Index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) predicts levels of salivary estradiol, but not progesterone, over the menstrual cycle

Am J Hum Biol. 2007 May-Jun;19(3):434-6. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.20623.

Abstract

We tested the association between the index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations measured over the course of a menstrual cycle in the saliva of 38 young women. Estradiol levels were positively associated with right-hand, but not left-hand, 2D:4D, and also with the difference between right- and left-hand 2D:4D. None of these measures predicted progesterone level.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry
  • Estradiol / analysis*
  • Female
  • Fingers / anatomy & histology*
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Progesterone / analysis*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol