Prenatal Exposure to Synthetic Progestins Increases Potential for Aggression in Humans

Exposure to androgen-based compounds appeared to be most closely associated with aggressive responses in exposed siblings, and there were no differences in verbal aggression or IQ between exposed and unexposed siblings.

Abstract

Seventeen females and eight males exposed during gestation to synthetic progestins showed a significantly higher potential for physical aggression than their sex-matched unexposed siblings. Exposure to androgen-based compounds appeared to be most closely associated with aggressive responses. There were no differences in verbal aggression or IQ between exposed and unexposed siblings.