Reduced uterine and ovarian size in adolescent girls born small for gestational age

Reduced fetal growth is known to be associated with a reduced ovarian fraction of primordial follicles, with ovarian hyperandrogenism and anovulation in late adolescence. In this study, we examined whether adolescent girls horn small for gestational age also resent an abnormality in uterine or ovarian size. Standardized ultrasound measurements of the internal genitalia were performed in 36 thy post-menarcheal girls (mean age 14 y) born with a sire that either appropriate fur gestational age (ACA) or small (SGA), birth weight averaging 0.1 and -3.0 SD, respectively; clinical and endocrine characteristics were documented concomitantly. Compared with AGA girls, the SGA girls had a smaller uterus (mean difference of 20%; p < 0.006) and a reduced ovarian volume (mean difference; of 38%; p < 0.0002). In conclusion, the gynecological correlates of prenatal growth restriction are herewith extended to include a reduced size of the uterus and the ovaries.