Your hormones may be making your ADHD worse

Hormones affect everything, especially ADHD symptoms. Specifically, research has found that the rise and fall of estrogen levels can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, according to an article published in Hormones and Behavior.

During the days leading up to ovulation, girls and women are more prone to risk-taking and reward-seeking behaviors. The rise in estrogen levels are to blame for this. On the other hand, at the end of a cycle, the decrease in estrogen levels can contribute to negative affect, avoidant behaviors, negative affect, and deficits in executive functioning.

What does this mean for treatment? Prescribers can use specific timed interventions such as adjusting the dosage of medications based on the menstrual cycle and reproductive period. This can also mean that those evaluating for ADHD should ask the client about any patterns of their symptoms that correlate with their menstrual cycle.

It can be really validating to hear that your symptoms aren’t getting worse “for no reason”, or that your medication “just isn’t working”. Hormones may very well be to blame, and there are ways to work with this, as long as you’re comfortable and feel heard by your provider.

Sources: 

1Eng, A.G., Nirjar, U., Elkins, A.R., Sizemore, Y.J., Monticello, K.N., Petersen, M.K., Miller, S.A., Barone, J., Eisenlohr-Moul, T.A., & Martel, M.M. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the menstrual cycle: Theory and evidence. Hormones and Behavior, 158(105466). ISSN 0018-506X. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105466