--- title: How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms and concentration? description: Women with ADHD experience worse attention and executive function during the mid-luteal and premenstrual phases, whereas women without ADHD show improved atte url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-cycle-related-hormonal-fluctuations-in-adhd-effect-on-cognitive-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms and concentration? Review, 2025 # How does the menstrual cycle affect ADHD symptoms and concentration? Women with ADHD experience worse attention and executive function during the mid-luteal and premenstrual phases, whereas women without ADHD show improved attention during these phases. Research is still limited. Moderate study design Review of 29 studies examining women with or without ADHD published between 2015 and 2025 ## What they did Literature review of 29 studies from 2015-2025 examining cognitive performance (attention, executive function, working memory, and inhibitory control) across menstrual cycle phases in women with or without ADHD. A search of Ovid EmBase was used to identify eligible studies. ## What they found Seven studies in non-clinical populations showed attention improved during the mid-luteal phase, linked to higher progesterone. Four studies in women with ADHD and six studies in women with mood disorders (PMS or PMDD) consistently showed impairments in attention, executive function, and impulsivity during the mid-luteal and premenstrual phases. Women reported worsened cognition, heightened mood symptoms, and diminished medication efficacy during the luteal phase. ## What it means for you If you have ADHD, the second half of your menstrual cycle may worsen your ADHD symptoms and concentration, and your ADHD medication may be less effective. Findings are preliminary and sometimes contradictory. Studies had small sample sizes and different methods. 29 studies reviewed 7 non-ADHD studies with improved attention during mid-luteal phase 4 ADHD studies with worse attention during mid-luteal and premenstrual phases ## About the study Original title Menstrual Cycle-Related Hormonal Fluctuations in ADHD: Effect on Cognitive Functioning-A Narrative Review Authors Wynchank D, Sutrisno RMGTMF, van Andel E et al. Journal Journal of clinical medicine Year 2025 Study design Review What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010121](https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010121) Original abstract Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder linked to impaired cognition and altered dopamine neurotransmission. Emerging evidence suggests that women with ADHD experience pronounced hormone-related difficulties, with menstrual cycle-related changes in mood and cognition interfering with daily functioning and diminishing treatment efficacy. This review examines the influence of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on cognitive functioning and ADHD symptomatology in women. A comprehensive literature search of Ovid EmBase identified studies published between 2015 and 2025 examining cognitive performance, including attention, executive functioning, working memory, and inhibitory control, across menstrual cycle phases in women with or without ADHD. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Neurobiological measurements included hormonal assays, neuroimaging, and neurotransmitter models. Seven studies in non-clinical populations suggested that attentional processing was enhanced during the mid-luteal phase, which may be linked to higher progesterone levels. By contrast, four studies in women with ADHD and six studies in women with mood-related disorders, such as PMS or PMDD, consistently observed impairments in attention, executive function, and impulsivity during the mid-luteal and pre-menstrual phases. These objective findings parallel subjective reports of worsened cognition, heightened mood symptoms, and diminished medication efficacy during the luteal phase. Current evidence indicates that ADHD-related cognitive functioning fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, with impairments particularly evident in women with ADHD and/or comorbid mood disorders. These changes may reflect increased sensitivity to allopregnanolone, peri-menstrual oestrogen withdrawal, and the absence of compensatory neural adaptations observed in non-clinical populations. However, findings remain preliminary and sometimes contradictory due to methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Further research is needed to clarify these mechanisms and, importantly, to translate theoretical insights into clinical application through female-specific diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2026 What do we know about PMDD in autistic people and those with ADHD? 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