ADHD Resources

Understanding Women and ADHD

For many women and girls with ADHD, the severity of their symptoms will fluctuate throughout the month closely tied to their hormone cycles. Most women find the severity of their ADHD symptoms increases with major changes in their hormones such as puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Research has shown that the brain is the target organ for estrogen and that the estrogen’s neurological effects have functional consequences. This is believed to be due to estrogen being found to stimulate dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, an increase in Dopamine D2 Receptors in the striatum, and have effects on midbrain catecholamine and serotonin pathways. The menstrual cycle fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms and premenstrual syndrome. Female ADHD patients commonly report a high incidence of PMS symptoms involving low mood and anxiety. The key to better outcomes for women with ADHD lies with better recognition of the disorder but also an acknowledgement that along with their ADHD, they must cope with an ever-changing hormone balance that can have adverse consequences for their ADHD. It is beneficial for women and girls to seek medical professionals who understand the impact of oestrogen on their symptoms. Treatment plans may sometimes need to be adjusted to achieve control of these symptoms and should be discussed with your expert ADHD clinician. (Quinn, 2016)