Association between age at menarche and autistic traits in Turkish university students.

Abstract

The androgen theory of autism suggests that masculinizing effect of fetal androgens may play a role in the expression of autism. Recent evidence showed that excessive prenatal androgen exposure might delay age at menarche (AAM). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between autistic traits and AAM in a sample of nonclinical female university students. Autistic traits were measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and AAM was questioned by retrospective self-reports. The AQ was completed by 436 female university students. There were significant positive correlations between AAM and AQ total and subscales measuring Social Skills, Communication, and Imagination. Subjects with above average autistic traits reported later AAM than subjects with below average autistic traits. These findings suggest that there may be a common developmental mechanism between delayed menarche and autistic traits, possibly through elevated levels of prenatal androgens.