Dr Wayne Kampers | Harley Street Psychiatrist | Private Harley Psychiatrist | Harley Street Psychiatry

How do hormonal changes in women impact their ADHD symptoms?

Fluctuations in hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can influence the severity.

• Hormonal changes in women can significantly impact ADHD symptoms, particularly in women who experience fluctuations in hormone levels.
  • Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle can influence ADHD symptoms.
  • Many women report that their ADHD symptoms worsen during the luteal (premenstrual) phase when oestrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels rise.
  • Symptoms such as inattention, mood swings, and irritability can become more pronounced during this time.
• During puberty the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, including increases in sex hormones like testosterone and oestrogen.
  • These hormonal changes can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to increased impulsivity, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation.
• Hormonal shifts in pregnancy include elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
  • These changes can have varying effects on ADHD symptoms, with some women experiencing an improvement in symptoms, while others may find their symptoms worsen.
• During menopause, the decline in oestrogen levels can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
  • Women may experience heightened inattention, memory issues, and mood swings because of these hormonal changes.
• Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in brain function and development.
  • Thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can impact ADHD symptoms.
  • Hypothyroidism can lead to increased fatigue and cognitive slowing, which may exacerbate inattention and other ADHD symptoms.
• Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
  • High cortisol levels can negatively affect brain function and exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including anxiety, inattention, and impulsivity.

The role of estrogen and progesterone in ADHD management

Progesterone can affect ADHD management by influencing mood regulation, interacting with neurotransmitters, and contributing to symptom fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

• Progesterone, a hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, can influence the management of ADHD symptoms in several ways:
  • Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and can influence mood regulation. >>Fluctuations in progesterone levels, particularly during the menstrual cycle, can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
  • Progesterone interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
  • Changes in progesterone levels can affect the balance of neurotransmitters, potentially impacting attention, focus, and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
  • Many women with ADHD report that their symptoms worsen during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels are higher.
  • This phase occurs after ovulation and before menstruation.
  • Symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation can become more pronounced during this time

• Hormonal imbalances involving progesterone can affect overall brain function and exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
• Addressing hormonal imbalances through medical interventions or lifestyle changes may help improve symptom management.

Some research suggests that progesterone or progesterone-like compounds could be explored as potential treatments for managing ADHD symptoms, particularly in women who experience significant symptom fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle. More research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of progesterone in ADHD management.

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in modulating ADHD symptoms through its effects on cognitive function, mood regulation, and neurotransmitter activity.

• Oestrogen, a key hormone in the female reproductive system, plays a significant role in influencing ADHD symptoms.
  • Oestrogen is known to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functioning.
  • Higher levels of oestrogen can improve these cognitive abilities, potentially alleviating some ADHD symptoms.
• Oestrogen has a positive effect on mood regulation by influencing the production and activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood stability and attention.
  • Fluctuations in estrogen levels can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
• During the menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels fluctuate.
  • Many women with ADHD report that their symptoms worsen during the premenstrual phase when estrogen levels drop.
  • This can lead to increased inattention, irritability, and emotional dysregulation.
• During puberty, the increase in oestrogen levels can impact ADHD symptoms.
  • For some young women, the rise in oestrogen may temporarily improve symptoms, while for others, the hormonal changes can lead to increased emotional and behavioral challenges.
• As women approach perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels decline, which can lead to a resurgence or worsening of ADHD symptoms.
  • This decline can affect cognitive functions and mood, making it more challenging to manage ADHD.

Some studies suggest that oestrogen replacement therapy might help manage ADHD symptoms in women, particularly those going through menopause.

ADHD symptoms can vary with the menstrual cycle

Many women with ADHD report changes in their symptoms that correspond with different phases of their menstrual cycle.

• During the follicular phase (first half of the cycle), which starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation, oestrogen levels gradually rise.
  • Higher oestrogen levels can enhance cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive functioning, potentially leading to an improvement in ADHD symptoms.
• Around the time of ovulation, oestrogen levels peak.
  • This can be a period where women with ADHD experience better focus, mood stability, and overall cognitive performance.
• After ovulation, during the luteal phase(second half of the cycle), progesterone levels rise and oestrogen levels start to decline.
  • Many women with ADHD report a worsening of symptoms during this phase.
  • This can include increased inattention, impulsivity, mood swings, irritability, and emotional dysregulation.
• The premenstrual phase, can be challenging due to the significant drop in oestrogen and the effects of higher progesterone levels.
  • In the days leading up to menstruation, the drop in oestrogen and rise in progesterone can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
  • Women may experience heightened emotional sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
• During menstruation, hormone levels are at their lowest.
  • Some women may find that their ADHD symptoms are more manageable during this time, while others may continue to experience challenges due to the overall physical and emotional toll of menstruation.

There are specific ADHD symptoms that can be linked to the menstrual cycle.

• Many women with ADHD experience variations in their symptoms that correspond with the hormonal changes throughout their cycle.
  • Women may find it harder to concentrate and stay focused (inattention), particularly during the luteal phase and premenstrual phase when oestrogen levels drop and progesterone levels rise.
  • Impulsive behaviors and decision-making can become more pronounced during the premenstrual phase due to hormonal fluctuations.
  • Emotional regulation can be more challenging, leading to increased mood swings, irritability, and emotional sensitivity, especially in the days leading up to menstruation.
  • Anxiety and depressive symptoms can intensify during the premenstrual phase, contributing to overall emotional dysregulation.
  • Increased irritability and frustration are common premenstrual symptoms that can exacerbate ADHD related challenges.
  • Hormonal changes can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy, making it harder to manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
  • Hormonal fluctuations can affect sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep, which in turn can worsen ADHD symptoms.
  • Memory, executive functioning, and overall cognitive performance can be impacted, particularly during the luteal and premenstrual phases.

Understanding these hormonal fluctuations can help women with ADHD enables more effective management strategies. This might include adjusting medication dosages, incorporating lifestyle changes, or using hormonal treatments to help stabilize symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle.