How Do Puberty and Menstruation Affect ADHD Symptoms in Girls and Women?

PostedSeptember 24, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Hormones and ADHD have a complex relationship, particularly in girls and women. Puberty and menstruation can significantly affect ADHD symptoms due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during these stages. Oestrogen levels, for example, play a key role in regulating mood and cognition, and variations in these levels during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation.

During the menstrual cycle, many girls and women with ADHD experience a worsening of symptoms, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation. PMS is often characterised by mood swings, irritability, and fatigue, which can overlap with ADHD symptoms, making it harder to differentiate between the two. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to an increase in ADHD-related difficulties, such as poor focus, organisation problems, and emotional outbursts.

Common Symptoms

Mood Swings and Emotional Dysregulation

Hormones and ADHD can cause heightened emotional sensitivity in women, particularly during PMS or menstruation. The combination of hormonal changes and ADHD can lead to more severe mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability.

Difficulty with Focus and Organisation

Women with ADHD may find that their ability to concentrate and stay organised is affected by their menstrual cycle. The hormonal shifts that occur during puberty or menstruation can make it harder to maintain focus, increasing the challenges associated with ADHD.

Symptom tracking during different phases of the menstrual cycle can help women better understand how hormones and ADHD interact, allowing for better management and support.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Girls and women with ADHD.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.