Sign in Subscribe
Pregnant women

Progesterone Use During Pregnancy Not Linked to ADHD Risk in Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Guilan University of Medical Sciences in Rasht, Iran, have conducted a study on the association between maternal progesterone use during pregnancy and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which has been peer-reviewed, found no significant difference in overall progesterone use between ADHD and control groups. However, the researchers did find that continuous progesterone use throughout all trimesters was more frequently reported among ADHD cases, suggesting a possible association that needs further investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 97 children diagnosed with ADHD and 194 age- and sex-matched controls.
  • Maternal progesterone use-via suppositories or injections-during pregnancy was assessed, and data were analyzed using SPSS.
  • No significant difference in overall progesterone use was found between ADHD and control groups (17.5% vs. 19.1%).
  • However, continuous progesterone use throughout all trimesters was more frequently reported among ADHD cases (20.0% vs. 4.2%).
  • The study suggested a possible association between progesterone use during pregnancy and ADHD development, but the findings were not strong enough to draw a conclusion.
  • The study's results are important for mothers who are considering the use of progesterone during pregnancy and for pediatricians who are evaluating children for ADHD.
  • Further investigation is needed to confirm the findings and to understand the potential mechanisms underlying the association between progesterone use and ADHD.

Statistics:

  • 97 children diagnosed with ADHD were included in the study.
  • 194 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study.
  • 17.5% of ADHD cases and 19.1% of control groups reported overall progesterone use.
  • 20.0% of ADHD cases and 4.2% of control groups reported continuous progesterone use throughout all trimesters.
  • Male predominance was observed among ADHD cases, but not statistically significant.

Sources:

  • The Association Between Maternal Progesterone Use During Pregnancy and Offspring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Risk. Journal of Attention Disorders, 2025:10870547251381867.
  • Sage Publications Inc. Journal of Attention Disorders can be contacted at: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA. (Sage Publications - www.sagepub.com/; Journal of Attention Disorders - jad.sagepub.com)
  • NewsRx LLC. Findings on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders Reported by Researchers at Guilan University of Medical Sciences (The Association Between Maternal Progesterone Use During Pregnancy and Offspring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 332.

Read more