How Hormones Affect ADHD in Women
Dr. Dara Abraham reveals the often-overlooked connection between hormonal fluctuations and ADHD symptoms—and what you can do about it.
Why your focus might be worse during certain times of the month
How perimenopause affects ADHD symptoms
Treatment strategies that account for hormonal changes
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Dr. Dara breaks down the science and shares practical strategies for managing hormonal ADHD
Menstrual Cycle Impact
Why your ADHD symptoms may worsen during certain times of the month and what you can do about it
Perimenopause Connection
How hormonal changes during perimenopause can intensify ADHD symptoms, even if you've been stable for years
Treatment Strategies
Medication timing, dosing adjustments, and treatment approaches that account for hormonal fluctuations
Late Diagnosis in Women
Why many women don't get diagnosed until later in life and how hormones play a role in symptom presentation
Dr. Dara Abraham, D.O.
Board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience specializing in Adult ADHD and women's hormonal mental health.
Dr. Dara is a recognized expert in the intersection of hormones and ADHD. She has helped hundreds of women understand why their ADHD symptoms fluctuate and develop personalized treatment strategies that work with their bodies, not against them.
Board-Certified in Psychiatry with subspecialty training
Expert in Adult ADHD, especially in women and late diagnosis
Specialized in Hormonal Mental Health including PMDD and perimenopause
Founder of boutique psychiatry practice in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about hormones and ADHD in women
Why do my ADHD symptoms change throughout my menstrual cycle?
Estrogen influences dopamine production in the brain. When estrogen levels drop during certain phases of your cycle (particularly before menstruation), dopamine levels can also decrease, leading to worsening ADHD symptoms like difficulty focusing, increased impulsivity, and mood changes.
Can perimenopause make ADHD worse?
Yes. Many women experience worsening ADHD symptoms during perimenopause due to fluctuating and declining estrogen levels. This can happen even if your ADHD has been well-managed for years. Some women are even diagnosed with ADHD for the first time during perimenopause.
Should I adjust my ADHD medication during my cycle?
Some women benefit from adjusting medication timing or dosing during certain phases of their cycle. This should always be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist who understands the hormonal-ADHD connection. Dr. Dara specializes in these personalized treatment approaches.
What is PMDD and how is it related to ADHD?
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a severe form of PMS that causes significant mood and behavioral symptoms. Women with ADHD are at higher risk for PMDD, and the two conditions can interact, making symptoms more severe during the premenstrual phase.
How can I track my hormonal ADHD patterns?
Keep a daily log tracking your ADHD symptoms, mood, energy levels, and menstrual cycle phase. After 2-3 months, patterns often emerge. Share this data with your psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan that accounts for your hormonal fluctuations.
Real Women, Real Results
"Dr. Dara changed my life. After years of struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, she finally helped me understand what was happening and gave me the tools to thrive. She's the first doctor who truly understood the connection between my hormones and my symptoms."
Ready to Take Control of Your ADHD?
If this podcast resonated with you, it's time to get personalized care. Dr. Dara specializes in helping women understand and manage hormonal ADHD.