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How Do Hormonal Changes Impact Mood in Individuals With ADHD? 

PostedOctober 28, 2025
UpdatedOctober 28, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Hormonal changes, such as puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly influence mood and emotional regulation in people with ADHD. 
According to the NICE Guideline NG87 (updated 2025), fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone alter dopamine and norepinephrine activity, often intensifying emotional dysregulation, irritability, and executive-function challenges (NICE NG87, 2025; NICE Recommendations, 2025). 

Hormones and Brain Chemistry 

Oestrogen boosts dopamine and serotonin availability, supporting motivation, attention, and mood stability. 
When oestrogen levels fall, before menstruation, after childbirth, or during perimenopause, dopamine activity declines, which can trigger mood swings, impulsivity, and low energy. 
Neuroimaging confirms that hormonal transitions weaken prefrontal-amygdala regulation, making emotional reactions stronger and harder to manage (UCL Neuroimaging 2024; PMC 10417850, 2023). 

Clinical Findings 

A 2025 review in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health found that oestrogen increases dopamine production and stress tolerance, while progesterone fluctuations can heighten emotional reactivity and frustration intolerance (Frontiers Global Women’s Health, 2025). 
Similarly, PubMed/PMC studies link menstrual and menopausal hormone shifts to increased ADHD symptom severity, particularly mood instability and impulsivity (PMC 12145478, 2025; PMC 10417850, 2023). 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych, 2025) also notes that falling oestrogen during the luteal phase or menopause reduces dopamine transmission, worsening inattention and mood lability (RCPsych CR235, 2025). 

NHS and NICE Guidance 

The NHS England ADHD Taskforce Report (2025) advises clinicians to consider hormonal influences during puberty, perinatal periods, and menopause, as these times are associated with under-recognised emotional distress and ADHD symptom fluctuation (NHS England Taskforce Report, 2025; NHS ADHD Overview, 2025). 

Both NICE and the NHS recommend: 

  • Hormone-sensitive assessment and medication review. 
  • Psychoeducation and cycle tracking to recognise emotional patterns. 
  • CBT, DBT, or mindfulness for regulating stress and mood. 

Coping Strategies and Lived Experience 

Individuals often report feeling “foggy” or emotionally exhausted during hormonal fluctuations. 
Mind (2024) and ADHD UK (2025) suggest tracking symptoms, maintaining regular routines, and using grounding or mindfulness techniques for emotional stability (Mind, 2024; ADHD UK, 2025). 
Perimenopausal and postpartum individuals may benefit from combined medical and psychological support, and clinicians are encouraged to consider hormone replacement or adjusted stimulant dosing where appropriate (Dr Louise Newson, 2025). 

Takeaway 

Hormonal fluctuations have a clear and measurable effect on mood in ADHD, primarily by altering dopamine and norepinephrine signalling within the prefrontal-limbic system. 
Periods of low oestrogen or high progesterone correlate with emotional instability, impulsivity, and reduced executive control. 
UK guidelines including NICE NG87 (2025) and the NHS England ADHD Taskforce (2025) now emphasise hormone-aware ADHD management, integrating psychoeducation, medication adjustment, and lifestyle strategies to support emotional regulation through all life stages. 

Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.