While adolescent drinking is associated with risky sexual behavior predictive of early childbearing, and early alcohol use is a strong predictor of future alcohol problems, we document AD-related reproductive delay in two cohorts of women. Although animal studies suggest hormonal interactions are important (Emanuele, Wezeman, & Emanuele, 2003; Emanuele & Emanuele, 2001), underlying mechanisms, biological or otherwise, are not fully understood. In attempt to better understand the nature of AD differences in reproductive onset, continued research on risks upstream of both AD and onset of reproduction require further attention. In addition to reproductive dysfunctions associated with alcohol and other substance use, future research will need to include more comprehensive assessment of both biological and psychosocial risks.
