Sex hormones, gonad size and metabolic profile in adolescent girls born small-for-gestational age with catch-up growth

Abstract Study Objective To characterize and compare sex hormone concentrations, and uterine and ovarian volumes in adolescent girls born small for gestational age (SGA) who had experienced catch-up growth and girls born at a size appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and to investigate the association between these parameters and glucose metabolism, perinatal factors and early growth. Design A prospective, longitudinal, observational study from birth until adolescence. Setting Mean age at final assessment was 12.7±0.1 years. Participants We followed 55 girls (20 SGA, 35 AGA). Interventions and Main Outcome Measures. Sex hormone concentrations (gonadotropins, estradiol, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)) were analysed, and the oral glucose tolerance test conducted. Uterine and ovarian sizes were assessed by pelvic ultrasound. Results Uterine and ovarian volumes were smaller in SGA-born compared with AGA-born girls (p=0.013 and p=0.039, respectively). SGA girls had lower SHBG levels (p=0.039) and higher testosterone levels (p=0.003), free androgen index (p Conclusion SGA-born girls who experienced catch-up growth remain at risk of biochemical hyperandrogenism in adolescence, and have reduced uterine and ovarian volumes which may influence future reproductive function. Ovarian size and androgen levels in adolescence may be influenced by early growth and subcutaneous fat deposition.