Is asthma an endocrine disease?

The prevalence of pediatric asthma has increased in many parts of the world. This increase started more than 30 years ago and is particularly ob‐vious in Studies which document the onset of asthma in native populations when they change to a “Western” lifestyle. Besides a genetic influence, nu‐merous environmental factors have been described for the development of asthma. Genetic factors are unlikely to explain the sharp increase within the short time period and also allergen and pollution exposure or any spe‐cific infection does not actually seem to be the main cause for this phe‐nomenon. Another factor, however, that fits well into the geographical and temporal background of the asthma epidemic is the mother's oral contra‐ceptive use. We therefore review the epidemiological association with later asthma in the children, give a summary of estrogen effects on immune function and develop a preliminary theory how oral contraception could influence later pregnancy.