ADHD and periods: Are my hormones making my symptoms worse?
This article explores the anecdotal link between women's menstrual cycles and the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms, a topic widely discussed on social media. A new study by Queen Mary University and Kings College in London is investigating this connection, as demand for ADHD assessments surges in the UK.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant, yet under-researched, aspect of women's health and ADHD management, potentially leading to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment for millions. The surge in demand for diagnoses also points to broader public health challenges.
Image source, Layla Kornota Image caption, Layla Kornota was diagnosed with ADHD as a child
Phone alarms are what get teaching assistant Layla through her day. She has four alarms to wake up, one to get dressed, another to pack her work bag, and so on.
"There's a million different ones. Different times of the day," says the 30-year-old as she scrolls through the alerts on her phone.
"It feels like overkill to a lot of people, but I have these markers that I need to hit," says Layla, adding that the process helps keep her ADHD brain focused and establish a routine.
But that sense of control evaporates as soon as Layla's period nears - the peak of her menstrual cycle.
"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."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in