Prenatal maternal stress is associated with alterations in the structural integrity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis 20 years later: Project Ice Storm

April 3, 2026Human ReproductionOpen Access

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This research investigates whether prenatal maternal stress influences the reproductive axis structures in offspring years later.
Prospective study of mothers exposed to an ice storm in 1998 (N=224)
Assessment of offspring reproductive structures at age 18.5 years through MRI
Analysis included ANOVA and multiple regression to explore relationship between PNMS and HPG morphology.
Greater objective hardship in ICE men was linked to smaller hypothalamic and pituitary volumes (p<0.05).
Left testicular volume was reduced in men exposed to higher levels of PNMS compared to controls.
ICE women had larger left ovaries with more antral follicles compared to controls.

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Shows structural changes in reproductive axis due to prenatal maternal stress in offspring, suggesting long-term effects.

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Jones et al. (2026) studied this question.

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