Cigarette smoking in pregnancy results in marked decrease in maternal hCG and oestradiol levels
Bernstein, L.; Pike, M.C.; Lobo, R.A.; Depue, R.H.; Ross, R.K.; Henderson, B.E.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 96(1): 92-96
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0306-5456 PMID: 2923845 Document Number: 363522
We have examined serum levels of oestradiol (E2), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) during early pregnancy in relation to smoking status at the time of sampling in a series of 147 women. Smoking was associated with significantly depressed serum levels of E2, SHBG and hCG: in smokers, E2 levels were on average 17.6% lower (P = 0.037), SHBG levels were 12.4% lower (P = 0.15), and hCG levels were 21.5% lower (P = 0.044). There appeared to be a steady decline in these values with increasing cigarette consumption. These lower hormone levels in smokers may explain certain adverse effects of smoking in pregnancy.