A hypothesis on the increasing rates of ectopic pregnancy.

Rates of ectopic pregnancy have been increasing in the developed world in recent decades. The cause of this increase is not established. There is evidence that women with ectopic pregnancies have low oestrogen levels and that tubal contractions are under oestrogenic control. Low diets and vigorous exercise both lower women's oestrogen levels. Over the last two decades, women have been increasingly engaged in physically demanding sport and in dieting. It is inferred here that there are increasing minorities of women with suboptimal hormone levels, and it is suggested that diminishing oestrogen levels (due to dieting and increasing participation in sport) have been responsible for the increasing rates of ectopic pregnancy.