How My Period is Supercharging My ADHD
How my period is supercharging my ADHD – Layla Kornota, a 30-year-old teaching assistant, has learned to rely on phone alarms to manage her ADHD. From waking up to organizing her work bag, she uses a series of alerts to stay on track. “There’s a million different ones—different times of the day,” she explains while reviewing her phone’s notifications. While some might see this as excessive, Layla insists the routine helps her ADHD brain focus and maintain structure.
The Hormonal Connection
Recent research from Kings College London and Queen Mary University is exploring how menstrual cycles influence ADHD symptoms. The study involves 50 women on ADHD medication, who track their hormonal fluctuations and how they affect their daily challenges. Findings suggest that the menstrual cycle can intensify ADHD symptoms, particularly during the peak phase.
“It’s like you’re clinging on, for dear life, onto the ball that is continuing to roll, and sort of cursing yourself and the world the entire time.”
Understanding ADHD
ADHD, as defined by the NHS, involves differences in brain function that can lead to struggles with concentration, emotional regulation, and restlessness. Women with ADHD often face unique challenges, especially when linked to hormonal shifts. Social media discussions have highlighted how menstrual cycles can amplify these symptoms, sparking interest in the condition’s impact on adult women.
Stress on NHS Services
The UK has seen a surge in ADHD diagnoses, with around 2.5 million people affected. Many are waiting for NHS assessments, driven by increased awareness and online conversations. NHS data from late 2023 shows a 23% rise in stimulant prescriptions compared to the previous year. Yet, a government taskforce report noted ADHD remains under-diagnosed and under-treated in some regions.
Impacts During Menstruation
For Héloïse, a 19-year-old juggling three university degrees, ADHD medication like Ritalin is crucial for focus. But during her period, the drug’s effects wane, leaving her feeling helpless. “It’s like losing a walking stick—something you use to support yourself,” she says. “All of a sudden it’s broken.” This experience mirrors others in the study, who described feeling “disabled” by symptoms during specific menstrual phases.
“I love pickles. I know that if I eat too many pickles I’m gonna feel ill.”
Participants in the research documented their hormonal levels and ADHD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and impulsive actions, in electronic diaries. By analyzing these patterns, scientists aim to determine if there’s a correlation between hormonal changes and symptom intensity. This could also reveal how effective medication is during different cycles.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Sally Cubbin, a neurodiversity specialist involved in the study, emphasizes the link between hormones and ADHD. She explains that low estrogen levels, such as those before a period, can disrupt dopamine activity, making ADHD symptoms more pronounced. “Women are also more likely to make dodgy decisions and take risks,” she notes, citing examples like binge eating, impulsive spending, or even skipping contraception.
Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais, lead academic on the Kings College project, highlights the importance of studying ADHD in women. Until the 1990s, the condition was largely viewed as affecting children, predominantly boys. Now, research is shifting focus to adult women, uncovering how hormonal changes complicate symptom management and treatment effectiveness.
