That Time of the Month: Exploring the Relationship Between the Menstrual Cycle and ADHD Symptoms

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition more commonly diagnosed in males than females. Increased awareness of sex differences in ADHD presentation has seen a recent increase of female prevalence rates, yet female-specific ADHD research remains scarce. Preliminary research suggests a possible link between hormonal fluctuations within the menstrual cycle and changes in ADHD symptoms and medication effectiveness. Emerging theories like Multiple Hormone Sensitivity Theory (MHST) postulate that these changes could be due to females with ADHD being especially sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted for females with ADHD (n=357) and without ADHD (n=37) to investigate self reported changes in ADHD symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle compared to the follicular phase. This study also investigated changes in medication effectiveness and duration for medicated ADHD participants.