Can Hormone Changes (e.g., During Menstruation) Affect ADHD Medication Response?

PostedSeptember 22, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 22, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Hormonal changes and ADHD medication are linked together, especially during phases like the menstrual cycle, can indeed affect how ADHD medication works. Many people notice that their medication feels less effective during times when oestrogen and progesterone levels are changing. These hormonal fluctuations often correlate with changes in attention, mood, and emotional regulation.

How Hormones Impact Medication

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in boosting dopamine, a key neurotransmitter targeted by ADHD medications. When oestrogen levels drop, particularly during the luteal (pre-menstrual) phase, dopamine activity may fall as well, making stimulants feel less potent. This can result in symptoms such as brain fog, impulsivity, and emotional volatility resurging, even when medication has been stable.

What Research Suggests?

Some preliminary studies indicate that adjusting stimulant dosage during the pre-menstrual week may help offset these dips in effectiveness. In certain cases, increasing the dose during this phase has improved both ADHD and mood symptoms with minimal side effects.

What You Can Do

Following are some points to note while monitoring medication affect;

Track your cycle and symptoms

Note when medication seems less effective and how symptoms shift throughout your cycle.

Talk to your healthcare provider

If there’s a clear pattern, discuss the possibility of cycle dosing such as a short-term dosage increase during difficult phases.

Boosting support

During a pre-period, dip in focus or emotional stability, reducing demanding tasks and prioritising structured routines can help.

In conclusion, hormone changes and ADHD medication response are closely linked. For many, adapting treatment to align with the menstrual cycle alongside lifestyle adjustments can help maintain consistent symptom control.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

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

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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.