Hormonal and biochemical disturbances in Down's syndrome.

The article focuses on hormonal and biochemical disturbances in Down's syndrome. Down's syndrome is the most frequent single cause of mental retardation, occurring in about one in every 700 births. The syndrome is associated with mental retardation and a large variety of malformations, and other medical complications evolve over the years. The small stature, small testes and reduced fertility typical of Down's syndrome indicate hormonal disturbances. Hypothyroidism is frequent in these cases and low levels of somatomedin C have been demonstrated as well.