May 20, 2015

paracetamol use in pregnancy and testosterone levels in unborn boys

Paracetamol is the most common pain and fever relief medicine used by pregnant women, but previous observational studies have suggested a possible link between prolonged use during pregnancy and reproductive issues in young boys.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have investigated the effects of paracetamol use on levels of testosterone in foetuses in a series of experiments using mice with human tissue grafts.

The authors of the paper, published in Science Translational Medicine, came to the SMC to discuss their findings and answer questions on:

• What effect does paracetamol have on foetal testosterone levels?
• Does the dose of paracetamol taken have an impact on foetal testosterone levels?
• What physiological impact might reduced testosterone levels have on unborn babies?
• How does this fit into previous research on paracetamol use during pregnancy?
• Should pregnant women still use paracetamol for pain and fever relief?

Speakers:

Dr Rod Mitchell, Honorary Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Wellcome Trust Clinical Fellow, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh

Prof. Richard Sharpe, Group Leader of Male Reproductive Health Research Team, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh