12/08/2025
This is so important for many women. If this is something that could be happening for you, reach out to us. You do not have to go through this alone! We are professionally trained, compassionate and culturally aware therapists who can help with education, support and coping.
A very recent study found that women with ADHD are three times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a SEVERE form of PMS that causes intense emotional and physical symptoms, significantly impairing daily life. Symptoms, which usually begin one to two weeks before a period, include mood swings, severe irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms like bloating, fatigue, headaches, joint/muscle aches, brain fog and more.
HOW HORMONAL CHANGES AFFECT ADHD AND PMDD:
📑Hormonal Fluctuations and Neurotransmitters: Estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones directly influence the brain’s neurotransmitter pathways, particularly those involving dopamine and serotonin, which are critical for both ADHD and mood regulation.
📑Dopamine Dysregulation: The premenstrual decline in estrogen can reduce dopamine availability. For individuals with ADHD, who already have dopamine-related differences, this drop can intensify symptoms like inattention and impulsivity.
📑Increased Sensitivity: Women with ADHD may be more sensitive to these normal hormonal shifts, leading to a greater amplification of both their ADHD and mood-related symptoms compared to those without ADHD.
📑Exacerbated Symptoms: The combination of pre-existing ADHD and the hormonal changes can lead to a significant worsening of symptoms, with potential for more severe mood swings, irritability and emotional dysregulation, which are key features of PMDD.
PMID: 40528384