Does increased testosterone cause increased SIDS in humans?
Well, I think the case is supported for male vs. female SIDS victims. SIDS is higher in “preterm” infants: “Although only 9% of infants are born at less than 36 weeks’ gestation, 20% of SIDS victims are former premature infants.” [Clin Pediatr (Phila) 1995; 34: 410.] Testosterone is increased in preterm infants during the time when SIDS occurs at increased frequency. “When preterm male and full-term male infants were compared, no difference was seen in the T [testosterone] peak in the first day of life. However, the 1-3, and 60-90 days concentrations of T were 2-fold higher in the preterm group. …The immediate postnatal peak in plasma T levels persisted longer in the preterm than in the full-term male infants.” (Acta Paediatr. Scand. 1982; 71: 425) SIDS is increased in women who smoke. I have developed a theory that suggests that the rise in testosterone of puberty triggers smoking. (You can use my name and “smoking” to find this with Dejanews.) Since I think testosterone is rising i
