We Demand Attention on How Hormonal Changes Impact ADHD Symptoms in Women

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause intensify ADHD symptoms, revealing a direct correlation between estrogen and dopamine levels.Estrogen is the hormone responsible for the sexual and reproductive development of girls and women.

It also manages important neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, which is central to executive functioning; serotonin, which regulates mood; and acetylcholine, which aids memory.

Fluctuations in estrogen affect all women but are often felt more acutely in women with ADHD, who are more likely to experience debilitating premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and postpartum depression (PPD).

According to a recent ADDitude survey, nearly two-thirds of women with ADHD experience PMS, PMDD, and/or PPD.Researchers theorize that the fluctuating intensity and character of ADHD symptoms correlate with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.1 During the follicular phase, rising estrogen levels lead to better mood and executive function but may also cause spikes in impulsivity and hyperactivity.