On July 14, 2026, a groundbreaking study from Queen Mary University and Kings College in London explored how women's menstrual cycles influence ADHD symptoms. The research involved 50 women diagnosed with ADHD, collecting data on their hormonal changes and its effects on their daily lives.
Understanding ADHD and Its Symptoms
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects around 2.5 million people in the UK, with many waiting for diagnosis. The condition is characterized by difficulties in concentration, emotional regulation, and impulsivity, making daily routines challenging, especially for women whose symptoms may intensify during specific phases of their menstrual cycles.
Layla Kornota, a 30-year-old teaching assistant, relies on multiple phone alarms to manage her day-to-day activities. She explains, "There’s a million different ones. Different times of the day. It feels like overkill to a lot of people, but I have these markers that I need to hit." However, as her period approaches, she feels a loss of control over her ADHD symptoms, describing it as “clinging on, for dear life.”
Hormonal Influences on ADHD Symptoms
Research indicates a strong link between hormonal fluctuations and heightened ADHD symptoms. Psychiatrist Sally Cubbin, a specialist in neurodiversity, notes that low estrogen levels before menstruation can exacerbate challenges in focus and decision-making. “Women are also more likely to make dodgy decisions and take risks,” she adds, highlighting behaviors such as binge eating or impulsive spending.
Nineteen-year-old Héloïse, who studies for three university degrees, relies on ADHD medication like Ritalin for focus. During her period, she finds that the medication's effects diminish significantly, stating, "It feels like losing a walking stick or something you use to support yourself. All of a sudden it’s broken." This pattern was identified when she tracked her symptoms for the study, revealing the connection between her hormonal changes and ADHD.
The Importance of Research on Women and ADHD
Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais, the lead academic on the Kings College project, emphasizes the need for more research on adult women and ADHD. Historically considered a condition limited to children, awareness is growing around how symptoms manifest in women. Dr. Catherine Durkin from the Royal College of Psychiatrists adds, “Thanks to increasing awareness of how ADHD symptoms can present in women, more are recognizing where they have struggled throughout their lives and are now asking for help.”
As the study progresses, it aims to address the impact of hormonal transitions, such as menopause, on ADHD. Participants have been keeping electronic diaries to record their symptoms, providing valuable insights into the monthly cycles that affect their lives.
- 2.5 million people in the UK have ADHD
- 23% increase in ADHD medication prescriptions over the past year
- 50 women tracked symptoms related to their menstrual cycles
For Layla, participating in the study has been “validating and freeing.” She reflects, “Understanding that this is something that a lot of women are going through every month for most of their life. It’s good to have kind of community and feel like that it’s okay, this isn’t just me.”
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Health. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
