News summary produced by Claude AI
Researchers at Queen Mary University and Kings College London are conducting a study involving 50 women with ADHD to investigate the relationship between menstrual cycles and the severity of ADHD symptoms. Participants are tracking their menstrual cycles and daily experiences to determine whether hormonal fluctuations affect their ability to concentrate, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive behaviors.
Women interviewed for the report describe noticeable changes in their ADHD symptoms around their periods. Some indicate that medication effectiveness diminishes during specific phases of their cycle, while others report increased anxiety, depression, and impulsive decision-making. Psychiatrist Sally Cubbin, a neurodiversity specialist involved in the Kings College research, explains that drops in the hormone estrogen during certain points in the menstrual cycle can affect dopamine levels, potentially intensifying ADHD symptoms and leading to risky behaviors.
The research comes as ADHD diagnoses and treatment rates have risen significantly. NHS data from December showed a 23% increase in stimulant and ADHD medication prescriptions compared to the previous year. A government taskforce report from November identified that ADHD remains under-diagnosed and under-treated, with some areas of England closing their NHS waiting lists due to demand.
Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais, lead researcher on the project, notes that studying ADHD in women—particularly adults—represents an emerging area of investigation. Historical perspectives viewed ADHD primarily as a childhood condition affecting boys, but growing awareness of how symptoms manifest differently in women has prompted more adults to seek assessment and support. The research may also provide insights into how hormonal transitions such as menopause and peri-menopause affect ADHD in women.
Participants have expressed that understanding these connections has provided validation and community support, helping them recognize their experiences are shared by many other women managing ADHD throughout their reproductive years.