---
title: How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms in women? | Niyora
description: This paper proposes that estrogen drops during the cycle may worsen ADHD symptoms, but this theory is untested and so we cannot yet know if it is true.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-and-the-menstrual-cycle-theory-and-2024/
---

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- How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms in women?

Survey study, 2024

# How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms in women?

This paper proposes that estrogen drops during the cycle may worsen ADHD symptoms, but this theory is untested and so we cannot yet know if it is true.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of existing evidence; no original study population

## What they did

This paper reviews evidence and proposes a new theory about how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle might affect ADHD symptoms in women.

## What they found

The authors propose that rapid declines in estrogen may worsen ADHD symptoms at two points: mid-cycle (with increased risky and impulsive behaviors) and before the period (with increased inattention and avoidance). They suggest that hormonal changes during puberty make the brain's emotional centers overdeveloped, which may make women with ADHD especially vulnerable to monthly hormone fluctuations.

## What it means for you

This is an untested theory, not original research findings, so we don't yet know if it is true. It may help explain why women with ADHD notice their symptoms change during the month, but more research is needed.

## About the study

Original title Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the menstrual cycle: Theory and evidence Authors Eng AG, Nirjar U, Elkins AR et al. Journal Hormones and behavior Year 2024 Study design Survey study What was tested Theoretical framework proposing hormone effects on ADHD symptoms Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105466](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105466)

## Topics

[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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