How my period is supercharging my ADHD
A BBC report explores the anecdotal link between menstrual cycles and the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms in women. Researchers at King's College and Queen Mary University are currently conducting a study to scientifically validate these experiences.
Why it matters
Understanding the hormonal impact on neurodivergence is critical for improving diagnosis and treatment efficacy for millions of women living with ADHD.
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."
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