'Pregnancy test' for skeletons could help reveal ancient mothers

image via New Scientist

October 14, 2025, 2:06 PM

• •Researchers detected hormones in skeletons up to 19th century AD.
• •Progesterone and testosterone were key indicators of pregnancy.
• •The absence of testosterone may indicate a recent pregnancy.
• •Further research is needed to refine the interpretation of the results.

Researchers have discovered a method to detect hormones like progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone in skeletons over a thousand years old. This groundbreaking technique allows scientists to identify individuals who were pregnant or had recently given birth at the time of their death. The study analyzed skeletal remains from various English cemeteries, revealing distinct hormonal patterns in women. The presence or absence of these hormones provides valuable insights into the reproductive histories of past populations, revolutionizing the study of ancient pregnancies.

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