ADHD & The Menstrual Cycle: What No One Told Us
If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms suddenly get worse for a week or two each month, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.
For far too long, the connection between ADHD and the menstrual cycle has been overlooked in research, clinical conversations, and even psychology training. But more women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) neurodivergent individuals are now putting language to something they’ve known in their bones for years: hormones have a big impact on ADHD—and the effects can be dramatic.
As a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist in Victoria, Australia, I work with many clients—both in person and via telehealth—who notice their focus, motivation, and emotional regulation change throughout their cycle. Here’s why it happens, and what you can do about it.
The Estrogen Effect: Why Hormones Matter in ADHD
Estrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone—it plays a key role in how our brain’s dopamine system works. Dopamine is responsible for motivation, focus, reward, and mood regulation—functions that people with ADHD already find challenging.
When estrogen levels drop (like they do before your period), dopamine doesn’t work as effectively. That’s why ADHD symptoms often become harder to manage in the days leading up to menstruation.
For some, ADHD medication feels less effective during this time. Others experience heightened rejection sensitivity, irritability, brain fog, or total burnout—even if they usually feel steady.
ADHD Across the Menstrual Cycle
Here’s how the different phases of your cycle can interact with ADHD traits:
Follicular Phase (Day 1–13)
Starts with your period and ends at ovulation. Estrogen rises steadily, often leading to:
Sharper focus
Better mood
More energy and motivation
ADHD medication working more effectively
For many, this is the “golden” week or two when things feel almost manageable.
Ovulation (Around Day 14)
Estrogen peaks and testosterone may also rise.
You might feel:
More social, confident, and driven
Highly productive and creative
Emotionally resilient
However, the dopamine boost can also make some people more impulsive.
Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)
Estrogen drops while progesterone rises—often the hardest stretch for ADHD brains.
Common experiences:
Brain fog
Emotional dysregulation
Low motivation
Rejection sensitivity
Increased fatigue
Medication feeling less effective
Many describe this as feeling like they’re “back at square one” with their ADHD.
Menstruation (Day 1 of cycle)
Estrogen is at its lowest but begins to rise again.
You might notice:
Emotional release or relief
Slight lift in mood and focus by Day 2–3
Medication beginning to work better again
Physical symptoms like pain and fatigue can still make this week difficult.
Why This Isn’t Talked About Enough
Historically, ADHD research focused on boys and men, missing the way symptoms present in women and AFAB individuals. The menstrual cycle was rarely considered in relation to mental health—despite hormones being deeply connected to brain chemistry.
Neurodivergent women and AFAB adults have been left without the knowledge or tools to understand why they feel so different week to week. This gap in care is one of the reasons ADHD in women is so often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
What You Can Do About It
If your ADHD symptoms seem to rise and fall with your cycle, you can absolutely take steps to manage it more effectively:
✅ Track your cycle and symptoms — Use an app or journal to note mood, focus, energy, and medication effectiveness. Patterns will emerge.
✅ Adjust your expectations — You’re not “lazy” in your luteal phase—your brain is working with less dopamine support. Try to schedule lighter tasks where possible.
✅ Work with your doctor — Some people benefit from adjusting their ADHD medication before their period (only under medical supervision).
✅ Practice self-validation — These changes aren’t a personal failing; they’re a biological rhythm. Understanding them helps you work with your brain, not against it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a neurodivergent woman or AFAB adult in Australia (or beyond) - whether you’re managing ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or a combination—you’re not imagining the connection between your hormones and your mental health. Your brain and body are in constant conversation, and that includes your menstrual cycle.
When we understand these shifts, we can create a plan that works with them—not fight against them.
If you want support from a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist who understands the intersection of ADHD and hormonal health, I work with clients across Victoria via telehealth (and in person for those local to Mordialloc, VIC).
Fill in the application form if you are interested in working with me.