because low progesterone levels in pregnant women can cause an increase in the incidence of autism in children.
Autism and testosterone
Testosterone belongs to a group of male hormones called androgens, but this doesn't mean that only men have it. Women also have testosterone. The ovaries produce and release this hormone into the bloodstream.
The new findings suggest that high testosterone levels in the mother's womb may be associated with an increased incidence of autism in children. However, the existing studies were mostly conducted on boys, although a small number of girls were involved. Researchers should also investigate further to determine whether there is a similar relationship between testosterone and the risk of autism in girls.
A number of studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between autism and hormones in pregnant women. Abnormal changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can be linked to autism in babies later in life. And further research is needed to confirm this information.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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