ADHD Women and Hormones
We continue to learn more about neurodivergence in women because the research has always been focused on neurodivergence in men.
The way that things like ADHD and Autism present in women can be very different than how they present in men, and therefore, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
For example, boys and men typically present with the more externally recognizable symptoms, like restlessness and disruptive and impulsive physical behaviors. As a result, they often get diagnosed as children or at least much earlier in life than women.
While women often present with the inattentive symptoms or other internalized symptoms, such as talking a lot, racing thoughts, and overthinking. As a result, again, they are often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed (very commonly with anxiety and depression), or diagnosed later in life.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 19., which is later than many boys/men get diagnosed but not as late as many other women get diagnosed.
Learning more about ADHD women and hormones has been so helpful to me personally and for helping my clients understand more about themselves and, in some cases, their loved ones.
So, I wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned here with you.
ADHD Women and PMDD
One thing we now know about ADHD women is that they often experience a higher prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) than women who are not neurodivergent. As an aside, research shows that PMDD is even more prevalent in Autistic women.
PMDD is a condition that causes more severe, and sometimes debilitating, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms the week or two before your period begins.
Neurodivergent women experience a higher prevalence of PMDD because estrogen regulates dopamine and serotonin in the brain, and when you're in the premenstrual or luteal phase, the estrogen drop causes:
Worsening of ADHD symptoms (like executive dysfunction)
Higher sensitivity to sensory overload
Greater emotional dysregulation
Other psychological distress (like increased anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, etc.)
ADHD Women and Perimenopause
A newer thing that I learned recently is that women with ADHD begin perimenopause up to 10 years earlier than women without ADHD (ages 35 - 39 compared to 45-49).
Read more here.
Not only does perimenopause tend to start earlier, but the symptoms tend to be more severe for women with ADHD.
I share this not to scare anyone or make it feel hopeless but to share information so that you can prepare, take care of yourself, and advocate for yourself.
I’ve heard many stories of women who believe they started perimenopause much earlier than they were “officially” diagnosed with it because their symptoms weren’t typical or they were “too young” to be starting perimenopause.
So, this information is for you to hold on to (or share with your loved one(s)) so you can hopefully get the support and care you need when you need it.
How to Support Yourself
Talk to your doctor about medications and or supplements that might be helpful.
Consult with a dietician who is knowledgeable in this area and can help you create a plan for dietary support throughout your cycle.
Work with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. A therapist who is neurodivergent themselves has lived experience that can’t be gained through education and trainings. This is not to say a therapist who isn't neurodivergent themselves can't be a good fit for you, but it is something to consider when looking for a therapist.
Be proactive with your self-care during different phases of your cycle. For example, plan to get more sleep or create a meal plan that best supports your luteal phase.
How to Support Someone You Love
If you’re reading this as someone who loves a woman with ADHD, you’re already doing a great job!
People with ADHD often feel misunderstood, so obtaining knowledge and understanding what’s going on for them, and how ADHD plays a role in their experience, is a great act of support.
Here are some other ways you can support your loved one:
Be an accountability buddy for tracking their cycle
Be mindful and set boundaries around when difficult conversations take place (e.g. try not to have those conversations during their luteal phase)
Ask what support they need during the luteal phase (before that phase begins, not during)
Validate their experience
Gently recommend they seek professional support, if they are not already (you do not need to, and really shouldn’t, be their only source of support)
Make sure you’re getting your own support through mental health therapy or otherwise
Take these steps not only supports your loved one but also you and your relationship with that person.
Final Notes
We continue to learn more about neurodivergence in women, and one of those areas we’re learning more about is ADHD women and hormones.
Due to how hormones, especially estrogen, affect the brain, women with ADHD experience a higher prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
They also tend to start perimenopause 10 years earlier and experience more severe perimenopause symptoms than women without ADHD.
Women with ADHD can support themselves through these times by advocating for themselves at healthcare appointments, talking to their doctors, consulting a dietician, working with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, and making a proactive self-care plan.
If you love a woman with ADHD, you can support them, yourself, and your relationship with them by being knowledgeable about their experiences, being an accountability buddy, setting boundaries, asking what they need, validating their experience, gently suggesting they seek professional support, and seeking your own support.
I hope learning this information has been helpful to you, as it has been for myself and many of my clients.
Support for Women: Tame Your Mind group
If you experience anxiety, chronic self-doubt, people pleasing, and/or perfectionism and maybe have a history of complex trauma, you’re not alone. It can feel like you are, but I can tell you from personal and professional experience, you are not. To gain support from others who have had similar experiences, my virtual Tame Your Mind group is here to support you.
Past group members have expressed that the validation, understanding, and support they received in the group was life-changing for them. Reach out today to join the next session starting October 2026, available for women in Wisconsin, Florida, Utah, and Vermont.
Read more: Will ADHD Go Away
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